Herbert to meet with gay rights groups

Gov. Gary Herbert is meeting with gay rights advocacy groups for the first time since saying he is opposed to providing legal protections for gay and transgender people.

Herbert took office in mid-August following the resignation of Jon Huntsman Jr. to become U.S. ambassador to China.

Within weeks of his inauguration, Herbert said he doesn't think it should be illegal to discriminate against someone for being gay or transgender.

It's currently legal in Utah to fire someone or evict them from housing for being gay. Herbert contends that discriminating against gay people is wrong, but says there's no need for a law to prevent it.

Gay rights advocacy group Equality Utah plans to tell Herbert Tuesday why it thinks current laws are inadequate. Herbert also will meet with the Foundation for Reconciliation.