Common Ground rally aims to influence lawmakers

Dark skies and pouring rain did not dampen the festive atmosphere of the more than 200 people who marched Saturday in a pride rally for gay rights and the Common Ground Initiative.

"Together we dare stand for our rights," rally organizer Jacob Whipple said to the crowd gathered on the stairs and lawn of the Salt Lake City-County Building.

Under a virtual sea of umbrellas, supporters of the Common Ground Initiative marched up State Street from Washington Square, 451 S. State, to the Capitol building just two days before the 2009 general legislative session begins.

"I'm here to support the laws they're trying to pass giving us rights similar to those that straight couples have," said Blake Hoopes, a rally participant.

The Common Ground Initiative, a body of legislation aimed at securing basic rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Utahns, is scheduled to go before the Utah Legislature in the coming months.

Whipple and his organization, All for One Initiative, set up the event and called on marchers to join in and "show the Legislature that we care."

"Call your legislator," said speaker Joni Weiss to the crowd gathered at the Capitol. "Tell them what it means to you that these bills be passed — people's lives depend on it."

During his speech, the Rev. Sean Dennison of the South Valley Unitarian Church addressed the crowd, then turned his attention to everyone who was not at the rally.

"Supporting this initiative does not require that you say that being gay is OK. It requires that you say that discrimination, hatred and prejudice are wrong."

In addition to the pride rally, Whipple and his group have organized lobbying efforts, such as phone banks, to ensure direct contact between voters who support the initiative and the lawmakers who will soon consider it.

"The legislators need to put their personal beliefs and religious beliefs aside and do what's right," said Whipple.

E-MAIL: kkuhn@desnews.com