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OREM -- Though he has not spoken with Church officials, the man patterning an immigration law for Utah similar to the one recently passed in Arizona says he doesn't expect to see any opposition from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, admits he has not spoken with officials from the LDS Church specifically about his proposal, he says he has had discussions about illegal immigration with the Church's public relations department in the past.
"They've just reiterated to me that the Church is neutral on this issue," Sandstrom said.
LDS Church officials have released earlier statements saying they have "urged compassion and careful reflection when addressing immigration issues." They also say elected officials "do not represent the position of the Church regarding immigration legislation."
"I've always been told that I am to use my own conscience in this," Sandstrom said.
While he doesn't expect the Church to change its position of neutrality about his legislation, Sandstrom would like to get the feedback of other religious leaders in Utah. He says he's planning a meeting with Bishop John Wester with the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City for some time in August.
"I totally respect his authority," Sandstrom said. "He is a church leader and he deserves to have his input on a bill that will affect the people of the Catholic Church here in our state."
Sandstrom also wants to plan meetings with lawmakers who disagree with him about the premise of his upcoming legislation. For instance, he'd like to talk with Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake, about what her concerns over the bill would be, even if the two lawmakers never see eye to eye about it.
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
