Gender identity bias bill headed to interim study

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

Without debate, the House Business and Labor Committee on Friday opted to hold HB89 for more in-depth research after the current legislative session.

Rep. Stephen Clark, the committee's chair, said the move was the result of an agreement reached that "there are a lot of issues that need to be looked at" and there isn't sufficient time during the session.

The bill would expand the Utah Antidiscrimination Act, which already includes protected categories such as race and religion.

Sponsor Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake, thanked the committee Friday 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."

HB89 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 voting on the bill, after hearing emotional public testimony. On one side people sought legal protections, while critics said it would grant legal recognition to gays, lesbians and transgender individuals.

Johnson told the Deseret Morning News 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."

The move was viewed by Michael Thompson, executive director of the gay rights advocacy group Equality Utah, as a step forward.

"By going to interim for further study, we are allowed valuable time with lawmakers," Thompson said in a statement. "We have the opportunity to educate on a deeper level."

Meanwhile, Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, D-Salt Lake, said she's hopeful that a bill she's sponsoring is being considered for a committee hearing. HB318 would give cohabitating couples, gay and straight, the ability to adopt and be foster parents. That bill was pulled from the Judiciary Committee earlier this week.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com