Historic LGBT-Faith Coalition Backs Nondiscrimination in Utah

Legislation Banning Discrimination in Employment and Housing Marks Important Step Forward

SAN FRANCISCO - March 4, 2015 - Today, Equality Federation hails the progress made by Federation member Equality Utah in bringing together faith and political leaders to draft nondiscrimination legislation, Senate Bill 296, to ensure no hardworking Utahn is unfairly fired from a job or denied a place to live. This is a monumental first step towards the promise of opportunity and freedom for all Utahns, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director said, "We commend Equality Utah's years-long commitment to finding common ground and moving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to embrace nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people. When those who once opposed equality get to know LGBT people and our families, change becomes possible. If LGBT people, communities of faith, and political leaders can come together in a conservative state like Utah, there's no reason why we can't achieve similar progress in the 31 other states that where there is an incomplete patchwork of nondiscrimination protections."

"This is an exciting moment in Utah history," said Troy Williams, Executive Director of Equality Utah. "Today, we prove the protections for LGBT Utahns can stand alongside protections for people of faith. One need not harm the other. The legislation we have crafted is a win-win for everyone who lives in this state."

Currently, over 205 million people live in a state that does not protect gay and transgender people from discrimination in housing and employment. If this legislation becomes law, Utah would join 21 states and the District of Columbia, which have explicit non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, and 18 states and DC, which have explicit gender identity protections. The state already has 20 local non-discrimination ordinances, protecting a majority of Utahns; most, like the proposed state legislation, are also limited to protections in the realms of housing and employment.

While this bill represents a historic step forward for Utah, there is still work to do to ensure all Americans are able to live free from discrimination. Equality Federation will continue to advocate alongside Equality Utah for an additional update to Utah's nondiscrimination laws to ensure no one is unfairly turned away from a business that serves the public.

For interview requests and more information about the bill or Equality Federation please contact Mark Snyder, mark@equalityfederation.org, 617.416.0552.

Equality Federation is the strategic partner and movement builder to state-based organizations that are advancing equality in the communities we call home. Learn more at equalityfederation.org.