Social Issues

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The Utah House of Representatives meet on the floor Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, in Salt Lake City. Utah lawmakers have returned to the state Capitol for their annual legislative session, a five-week whirlwind that's one of the shortest in the country. The surprise legalization of same-sex marriage in Utah in December catapulted the state to the center of a national debate and dominated the local political landscape. Questions about the implications of the ruling appeared poised to eclipse the early weeks of the Legislative session. Several lawmakers are working on bills that address gay marriage, gay rights, religious freedoms and gender identity, among other related issues. As lawmakers move into the second week of a 45 day session. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)