Utah is a state that defies conventional wisdom. Despite being one of the most Republican states in the country, its policies and values often defy the typical partisan divide. Lets explore the unique history, culture, and political landscape of Utah, shaped by over a century of Mormon influence.

The Peculiar World of Utah's Soda Shops

Utah's unique beverage culture is unlike any other in the nation. It all began with the advent of drive-thru soda shops.

What is Dirty Soda?

Dirty soda is a carbonated drink mixed with syrups, creams, or juices to create a cocktail-like concoction.

Instead of coffee or tea, Utahns flock to these shops for a sugary pick-me-up.

Swig's Dominance

In Salt Lake City, Swig, a leading dirty soda chain, has nearly as many locations as Starbucks.

Swig's popularity
Expansion to other states

Swig has expanded to Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Liquor Laws and the Legacy of the Word of Wisdom

Utah's strict liquor laws are deeply rooted in the Mormon doctrine known as the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom

This doctrine, revealed to church founder Joseph Smith, prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks like coffee and tea.

Impact on Alcohol Consumption

Until the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, public bars were technically not allowed.

Private members clubs
Temporary memberships

Zion Curtains and Other Regulations

Restaurants had to use "Zion curtains" to shield alcohol preparation from customers.

Waiters couldn't offer wine lists unless asked.

Current Laws

Today, Utah still has some of the strictest alcohol laws in America.

0.05% blood-alcohol limit
Limited beverage options

These regulations continue to reflect the state's unique cultural and religious heritage.

Pioneer Day: Utah's Alternative to Columbus Day

Each July 24th, Utah celebrates Pioneer Day, a day honoring the arrival of the first Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley.

A Second Independence Day

Pioneer Day is marked with parades, backyard parties, and evening fireworks, making it feel like a second Independence Day.

While the rest of the United States observes Columbus Day in October, Utah typically does not.

Why No Columbus Day?

Instead of celebrating European arrival to the Americas, Utah focuses on Mormon arrival to Utah.

This choice reflects the state's unique cultural and historical priorities.

The Blurred Line Between Church and State

In Utah, the separation between church and state can often appear unclear.

Released Time for Religious Education

Public high schools in Utah allow up to an hour of "released time" for religious education, upon parental request.

These off-campus classes are technically not part of the public education system to avoid violating the First Amendment.

Integration into School Schedules

Despite legal distinctions, LDS seminary classes fit seamlessly into the high school experience.

For instance, at Bonneville High School, the seminary is right across the street, and classes align with the high school schedule.

Seminaries Adjacent to High Schools

It's almost impossible to find a high school in Utah without an adjacent seminary.

At Dixie High School, the seminary is centrally located, making it an unavoidable part of the campus.

Utah's Surprising Political Landscape

Despite its strong Republican identity, Utah breaks many political stereotypes.

Urbanization and Party Affiliation

Utah is one of the most urbanized states in the U.S., with over 80% of its population living in the Salt Lake City metro area.

This high urbanization rate contrasts with the typical Republican stronghold, which usually features lower urbanization.

Republican Dominance

Utah has the second highest percentage of residents identifying as Republican in the nation.

Despite this, the state's policies and cultural attitudes often diverge from typical conservative norms.

Comparison to Neighboring States

Utah's political landscape is unique even among its conservative neighbors like Idaho and Montana.

It stands out not only for its urbanization but also for its progressive stances on certain issues.

Utah's Unconventional Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights

Utah's approach to LGBTQ+ rights is both surprising and progressive.

Support for Nondiscrimination

Utah ranks second in the nation for support of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

86% of Utahns support legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Utah Compromise

In 2015, Utah passed SB296, expanding nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

This bill, known as "the Utah Compromise," had support from both the Republican party and the LDS Church.

Religious Exemptions

The bill includes exemptions for religious organizations, allowing them to follow their own policies.

For example, Brigham Young University can prohibit same-sex romantic behavior among students.

Continued Progress

In 2020, Utah became the first Republican-controlled state to pass additional LGBTQ+ protections.

This ongoing support highlights Utah's unique and evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

Utah's Immigrant-Friendly Policies

Utah stands out for its supportive stance towards immigrants, particularly undocumented ones.

Education and Licensing

In 2002, Utah allowed undocumented high school graduates to pay in-state tuition at public universities.

By 2005, undocumented immigrants could obtain driverâ€™s licenses, making Utah one of only twenty states with such a law.

Recent Legislative Actions

In 2019, Utah adjusted misdemeanor penalties to help undocumented immigrants avoid deportation.

By 2022, fewer employers were required to check new hires' immigration status.

In 2023, they expanded taxpayer-funded health insurance to certain children of undocumented immigrants.

Sanctuary State Designation

In a memo, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Salt Lake City office labeled Utah a â€œsanctuary state.â€

Although Utah's leaders rebuked this label, it highlighted the state's nuanced approach to immigration.

Conservative Yet Progressive

Utah passed a near-total abortion ban and banned transgender girls in womenâ€™s sports.

Despite these conservative actions, polls show broad support for gun-law reform, expanded sex-ed, and free bus service in Salt Lake City.

Utah's policies break traditional partisan norms, creating a unique political landscape.

The Mormon Influence on Utah's Founding and Development

The founding of Utah was deeply influenced by the Mormon faith, which sought a place to build a society based on its religious ideals.

Brigham Young's Vision

In July 1847, Brigham Young declared the Salt Lake Valley the place for a new Mormon settlement.

This decision was influenced by the region's relative isolation and agricultural potential.

Strategic Location

The Great Salt Lake area was largely uncharted and devoid of Anglo-American settlements, making it an ideal refuge.

Young's followers saw it as a place to escape persecution and build a society reflecting their beliefs.

City Planning and Design

Joseph Smith's 1833 plat map for the city of Zion influenced Salt Lake Cityâ€™s layout.

Massive 660 x 660 foot blocks and wide 132-foot streets were designed to accommodate church and municipal functions.

A Connected Community

Housing, agriculture, and public spaces were intentionally dense to ensure communal cohesion.

High standards for cleanliness and order were emphasized, reflecting the community's values.

Replicating the Model

Other Utah cities like Provo, Logan, and St. George adopted similar layouts.

Street names and city designs continue to communicate the religionâ€™s values.

The Quest for Statehood and Self-Sufficiency

Utahâ€™s settlers werenâ€™t just aiming to build cities; they had grander visions of a self-sufficient Mormon state.

The State of Deseret

As the U.S. gained control of the Southwest from Mexico in 1848, Mormons found themselves back under U.S. jurisdiction.

They faced laws that were harsh on their practices like polygamy but didn't protect them from violence.

To ensure their safety and autonomy, they sought statehood, naming their desired territory Deseret.

Building Self-Reliant Colonies

While lobbying for statehood, they also focused on self-sufficiency by establishing various colonies.

St. George, for example, was part of a mission to grow warm-weather crops like cotton.

Mantua: flax
Minersville: minerals
Coalville: coal

The Impact of the Transcontinental Railroad

In 1869, the transcontinental railroad arrived, bringing goods and people who weren't Mormons, reducing the need for resource colonies.

Federal presence increased, ensuring the territory stayed connected to the nation.

Legacy of Self-Sufficiency

The towns and colonies founded during this era still exist, reflecting a legacy of self-sufficiency and resilience.

Even as Utah embraced tourism, tech, and other industries, the state's unique founding principles remain evident.

The Lasting Impact of Utah's Singular History

Utah's distinct history continues to influence its culture, politics, and social attitudes.

Tourism and Natural Parks

Utah has brilliantly marketed its natural parks and embraced tourism, drawing visitors from around the world.

The state's ski industry and hosting of the Olympics further showcase its unique appeal.

Modern Cultural Peculiarities

Utah's differences, such as its unique beverage culture and strict liquor laws, may seem quaint but are deeply rooted in its history.

These peculiarities are not random but stem from a shared set of experiences and beliefs.

Influence on Social and Political Views

Utah's stance on LGBTQ and immigrant rights is informed by a worldview shaped by its history and theology.

The LDS Church supports certain rights but often only when they don't conflict with its own doctrines.

The Pragmatic Approach of the LDS Church

The LDS Church's pragmatic approach aims to preserve and expand its influence without alienating potential converts.

It supports some progressive policies to align with changing public sentiment, especially among younger members.

Impact of Missionary Work

Mormon missionaries, especially those in Latin America, often return with more pro-immigrant views.

The church recognizes that anti-immigrant stances would hinder its mission to convert new arrivals.

Centralized Control and Inclusivity

The church's centralized control ensures that Utah's laws and policies often reflect its interests.

This creates a state that can pass conservative laws but also adopts progressive stances when beneficial.

Balancing Conservatism and Progressivism

Utah balances conservative laws with progressive policies, driven by the LDS Church's pragmatic needs.

This unique blend makes Utah a state that defies typical political and cultural norms.

Posted by Kristopher Larson

Why is Utah so Weird