Utah Rep. Christine Johnson Gives the Gift of Life

by Maia Spotts · 2010-01-15 06:23:00 UTC
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As if being an ex-Mormon, lesbian, elected official in Salt Lake City isn't complicated enough. Christine Johnson has decided to take on the role of surrogate, carrying a child for a gay male couple with whom she is friends. And she has some unlikely supporters on her side.

Utah is one of those delightful states that creatively bars gay couples from adoption, because the statutory language limits adoption to married couples. Gay couples in the state can't get married. Crafty, yes? To make matters even more complicated, Utah only allows for "traditional surrogacy" -- meaning an unmarried (gay) couple looking to adopt must find a woman who is willing to donate her eggs and carry the child to term. Because of the psychological difficulties involved in such a transaction, traditional surrogates are hard to find. Especially in a conservative hot bed like eastern Utah.

Rep. Christine Johnson is unfazed. Not only does she feel confident in her decision, she also understands that her commitment to her friends, and the child, trumps any negativity she may receive from her constituents. "Who wants to live their life dependent on the affirmation and approval of others as evidence that their life has value? I certainly don't." Amen, sister.

So what does the largely Republican Salt Lake City legislature think of their colleague's unconventional decision? Not the fire and brimstone sound bites one would expect.  State Sen. Howard Stephenson -- who praises Dennis Prager for his esteemed Republican views -- has told the media, "I have my own standards and beliefs, but I don't want to impose them on another person. … I don't want to impose my judgment on Christine or the couple that is receiving the baby." He has been bringing Stephenson eggs from his farm, for the health of the child.

House Speaker David Clark, a Republican and a Mormon, agrees. "At the end of the day, it's the gift of life" that is important, he says. Say what you will about Mormons and the gay rights activists -- they do make curious bed fellows, especially when the discussion involves a family structure with not even one wife.

Rep. Christine Johnson has entered into this with pride and honesty and boundless generosity. This lawmaker figured out a way to help some friends at a time and a place when the law wasn't on their side. But, thanks to Christine, some lawmakers are. That's certainly a step in the right direction.

Photo credit: Lina

Maia Spotts is one part of a two mom, two kid household and hopes to change the way in which this country defines the strong American family.
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