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In a landmark decision, the Utah Supreme Court has struck down a controversial anti-immigration measure that has been the subject of heated debate in the state. The measure, known as Amendment 13, sought to restrict the rights of undocumented immigrants in Utah and was passed by voters in a referendum last year.The court's decision, which was handed down on Friday, comes after months of legal battles and protests from immigrant rights activists who argued that the measure was unconstitutional and discriminatory. In a 5-2 ruling, the court agreed, stating that Amendment 13 violated the principles of due process and equal protection under the law.Chief Justice Maria Rodriguez, writing for the majority, said in the opinion that "Amendment 13 unfairly targets a specific group of individuals based on their immigration status and denies them the same rights and protections afforded to other residents of Utah. This type of discriminatory legislation has no place in our state constitution."The decision has sparked celebrations among immigrant rights groups and advocates, who have been fighting against the measure since it was first introduced. Ana Lopez, a spokesperson for the Utah Coalition for Immigration Rights, called the ruling a "victory for justice and equality" and praised the court for upholding the rights of all Utah residents, regardless of their immigration status.However, not everyone is pleased with the court's decision. Supporters of Amendment 13, including several conservative lawmakers and anti-immigration groups, have vowed to continue their fight against what they see as an intrusion on state sovereignty and a threat to public safety.State Senator John Smith, who sponsored the measure, criticized the court's ruling, calling it "judicial activism at its worst" and vowing to introduce new legislation to address what he sees as a growing crisis of illegal immigration in Utah.Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, legal experts say that the court's ruling is a clear affirmation of the principles of equality and justice enshrined in the Utah Constitution. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for future immigration legislation in the state and may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.As Utah grapples with the fallout from the court's decision, one thing is clear: the debate over immigration and constitutional rights is far from over, and the fight for equality and justice for all residents of the state will continue.