News (USA)

Gay rights advocates return to Utah capitol demanding statewide protections

Gay rights advocates return to Utah capitol demanding statewide protections
Rick Bowmer, APTroy Williams speaks during an news conference and rally Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Protesters pushing for Utah to adopt a statewide anti-discrimination law protecting sexual and gender orientation returned to the state Capitol three weeks after they were arrested for blocking entrances to committee rooms.
Rick Bowmer, AP
Troy Williams speaks during an news conference and rally Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Protesters pushing for Utah to adopt a statewide anti-discrimination law protecting sexual and gender orientation returned to the state Capitol three weeks after they were arrested for blocking entrances to committee rooms.

SALT LAKE CITY — Protesters pushing for Utah to adopt a statewide anti-discrimination law protecting sexual and gender orientation returned to the state Capitol on Wednesday afternoon to call out lawmakers for suppressing the bill.

The group held a news conference and rally for about 200 people at the Capitol three weeks after they were arrested there for blocking entrances to committee rooms.

“You participated in your democracy. You did everything right. And what did you get for it?” organizer Troy Williams asked the crowd. They responded with “Nothing!”

Rick Bomer,  APMark Walton shows his support during an news conference and rally, Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City.
Rick Bomer, AP
Mark Walton shows his support during an news conference and rally, Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City.

People show their support during an news conference and rally Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City.
Rick Bomer, AP
People show their support during an news conference and rally Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City.

Republican leaders at the Legislature have called for a moratorium this year on any issues they fear could affect the state’s pending legal challenge over its same-sex marriage ban.

St. George Republican Sen. Steve Urquhart, who is sponsoring the proposal, says it has nothing to do with same-sex marriage. The bill would bar discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in housing and employment.

The 13 protesters were peacefully arrested Feb. 10 when they locked arms and blocked the entrances to two Senate committee meeting rooms.

The group appeared in court in late February but charges had not yet been filed. The Utah Highway Patrol, which provides Capitol security, has forwarded all the case to the Salt Lake City prosecutor’s office, Sgt. Todd Royce said. Salt Lake City spokesman Art Raymond said the case is under review and being screened by the prosecutor’s office.

Williams said members of the group intend to plead not guilty if charges are filed.

Urquhart hosted a meeting last week with more than 20 legislators and state officials to hear gay and transgender people share their personal stories of discrimination.

Legislators, including Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said they appreciated the discussion, but it did not appear to shift their stance on considering the proposal this year.

Debates over gay rights have played a major role in Utah since December, when a federal judge overturned the state’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

More than 1,000 gay couples rushed to wed before the U.S. Supreme Court granted Utah’s request for an emergency stay in early January.

The case is pending before a federal appeals court.

Because a decision is not expected until spring or beyond, Republican leaders at the Legislature have decided to quash any bills this year that they fear could affect the case.

Despite Urquhart’s arguments that his bill has nothing to do with same-sex marriage, the anti-discrimination ban has been netted in that moratorium.

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The bill (SB 100), which has appeared before the Legislature about half a dozen times, has traditionally been a Democratic proposal.

With Urquhart’s backing, last year was the first time a Republican sponsored the measure. It moved further than ever before, winning approval from a Senate committee, before it died.

Urquhart has vowed to run the bill every year until lawmakers pass it.

The demonstrators made a similar vow Wednesday.

“We are going to fight and work until every LGBT Utahan can live and work in this state without discrimination,” Williams said.

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