State of Utah Archives: on Civil Rights
Allen Glines:
Forbid discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Pass legislation that forbids discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit and lending for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Ban conversion therapy.
- Forbid discrimination of LGBTQIA+ parents in adoption and foster care.
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Pass hate crime legislation that includes LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Ban "panic defense."
- Forbid the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals in private health insurance and Medicaid.
- Restore full rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the military.
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Remove restrictions when it comes to changing name or gender on driver's license or birth certificate.
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Ban anti-LGBTQIA+ policies in the education system.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Austin Searle:
Pass the Personal Privacy Act; stop sharing of personal data
The Personal Privacy Act is about protecting our rights. We need to ban robocalls and safeguard our personal information. Did you know that companies share and sell your personal information to major corporations when you give your phone number
on a website, email, sign papers when buying or financing leases, etc.? Companies will share and sell your private information with their partners or allies. We need to ban this.
Source: 2021-2022 Utah Senate race website AustinForSenate.com
Jun 27, 2021
Kamala Harris:
Trump's 50 Court of Appeals appointments: no Blacks
I've witnessed the appointments for lifetime appointments to the federal courts, district courts, courts of appeal, people who are purely ideological. And do you know that of the 50 people who
President Trump appointed to the court of appeals for lifetime appointments, not one is black? This is what they've been doing. You want to talk about packing a court? Let's have that discussion.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Kamala Harris:
First female DA in SF; Second black female senator
Joe asked me to serve with him because I have a career that included being elected the first woman District Attorney of San Francisco. I was elected the first woman of color to be elected Attorney General of the state of California. I serve in the
United States Senate as only the second black woman ever elected to the United States Senate. I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee where I've been in regular receipt of classified information about threats to our nation.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Kamala Harris:
Inspired by diverse Americans marching for equal justice
It brings me to the eight minutes and 46 seconds that America witnessed during which a man was tortured and killed under the knee of an armed uniformed police officer. People around our country of every race, of every age, of every gender,
perfect strangers to each other, marched shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, fighting for us to finally achieve that ideal of equal justice under law. I was a part of those protests.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Kamala Harris:
Trump declining to condemn white supremacists is a pattern
The President took a debate stage in front of 70 million Americans and refused to condemn white supremacists. Then said, "Stand back, stand by." He called Mexicans rapists and criminals. He instituted a Muslim ban.
In Charlottesville, where people were peacefully protesting, and on the other side, there were neo-Nazis. And Donald Trump said, "There were fine people on both sides."
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Mike Pence:
Trump condemns neo-Nazis and has Jewish grandchildren
The President condemned the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists and has done so repeatedly. You're concerned that he doesn't condemn neo-Nazis.
President Trump has Jewish grandchildren. His daughter and son-in-law are Jewish. This is a President who respects and cherishes all of the American people.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah
Oct 7, 2020
Spencer Cox:
Wants "Utah solution" to protecting LGTBQ kids
He drew national headlines in 2016 for an emotional speech he gave reacting to the Orlando nightclub massacre that left 49 people dead. He apologized for how he treated kids growing up in his small hometown who he now realizes were gay. This year,
Cox delivered an apology to protesters frustrated about the gutting of a bill to ban gay conversion therapy. He said Tuesday he's still working to find a "Utah solution" to protect LGTBQ kids during the next legislative session.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2020 Utah gubernatorial race
May 14, 2019
Spencer Cox:
Understanding & respect for differing sexual orientations
Cox garnered national attention in a speech made at a vigil in the aftermath of the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooting that went viral, earning praise from Republicans and Democrats alike for its simple plea for understanding and respect for those
with differing sexual orientations.Does that make Cox too moderate for the conservative stronghold in Utah's Republican elite? He doesn't think so. "It is interesting that sometimes we confuse moderation with kindness and I hate that.
It doesn't have to be that way. That is not the party I believe in. The conservative Republican party I believe in is a party of inspiration, not a party of insults.
It is a party of making sure everyone has opportunity and we lift people, especially at the margins, up. By the way, that is where the Republican Party of Utah is. Nationally, not as much."
Source: Deseret News on 2020 Utah Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2019
Orrin Hatch:
1977: No gay teachers; 2018: No LGBT discrimination
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), quoted by the Salt Lake Tribune in 1977: "I wouldn't want to see homosexuals teaching school anymore than I'd want to see members of the American Nazi Party teaching school."
