Youths take stand against alcohol, dating violence
During lunch, the young activists lined the Capitol plaza walkway to voice support for HB10 and SB58.
"We're trying to build a safer community for our kids," said 23-year-old James Thelin, a sophomore at Snow College and a member of BAAD, which stands for Badgers Against Alcohol and Drugs. The Governing Youth Council invited the club to participate in the demonstration that it had organized.
Chrissy Cox, 13, who attends Mont Harmon Junior High School in Price, said she attended the rally to help stop the sales of alcohol to underage drinkers.
"Underage drinking can cause a lot of problems at schools and in homes," she said. "(Going to the Legislature) is very important because we can make laws."
Senate Majority Leader Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, is sponsoring the bill that would specify how funds on education about drinking can be used and would require special training for grocery and convenience store clerks who sell beer.
Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, thinks that his bill, HB10, also has a good chance of passing.
"I think we're looking pretty good. It's been scrutinized and passed unanimously out of the (House) Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, which is a tough committee," Litvack said.
HB10 would allow someone to get a protective order against his or her boyfriend or girlfriend, which is not legal under current law. The same protection is available to husbands and wives.
The GYC is an organization consisting of teenagers from across the state who work to limit their peers' alcohol and drug use. All members must adhere to a set of principles including having good grades, a good attitude and being free from drugs and violence.
E-mail: pnagy@desnews.com
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