Shortly after the church’s press conference, U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican and a Mormon, said he will work to “ensure that legislation designed to promote greater equality includes robust religious exemptions and nonretaliation provisions.”

Utah state Sen. Jim Dabakis, who is openly gay, said “Amen,” to the church’s “historic announcement.”

“I am proud that the LDS Church has seen fit to lead the way in non-discrimination,” he said. “Now, let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work and pass a statewide nondiscrimination bill.”