Blood donations by MSMs in Utah is legal.
Banned (less than 6-month deferral) under federal United States law
The FDA announced changes to the blood donor eligibility policy in April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.
Marriages can be solemnized by various authorized individuals, including:
- Ministers
- Rabbis
- Priests
- County clerks
- Judges
- Certain public officials
Two witnesses, aged 18 or older, must also be present at the ceremony.
Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages in Utah
Same-sex marriages legally performed in other states or jurisdictions are fully recognized as valid in Utah due to the U.S.
Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Whether you are planning for immigration or simply seeking recognition and dignity as a couple, here is how Utah’s virtual marriage system can help.
Why Utah?
Utah is one of the only states that allows remote marriage ceremonies under its law.
As it stands now, the 10th Circuit Court’s opinion is the controlling opinion, which makes Utah’s same-sex marriage ban unenforceable. Utah 2013). Couples who married outside of Utah do not need to remarry within the state. Many countries still do not recognize same-sex marriage, forcing loving couples to put their futures on hold.
Thanks to the State of Utah, there is now a secure, legal way for LGBTQ couples to marry entirely online without ever stepping foot in the United States.At KAZA Law, we have seen firsthand how this process has changed lives. In their complaint, they alleged that the provisions relating to same-sex marriages were a violation of their Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process rights that are guaranteed to them under the U.S.
Constitution. This option can be life-changing for couples separated by borders or living in places where marriage equality isn’t recognized. In order to be successful under these arguments, the right at issue, the right to marry, had to be considered a fundamental right by the court. These marriages are afforded the same rights and protections as those performed within Utah.
Religious Freedom and Same-Sex Marriage in Utah
While same-sex marriage is legally recognized in Utah, the state also upholds laws concerning religious freedom.
The primary justification for the ban was the perceived high risk of HIV transmission, with health regulators identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) as a significant risk to the safety of the blood supply.