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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The sponsor of a bill that would have helped to beef up the state's hate crimes law and add protections for gay and transgender people is questioning why it was never given a public hearing.
The measure by Republican Daniel Thatcher would have given heavier punishments to those found guilty of committing a crime to terrorize people based on factors like race.
Thatcher says the bill had enough support to pass through the Senate, while lawmakers say it was controversial and did not have enough votes by Thursday, the last day of the session.
Republican Sen. Todd Weiler says he would not have backed the bill, since people shouldn't be punished for their thoughts.
Lawmakers considered a similar proposal last year, but it failed amid concern that it could create special protections for some people.
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