Non-discrimination bill passes

A Utah proposal protecting gay and transgender individuals was signed into law by Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday, March 12.

The law prohibits refusal to employ or house individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The law, which earned a stamp of approval from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bars housing and employment discrimination against LGBT individuals while protecting the rights of religious groups and their followers.

The new legislation specifically refers to sororities and fraternities, stating that they cannot refuse membership or rental agreements to individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Brooke Lambert, LGBTQA Program Coordinator at Utah State University, said the law won’t affect discrimination on campus because university policy already addresses the issue.

“Our campus and student code already has non-discrimination practices in place for LGBTQA students, faculty, and staff,” Lambert said.

Equality Utah’s Executive Director Troy Williams said this law is unprecedented in Utah.

“I think it’s phenomenal that people from different backgrounds have come together to craft legislation that actually deals with both of these issues,” Williams said, referring to the issues of discrimination and religious freedom.

Williams said it has taken years to get this legislation to a point where it was seriously considered.

“(Equality Utah) has been here for seven years, and every year there’s been some kind of roadblock that’s prevented us from actually moving forward,” Williams said. “To have our legislation pass unanimously in a Senate hearing today was phenomenal.”

Lawmakers became emotional during the two-hour hearing in which the bill was discussed, as LGBT residents, religious groups and conservative groups spoke for and against the measure.

Several conservative senators supporting the law said it provides equally strong protections for LGBT and religious individuals.

— brennakelly818@gmail.com