Even though the debate centers on franchise owners’ rights to take time off for worship and rest, the news story’s main focus and the center of all the attention is on the idea that you cannot make people work on Sundays. Even more shocking is the fact that the bill was approved by both the state house and the senate with a “unanimous” vote, demonstrating that Republicans and Democrats are on the same page when it comes to closing businesses on Sunday, despite their disagreements on most other issues.
On March 18, 2025, the Deseret News announced that Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed HB441 into law, a new mandate that would protect the state’s franchises and allow them to remain closed on Sundays. The bill was introduced by Republican Representative Ken Ivory, a contributor to Project 2025. [1] This is a win for the Christian nationalist agenda, which aims to restore our country to their ideals, including ensuring that everyone has Sunday off.
The Deseret News reported the following:
• “Gov. Cox signs Utah law letting cake shops stay closed on Sunday without penalty.” [2]
• “Gov. Cox has signed HB441, Franchisee Protection Act, into law.” [2]
• “The bill would ban corporations from forcing shops to open on Sundays contrary to original contracts.” [2]
• “If the bill had not passed, local Nothing Bundt Cakes stores could have faced legal action.” [2]
• “Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a new bill into law on Monday that will allow a group of nearly two dozen Nothing Bundt Cakes stores in Utah to stay closed on Sundays without facing legal repercussions from their corporate franchisor.” [2]
• “The bill received a final unanimous vote on March 7, with just hours left in the session.” [2]
• “We are so grateful for the passing of the Franchisee Protection Act,” said Kelly Clayton, the owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in St. George and Spanish Fork. “This bill not only protects us but all franchisees from unfair practices by big corporations. Most of all we owe our thanks to the Lord for helping us to maintain our right to rest, be with family and worship him on his Sabbath day.” [2]
Sunday law advocates in the United States are making gradual progress toward the ultimate goal of mandating nationwide business closures on Sundays. This recent initiative in Utah, which targets major franchises under the guise of promoting worship, family values, and rest, demonstrates a strategic plan to normalize Sunday restrictions. Now that this has been passed, this will only help create a precedent that will be replicated elsewhere, framing the policy as a moral and social benefit.
“The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance” (Great Controversy, p. 592).
Sources
[1] https://betterutah.org/ken-ivorys-worst-hits/
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