Group calls Utah for judge's removal in gay foster parent case

Salt Lake City (AP) — A watchdog group is calling for the impeachment of a Utah judge who ordered a baby taken away from lesbian foster parents and said a heterosexual couple would be better for the child.

The Alliance for a Better Utah called Monday for state lawmakers to begin removal proceedings against Judge Scott Johansen of Price, about 120 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Johansen reversed his Nov. 10 order after it became the target of widespread criticism, but he could still order the baby removed during a hearing set for Dec. 4.

Group founder Josh Kanter points to the judge's previous controversial conduct, including a 1995 judicial council reprimand he received after slapping a 16-year-old boy.

Johansen is barred from speaking about pending cases, and a call to his publicly listed phone number went unanswered Monday.

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The Gayly – November 16, 2015 @ 12:50 p.m.