Some Republicans, particularly in Utah, seem to think that the most important fight in defense of the family takes place in the pages of a dictionary. We, the LDS Democrats caucus and the LDS Democrats of America, beg to differ.

We cannot sit idly by as our Muslim brothers and sisters are constantly under attack by demagogues. We cannot stay silent as refugee and immigrant families are demonized.

It is for this reason that we announce the publication of a report on the battles currently being waged in defense of the family. With this report, we echo the warning that "the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." [1]

We also call upon "responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."[1]

Specifically, this report calls upon Utah's elected officials to protect the sanctity of the family in the following areas: immigration and refugees, healthcare, education, the environment, our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, paid family leave, criminal justice reform, family planning, and poverty.

Our human family is under attack. We cannot, in good conscience, call ourselves "pro-family" unless we are actively, practically, and concretely looking out for the welfare of all families, regardless of their wealth, religion, sex, skin color, gender, race, health, or sexual orientation. We hope our Republican colleagues and friends will reject their anti-family policies, which amount to little more than cafeteria morality. We invite all to strengthen and maintain families all across the state as the fundamental units of society.