Workplace discrimination protection will likely go to interim study

A bill to add protection against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is headed to interim study.

Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake, thanked the House Business and Labor Committee Friday afternoon for being willing to "evaluate the merits of this much needed bill ... Utahns as a whole should be proud of what this committee has done."

Rep. Stephen Clark, the committee's chair, said sending HB89 to further study after the current legislative session was an agreement reached because "there are a lot of issues that need to be looked at" and there wasn't sufficient time during the session.

Friday's action came without debate. The bill wasn't on the committee's agenda, but was brought up as part of committee business.

During an earlier hearing, the committee had opted against a vote, after hearing emotional public testimony. On one side people sought legal protections, while others feared granting legal recognition to gays, lesbians and transgender individuals.

After the brief discussion, Johnson said that she's optimistic about the discussion to come this summer.

"I'm very optimistic because my colleagues on the other side of the aisle exhibited an altruistic intent to respect the process and respect the legislation," Johnson said. "This really was a negotiation, the legislative process at its best. Rather than shutting the door on something unfamiliar, we are opening the door. I think that's great."