Friday, December 24, 2010

Good News, Bad News In Utah

Who would have thought that Utah of all places would be on the cutting edge of GLBT civil rights law?

But then again, what have I said about don't let the red state-blue state labels fool you? 

First came the news December 7 that the Salt Lake City School Board passed on a 4-3 vote an anti-discrimination and harassment policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

That was followed up by the news that Grand County a few days ago unanimously passed an inclusive anti-discrimination law that prohibits workplace and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Grand County also became the 10th city or municipality to pass inclusive GLBT rights laws in the state this year, thus completing Equality Utah's ambitious program attempting to get ten municipalities to anti GLBT discrimination laws in 2010.  

However the Utah Legislature may be positioning themselves to become the Grinch that stole civil rights.

According to the Pride in Utah blog Senate President Michael Waddoups (R-Taylorsville), stating that “I’ve seen no advantage to the laws.” that have been passed in 10 cities and municipalities in Utah, hinted there's a chance the Republican dominated Utah Legislature when it starts in January may move to repeal the local non-discrimination laws .

Why am I not surprised?   Time for y'all to get busy Utah progressives defending your early Christmas gifts..

No comments: