Mayor Ralph Becker was joined by gay-rights advocates at a
ceremony last week marking enactment of Utah’s first such laws.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorsed the ordinances
as protecting people’s right to work and have a roof over their heads. The laws
exempt religious organizations, businesses with 15 or fewer employees and some
small landlords. They also create a complaint and investigation process for
violations.
Equality Utah is campaigning for 10 more Utah cities or counties to pass
similar anti-discrimination ordinances this year. Salt Lake County, Utah’s most
populous county, has already done so, and Utah’s second largest city, West
Valley City, and Park City are moving toward passage.