Equality Utah backs Becker for Salt Lake mayor

Equality Utah is endorsing Ralph Becker for Salt Lake City mayor, praising his support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues while serving in the Utah Legislature.

In a press release announcing the endorsement Wednesday, the statewide advocacy group for LGBT people lauds Becker's supported for legislation on hate crimes and HIV/AIDS funding, while opposing bills restricting school clubs.

Becker also has developed a human rights initiative as part of his mayoral campaign, which Equality Utah says demonstrates "courageous leadership on LGBT issues."

Equality Utah also is endorsing Salt Lake City Council candidates Nancy Saxton, Luke Garrott, JT Martin and Michael Clara. In West Valley City, the group is supporting Adam Leffler and Clint Child for City Council.

Saxton and Garrott both are running for the same council seat in District 4, but both are strong supporters of LGBT issues and Equality Utah's board of directors opted for a dual endorsement. "You cannot go wrong with a vote in this race," the press release says.