Salt Lake County resolves to value diversity

Salt Lake County has issued a resolution declaring it values diversity — a move one community activist, who is pushing for passage of hate-crimes legislation, sees as a positive step forward.

"The mayor and County Council steadfastly reaffirm that Salt Lake County is a place of appreciation, civility and respect for all citizens living and traveling within our boundaries," the resolution states.

Sonia James, a Sandy resident who testified before the state House and Senate during the past legislative session in favor of a failed hate-crimes bill, said the resolution, presented this week, "shows an understanding of what we're trying to achieve."

State lawmakers have repeatedly killed the bill, which would enhance penalties for crimes motivated by bias or hate against a person belonging to a protected category, including race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age or gender.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan — chairman of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, which killed the bill — said enhanced penalties aren't needed because judges can use their own discretion in "judging a crime as heinous."

"All you're doing is trying to give certain people special privileges," Buttars said.

The resolution does not specifically list people belonging to a protected category. It instead recognizes the "inherent value of diversity . . . regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or any other differentiating factor."

It also notes Utah was founded by people fleeing intolerance and "It is important for us to foster a culture of understanding."

"We feel it is important to recognize there are some injustices, and we want to make sure government and citizens foster a culture of understanding," Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said.