Governor Cox Defends Utah Senate President Amid Controversial Bill

(Salt Lake City, UT) — Governor Spencer Cox is defending Utah Senate President Stuart Adams amid a personal connection to a controversial bill. Adams is accused of using his position and proposed legislation to help a relative receive a lighter sentence in a child sexual abuse case. Cox said he was unaware the bill would impact a family member and that Adams appropriately did not weigh in on the legislation. The law, which was revised following Adams’ suggestion, now allows 18-year-olds in high school to receive lesser sentences for sexual conduct with 13-year-olds. Cox acknowledged the policy’s merits are debatable but rejected claims he should be upset with Adams. Adams has denied wrongdoing, calling the reports false information and blatant lies.