Social Policy
Utah Social Issues Guide 2026
Utah social policy at a glance: abortion laws, gun regulations, LGBTQ+ protections, marijuana status, and how these issues shape the 2026 elections.
18-Week Limit
Abortion Status
Permissive
Gun Laws
No Protections
LGBTQ+ Rights
$7.25 (federal)
Minimum Wage
Abortion Laws in Utah
18-Week Limit
HB 467 (2023) — 18-week limit
18-week ban (after competing 2024 ballot measures; ongoing litigation)
Gun Laws in Utah
Permissive
Permitless carry (2021); no red flag law; few restrictions
LGBTQ+ Rights in Utah
No Protections
No state anti-discrimination law; anti-trans youth laws; Salt Lake City has local protections
Other Key Issues
| Marijuana | Medical only (Prop 2, 2018, then legislatively amended to weaken) |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 (federal) |
2026 Political Context
Utah\'s LDS Church influence shapes social policy significantly. The state has moderate Republicans (Mike Lee excluded) but remains reliably conservative statewide.