Gay-rights activist calls for D.C. march

New strategies are also in the works for Equality Utah, a group dedicated to gay-rights issues and the driving force behind a package of legislation known as the Common Ground Initiative. Covering laws related to fair housing, probate, hospital visitation and employment, none of the handful of bills in the initiative garnered Legislature approval in the last session, but Will Carlson, the group's manager of public policy, said it wasn't for lack of public support.

"We already know that the majority of Utahns support each of the issues we're trying to push," Carlson said. "Now, we're convinced that since we have that public backing, people just need to find out where their legislators stand and let them know the need to 'catch up.' "

Carlson said his group is launching a new campaign to help constituents connect with their lawmakers and hold them accountable for the votes they cast.

Salt Lake resident Elissa Meier said she supported the Common Ground Initiative and would attend the march on the nation's capital because she had little hope that the Utah Legislature would enact change on its own.

"Our lawmakers sent us … sent the gay and lesbian community … a pretty clear message," Meier said. "We don't matter … and our voices won't be heard. I like Cleve's idea to take it to the top."

Meier said she was worried that the success of California's ban on same-sex marriage would help to bolster Utah lawmakers' opposition to extending rights to gay citizens and contribute to "taking us backwards."

Though political issues ruled the day Sunday, a spokesman for the Utah Pride Center, the group that stages the event, said the weekend had included a full slate of entertainment, education and celebration.

"The masses are here, and they're having a good time," said Michael Westley, media coordinator for the Utah Pride Center. "Pride is a festival that is a celebration, but it is also a gathering of the community to show solidarity and find support."

Westley said this year's version of the event, first held in 1983, featured local and national entertainment along with information and education booths, and a large variety of food and beverages from area businesses. Comedian Paula Poundstone drew a record crowd to her performance Saturday night, Westley said.

Contributing: Associated Press

E-MAIL: araymond@desnews.com