A platterful: gay rights, Blue Dogs, grateful hearts

Not all the turkeys will be in Congress this week. Have a happy Thanksgiving! A number of questions are floating around political circles that deserve our spin:

Given the LDS Church's groundbreaking support for nondiscrimination ordinances related to sexual orientation, how likely are similar laws to be passed in the upcoming Utah Legislature?

Pignanelli: "I have found there is no cause of alarm on account of the Mormons; they are not to be feared." — David Rice Atchison (Letter to Missouri Governor Boggs, 1839). Notwithstanding the moral and compassionate imperatives, this announcement was brilliant on so many political and PR levels. In a single stroke, the LDS Church decimated future attacks of intolerance from activists and articulated a position mainstream America shares: Marriage is a heterosexual institution, but gay and lesbian citizens deserve protection and access to civil liberties. Most young conservatives maintain a libertarian approach to basic gay rights — quietly shared by some Republican lawmakers. Indeed, several of the "Common Ground" (legal rights for gay/lesbian citizens) legislative items were on the road to passage in the 2009 session, until Gov. Jon Huntsman vocalized his support of civil unions — which rallied far-right opposition to any measures.

During my fight to pass hate crimes legislation 15 years ago (which included protections for sexual orientation), I encountered subtle support from the LDS Church. In response to my expressions of gratitude, I was told, "Our members include beloved families with a gay son or lesbian daughter. We love them all, care for them and want them protected from harm." This sentiment is shared by most Utah lawmakers, and the church's statement will foster support for some legislation.

Webb: Our laws rightly don't allow an employer or apartment manager to reject you for a job or housing because you happen to be a woman, a Mormon, or Hispanic. Discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation should not be allowed, either.

The LDS Church obviously thought through its position very carefully before announcing strong support for the Salt Lake City ordinance. That action provides solid encouragement and momentum for lawmakers who will promote a similar law at the state level. Support for such a non-discrimination law will NOT put Utah on a "slippery slope" toward acceptance of gay marriage.

Will his leadership of moderate congressional "Blue Dog" Democrats and his votes against current environmental and healthcare reform legislation attract a left-wing challenger to Congressman Jim Matheson? Will the unpopularity of the Obama administration in Utah be a problem for Matheson in 2010?