Mormon church takes over disputed Salt Lake City block

SALT LAKE CITY -- The city and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed a land swap Monday that gives the church the right to regulate behavior in a park it bought from the city.

In return for giving up unfettered access to the Main Street block, the city received two acres on which to build a community center. Federal courts had ruled that the city's sidewalk easement carried free speech rights the church could not curtail.

"This is the best resolution and is going to bring about some great things for this community," Mayor Rocky Anderson said after Monday's signing.

The agreement gives the church complete control over the block, which after its purchase from the city was transformed into a pedestrian mall spruced up with gardens, fountains and a reflecting pool. The popular downtown location has also drawn protesters critical of the church's conservative values.

The church originally tried to impose rules for the plaza, including prohibitions on swearing, smoking and playing music. But critics, led by the American Civil Liberties Union, sued to overturn the original sale, arguing that the church's restrictions interfered with citizens' constitutional rights.

Last October, a federal appeals court ruled the church could not restrict speech or other activities on the sidewalks running through its plaza. The Supreme Court declined last month to review that decision.

Bishop David Burton said the church has no plans to curtail public access. "Unless there's something that really disrupts, is really negative toward the ownership of the plaza, we don't say much," Burton said.

Burton said the new guidelines weren't set as of Monday, but said most visitors have shown respect. Those who don't are welcome to protest on city property next to the plaza, he said.

A handful of anti-Mormon protesters took to the plaza Monday, but left on their own after a few hours.