Religious leaders decry new Utah immigration law

Salt Lake City, USA - Faith leaders are decrying a controversial immigration law and some are calling for it to be repealed.

Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Protestant leaders gathered on Tuesday - the day before Senate Bill 81 took effect - to express solidarity with Utah's undocumented immigrants.

Among other things, the bill allows local police officers to enforce federal immigration law. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has said participation in the enforcement provision is optional.

Rev. Steve Klemz, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City, says the bill is a symbol of a broken community.

Barbara Szweda, immigration attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union and an Episcopalian, says the law has created a climate of fear in the state.