Mormon Women's Quilt-In Protests Spark Redistricting Victory in Utah
In a striking display of civic engagement, members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) organised a quilt-in event in Provo, Utah, on 10 April 2025. Participants sewed constituent messages into quilts intended for delivery to their representatives and senators, symbolising a grassroots push for ethical governance. This creative protest underscores the group's growing influence in Utah's political landscape, where they have recently secured a significant legal win against partisan gerrymandering.
From Facebook Group to Political Force: The Rise of MWEG
Founded in 2017 as a Facebook group, MWEG emerged from the concerns of conservative Mormon women unsettled by Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies. Initially a safe space for faith-based discussion, the group quickly evolved into a robust civic organisation with 9,000 members. Co-director Emma Petty Addams, a Republican and lifelong Mormon, explains that Trump's divisive actions spurred her to advocate for democracy, even if it means supporting Democratic candidates. "I live in a district that's likely going to become Democratic," Addams said. "I'll lose a Republican representative I respect, and I'm 100% OK with that if it means my neighbors get representative government."
Legal Battle Over Redistricting: A Landmark Victory
MWEG's first major action involved suing the Utah state legislature for redrawing congressional maps to favour Republicans. In 2018, the group helped pass Proposition 4, which established an independent commission for nonpartisan redistricting. However, Republican lawmakers repealed it in 2020, implementing maps that diluted Democratic votes in Salt Lake County. Addams described this as a wake-up call, leading MWEG to join a lawsuit with the League of Women Voters of Utah. They argued that the legislature violated the state constitution by overturning a voter-approved proposition. Last summer, the women's groups won the case, forcing lawmakers to draw new maps that could enable a Democratic congressional seat in the 2026 midterm elections.
Navigating Faith and Politics in a Conservative Community
MWEG's ethos sometimes clashes with assumptions about the Mormon community, which is largely conservative and male-led. Co-executive director Jennifer Walker emphasises that the group aligns with church teachings on civic engagement. "The church doesn't take political positions, but it has never asked individuals not to take civic stands," Walker said. The group's bipartisan nature—with 40% registered Republicans, 34% Democrats, and the rest unaffiliated—has drawn criticism from some right-leaning Utahns, but MWEG maintains its focus on constitutional principles over party loyalty.
Future Challenges and Ongoing Advocacy
Looking ahead, MWEG plans to expand its efforts by teaching women media literacy and conflict navigation skills to counter partisan divisions. The group is also concerned about executive overreach under the second Trump administration, such as immigration crackdowns. Meanwhile, the Utah Republican party is pushing to repeal Proposition 4 outright, with Trump urging supporters to sign a petition. MWEG is actively campaigning against this repeal, highlighting their commitment to fair representation. "What we pick is the constitution. What we pick is human dignity," Walker added. "That's the side we're on, regardless of who it appears to benefit."