Hatch, quoted by the Washington Post, in a speech yesterday honoring Pride Month: "No one should ever feel less because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. LGBT youth deserve our unwavering love and support.
They deserve our validation and the assurance that not only is there a place for them in this society, but that it is far better off because of them.
These young people need us--and we desperately need them. We need their light to illuminate the richness and diversity of God's creations. We need the grace, beauty and brilliance they bring to the world."
Source: PoliticalWire.com o 2018 Utah Senate race
Jun 14, 2018
Craig Bowden:
Same-sex marriage isn't my business to restrict
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?
A: It doesn't affect me, so it is not my business to restrict.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Utah Senate candidate
Feb 28, 2018
Jenny Wilson:
Supports bill honoring women's suffrage and women's rights
[Citing a Facebook posting from betterdays2020.com]: "Celebrating Utah and national suffrage anniversaries in the year 2020 in creative and communal ways. By popularizing the history of women's rights and women's first votes, we open doors to
conversations about women in the present and future."Jenny Wilson for Senate Facebook response: "Along with dozens of Utah women supporting Better Days 2020,
I headed to Utah's capitol today to observe the Senate vote to place a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall. It passed the Senate! Now along to the House.
Martha Hughes Cannon, first woman in the U.S. to be elected to a State Senate seat, is the right woman to represent Utah's historic support of suffrage and voting rights."
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Utah Senate race
Jan 29, 2018
Jenny Wilson:
Let's keep MLK's dream alive
[Citing a Facebook posting from KUTV.COM]: "Hundreds of people in Salt Lake City marched in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.:
As Utah celebrates Martin Luther King Day, many are unaware that the reverend visited the Beehive State during the budding days of the civil rights movement."
Jenny Wilson for Senate Facebook response: "Today, we reflect on Dr. King's legacy and how to continue it in every realm of our lives.
In our neighborhoods & schools. In our businesses & our churches. In our government, our public discourse, & our policies towards newcomers. He had a dream. Let's keep it alive.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Utah Senate race
Jan 15, 2018
Danny Drew:
Supported gay marriage from a young age
As a 12-year-old, [Danny Drew] had done a whole lot of soul-searching, prayer and research on gay marriage. So back in 1991, fully 26 years before Obergefell v. Hodges changed the American landscape in legalizing same-sex marriage nationally,
that 12-year-old decided that he favored it. He did so as a member of a religion whose leaders, regarded as prophets, have until only recently preached in that capacity to oppose gay marriage politically.
Source: Good Men Project on 2018 Utah Senatorial race
Jun 21, 2017
Mike Weinholtz:
Early champion of marriage equality
When the early nondiscrimination efforts were being advanced in the Utah Legislature, Mike was right by our side, testifying on our behalf. Mike was also an early champion of marriage equality. He threw his support behind efforts to provide loving
same-sex couples the legal rights to become full Americans. As a business leader, Mike led the way at CHG Healthcare to ensure that LGBTQ employees had every right and privilege that his straight employees enjoy.
Source: Equality Utah PAC on 2016 Utah governor race
Sep 13, 2016
Mike Weinholtz:
100% score from Equality Utah for pro-LGBT policy stances
Mike Weinholtz received a grade of 100% from Equality Utah, indicated pro-LGBT policy stances, as indicated in their 2016 Voter GuideOrganizational statement: The 2016 voter guide is a project of The Equality Utah Foundation, a
501(c)3 organization. This guide is intended for educational purposes only. Appearing in this guide does not constitute an endorsement from the Equality Utah PAC, a 527 organization.
Source: Equality Utah Voter Guide on 2016 Utah Gubernatorial race
Sep 9, 2016
Misty Snow:
Protect rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* people
While there has been significant progress over the last few years to help protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) people, much still needs to be done before we have full equality under the law. As a member of the LGBT community,
I care very deeply about these issues and want to see an end to all forms of discrimination. It is still legal in most states to fire someone or deny them the right to work simply because they are LGBT. It's time we passed an employment
non-discrimination act in congress that would protect the rights of LGBT people to work.
We are seeing conservative lawmakers trying to pass legislation that would ban trans* people from being able to access appropriate restrooms, changing rooms,
and locker rooms. As a trans woman I find this trend to be very problematic as these kinds of laws do not protect anyone or solve any problems; they only exist to create barriers for trans* people trying to live normal and authentic lives.
Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website MistyKSnow.com
Aug 8, 2016
Misty Snow:
Ratify treaty on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
It's time to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which shows a commitment for respecting the rights of women. We signed the treaty in 1980 but failed to ratify it.
It's past time for us to show women that we care about women's rights and are committed to ending all discrimination against them.
Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website MistyKSnow.com
Aug 8, 2016
Mike Weinholtz:
Equal pay laws end illegal wage discrimination against women
In Utah, women make 67 cents for every dollar paid to men, the second-worst gender wage gap in the nation. The difference is even larger for women of color. I believe in equal pay for equal work and at CHG Healthcare I worked hard to close the pay gap
and encourage women to take on leadership roles. Last year, we were recognized as the 15th best place in America for women to work.As governor, I will ensure that public and private employers in Utah are complying with state and federal equal pay
laws and remove barriers to compensation for those who have faced illegal wage discrimination. We also need to make it easier for women to remain in the workforce though programs like paid family leave, because
when women can balance work and family, our economy grows. Further, we need to increase the wages women earn, both by raising the minimum wage and encouraging more girls and women to study STEM fields.
Source: 2016 Utah gubernatorial campaign website MikeForUtah.com
Jun 17, 2016
Jonathan Johnson:
Marriage is between a man and a woman
Marriage has always been a state issue, and should be left up to the states. Along with the majority of Utahns,
I believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and the legal definition of marriage should be decided by Utahns and not by federal government mandate.
Source: 2016 Utah Gubernatorial campaign website, HireJJ.com
Dec 10, 2015
ACLU:
Gay marriage bans deny rights to loving & committed couples
A federal judge in Utah struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, saying the law violates the US Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and due process: "The state's current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right
to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason. Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional."The judge said that while he agreed with Utah that marriage has traditionally been left
to regulation by the states: "The issue the court must address in this case is not who should define marriage, but the narrow question of whether Utah's current definition of marriage is permissible under the Constitution."
The ACLU of Utah filed an
amicus brief in the case and legal director John Mejia said the organization was "thrilled" by the decision. "We think that it was a discriminatory law that only served to deny loving and committed couples the protection and dignity of marriage," he said
Source: Salt Lake Tribune, "Marriage & Utah laws"
Dec 20, 2013
Jenny Wilson:
Fight to get same-sex benefits
Jenny Wilson, a former Salt Lake County Council member and the lone woman in the race, said she had worked in a
bipartisan way to get things accomplished--including fighting to get same-sex benefits in Salt Lake County.
Source: David Montero in Salt Lake Tribune on 2018 Utah Senate race
Nov 28, 2012
Dan Liljenquist:
Traditional pillars of civil society under assault
The traditional family has been a cornerstone of society for thousands of years. With the pillars of civil society under assault, and the courts increasingly left unchecked
by the other two branches of government, leaving traditional marriage open to unchallenged interpretation by unelected judges would be akin to abandoning the field.
Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, danforutah.com
May 24, 2012
Vaughn Cook:
Dems respect that most Utahns prefer traditional marriage
A revised platform intended to give the Democratic Party more mainstream voter appeal in Utah County was adopted. That makeover includes a Republican-like definition of marriage and follows The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' position on
abortion. But that doesn't mean Utah County Democrats have taken an if-you-can't-beat-'em-join-'em philosophy, said Vaughn Cook, chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party. "I think (the new platform) is a good reflection of the attitudes and beliefs
of most Democrats in Utah County," Cook said.On the topic of families, the platform states that Utah County Democrats, like most Utahns, "define marriage as the union of one man and one woman." That statement is followed by more open-minded
language: "However, we also acknowledge that some have deeply held and sometimes differing views on this issue. We seek to understand those differences in a spirit of civility, hope and mutual respect."
Source: Deseret News on 2016 Utah Gubernatorial race
Jun 14, 2006
Rocky Anderson:
Equal rights for gays and lesbians
Recognition of the equal rights of gays and lesbians, and decent treatment of everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, is indeed one of the crucial civil rights issues of our time.
Although personal prejudices are difficult to overcome, we can--and should--achieve an approach in our public dealings that promotes fundamental morality--love, respect and compassion for all of our brothers and sisters.
And, in our public and personal lives, we can endeavor to comply with what is perhaps the greatest of all moral injunctions: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Or, as Rabbi Hillel (first century BCE) implored: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow creature. That is the whole Law; the rest is commentary.'
Source: Anderson interview: The Enterprise, Utah's Business Journal
Dec 1, 1997
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021