Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A colorful political landscape is budding this spring

The Utah House of Representatives votes on and passes SB296 Wednesday, March 11, 2015, anti-discrimination bill.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Happy Easter! Spring is busting out all over with flowers and tree blossoms. Not to be outdone, the political landscape continues to be colorful.

Indianas religious freedom law created a huge global backlash, while Utah legislation establishing both religious freedom and discrimination prohibitions continues to win national praise. Whats the difference?

Pignanelli: "Every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act is founded on compromise and barter." Edmund Burke

The revered Utah law is the political equivalent of our beloved "funeral potatoes." This casserole (as with the legislation) is prepared in the nurturing environment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by conscientious cooks (legislative sponsors) who want to please as many people as possible. This dish correctly balances the basic ingredients of potatoes, butter, milk, cheese and corn flakes (protections for religious organizations, establishment of rights based on sexual orientation, clarifications of standing under the law, etc.) without one overpowering any of the others. Granted, food purists grouch about this carb-loaded fare (as left- and right-wing extremists hate the anti-discrimination bill), yet even a spoonful is creamy and satisfying to the average person. (I hope my wake has generous servings of the victual, along with wine, for mourners.)

The Utah civil and religious rights legislation reflects what is best and greatest about our local culture: simple, frugal, practical, compassionate, visionary and moderate. Unlike in the other states, our leaders consulted the LDS Church, legal experts and LGBT organizations. These individuals proudly celebrated the result with a signing ceremony. Utah succeeded in this important endeavor because we approached it as we do everything from cooking to world-renowned Olympics.

I recommend we share funeral potato recipes with those poor souls in Indiana and Arkansas.

Webb: Indianas Legislature and governor made a serious mistake by not including nondiscrimination provisions in their religious freedom law. Indiana was politically tone-deaf and is now the whipping boy of the political-correctness police. Fair-minded commentators and legal experts say the Indiana law is not a license to discriminate. Its not as nefarious as the gay-rights lobby and other critics claim. It was a good-faith attempt to establish a legal framework for religious freedom something thats needed across the country.

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Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A colorful political landscape is budding this spring