Gender conflict erupts in Utah over courts, abortion rights and political representation

A political conflict has erupted in Utah as members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, an organization of mostly Republican women, speak out on issues like congressional redistricting and abortion rights. This activism has triggered a punitive response from male politicians, including Governor Spencer Cox, in a state politically dominated by the patriarchal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The struggle centers on whether power belongs to the courts, the citizens, or elected officials.

Mormon women's political activism

• ▪Mormon Women for Ethical Government was formed in Utah in the days following Donald Trump's first presidential inauguration with an initial mission of peacemaking
• ▪Most members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government are loyal Utah Republicans who view their organization as an extension of Latter-day Saint church teachings
• ▪Emma Petty Addams serves as the co-executive director of the Utah-based organization Mormon Women for Ethical Government

Institutional power struggles

• ▪The political conflict in Utah involves contentious issues consuming many states, specifically the redrawing of congressional maps and abortion rights
• ▪The core of the political conflict in Utah centers on a struggle over whether power should be wielded by the courts, the people, or elected representatives

LDS Church patriarchal influence

• ▪Emma Petty Addams, co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, cited Latter-day Saint church doctrine warning against the exercise of 'unrighteous dominion' by those in authority to explain her group's mission
• ▪The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a patriarchal institution that dominates state politics in Utah

Governor Cox punitive response

• ▪Male politicians in Utah have punished women in the state who have spoken up regarding political issues
• ▪Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who has built a national reputation on 'disagreeing better,' is among the male politicians who have punished women for speaking up