Utah lawmakers meet to refine legislation tackling ritualistic abuse

SALT LAKE CITY — In response to reported cases of ritualistic abuse, Utah lawmakers are refining legislation.

A hearing of the Judiciary Interim Committee on Wednesday sought to refine the language of a bill that passed unanimously in the 2024 Utah Legislative Session.

Ritualistic abuse occurs when groups or individuals engage in systematic manipulation under the guise of spiritual beliefs. Lawmakers clarified the law after advocacy groups and survivors contacted them. They will use that feedback to clarify the law.

“Both to punish and to prevent such action, and to set the policy for the state that this is simply just not acceptable,” said Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, explaining to lawmakers that the amendment being discussed clarifies the distinction between ritualistic abuse and other forms. 

For Cara Baldree, a survivor of this type of abuse, making the law clearer will protect future victims.

“To restore some hope for those who have suffered unimaginable dark abuse. And to acknowledge and formally give a name to these clandestine attacks on children from often well-disguised and very methodical predators,” she told lawmakers at the hearing.

Utah law does not currently define ritualistic abuse of children. But it’s happening, Rep. Ivory said.

“There are substantial, verified, credible allegations of these actions taking place right here in ‘happy valley’ as they would say.”

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