Reader comments
Candidates are courting gay, lesbian vote in Salt Lake City

David in FL | 6:59 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I am perplexed by these candidates. This is Salt Lake City Utah - founded by conservative, righteous Latter-Day Saints who are opposed to almost everything these candidates are supporting. What is going on here? Will these people actually be elected? Is there a candidate who represents the high moral standard of the majority of the community? You're not going to allow these people to hijack your city's leadership are you?

md | 7:08 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Let's all pander to the least common denominator. Dems shouldn't be proud of themselves.

Lew Jeppson | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

As a general rule when candidates talk of "equal rights" what they really mean is discrimination in favor of some individuals and discrimination against others, typically against what economist Paul Craig Roberts called WHAM's - white heterosexual able-bodied men. So of you live in SLC and are one of Roberts' WHAM's expect to line up behind just about everybody when looking for a job at the city or any busineses which does business with the city.

Comments continue below

Glenn in Slc | 9:49 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

It is time canditates spent more time in the real issues economy, immigration,crime, etc,value things that we as community feel are being left behind by Rocky and company. Stop spending money and used in instead in helping the less fortune population who really will benefit with better social programs.

Jake M. | 10:23 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

When I hear these politicians speak of being advocates for gay and lesbians I am most disturbed. Stable and strong societies are and have always been built on one building block- the traditional family. The traditional family concept has worked for thousands of year. If it ain't broken don't try and fix it. When that building block is removed society stands to crumble in a hasty manner.

Jeremiah | 11:03 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Its nice to see that progressive voters who want to see our city set a shining example for the rest of Utah have several candidates to choose from. It has been very encouraging to see equality for all as just one more plank in the well-thought out platforms of many of the hopefuls. Does their recognition of the inequalities enacted into law by our legislature somehow negate their other planks of better economic incentives to develop downtown, beautification efforts to struggling neighborhoods, and running daily operations ethically and openly? Not in the slightest. Looking forward to the election.

david in SLC | 11:05 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Salt Lake has a large gay and lesbian population. It is only appropriate that candidates recognize them as basic buidling blocks of Salt Lake's society. Salt Lake is majority non-Mormon and non-hyper orthodox Mormon. As a result when people speak of "tradition" or of the "founders", they need to recognize that the current population of the city holds values different from those that are assumed stereotypical for much of Utah. This is a progressive, pluralist city. And this fact is not new but is indeed traditional for Utah's largest city.

Drew in SLC | 11:09 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Look good people, it is all about the Golden Rule, Do Unto Others As you Would Have Them Do Unto You.
What is wrong with our world when intelligent folks like you are so hung up on rights for all?
The real problem is twofold 1. intolerance (Middle East, WW II ... and the rest of history, which has NOT worked at all, sorry Jake); 2. rampant consumerism (this is stealing your children's authenticity and turning them into Chruch goers three hours a week and commercial media consumers 50 hours a week.
Make a better world, teach your children skepticism, from the verb, "to see"

Lew Jeppson | 11:12 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Now, unfortunately, others offer comments to the effect that GLBT's are less moral than the Utah majority. This is right wing rot. I advocate for equal rights for all INDIVIDUALS. Individuals have rights, groups to not. A GLBT individual has the same rights I have and vice versa. I don't wish to be linked with the other comments. Sometimes I think this state needs a good dose of libertarianism.

david in SLC | 11:49 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Following up on Lew's comment, I would argue not "less moral than the Utah majority" rather differently moral. Morality is not a scale on which there is a single high point and a single low point. Libertarian individualism proposes one of those scales of morality, with the individual and her freedom at the center (to avoid a vertical scale); group based, collective standards also propose a morality with the group and its values at the center. It is true the individual is the basis of our law, but groups also come into play in notions of community standards. What is often forgotten in that mix of group versus individual is the need to avoid a tyrany of the majority and value the freedom of minorities, both as individuals and as groups.

me | 12:06 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Jake M- convince me that you didn't make all of that up, because it sounds like you did

Brad C | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

It is a sad day indeed when Salt Lake City politicians feel that they must pander to everything that the people who built Salt Lake came here to get away from.

WJC | 1:06 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Anyone who thinks Salt Lake is a great city owes as much thanks to the gay community as the mormon community. Yes the church founded the city, but lds is not a characteristic of most current residents. The rights that detractors are scared of are revolutionary things like the right to be hired based on skills and experience instead of orientation. It is because people have been fired and evicted because they are gay that gay and lesbian utahns have been pushed into the city. Don't knock these candidates for supporting fairness. Knock those who haven't addressed it sooner.

Heather | 1:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

It is unfortunate that in the English language nouns and verbs can sound the same. Letï¿½s consider the phrase ï¿½anti-gay initiative,ï¿½ which I heard on NPR the other day. It sounds full of animosity, doesnï¿½t it? I mean, to be ï¿½anti-ï¿½ anyone certainly doesnï¿½t sound friendly or inviting. But you see, thatï¿½s where the noun/verb confusion comes in. I am not ï¿½anti-ï¿½ people who experience gay tendencies. I am ï¿½anti-ï¿½ the gay behavior. Every person believes that certain behaviors are wrong. I believe that homosexual behavior is wrong. But there is a difference between disliking the behavior, and disliking the person. Some people want to compare the gay rights movement with the civil rights movement. Itï¿½s a sure-fire way to get people to pay attention to their issue. Although it gets the blood running hot, itï¿½s a poor comparison to make. The fundamental difference is that Black people had their opportunities limited by factors outside their control--their race and color, of which no one chooses, but we are born with. Homosexuals have their opportunities limited by the choices they make. What was the purpose of the civil rights movement? Opportunity. Gay people have the right to vote. They have access to the same schools and public facilities. They can have any job that they want. There is only one thing that they cannot have. And that is wide-spread public acceptance of inappropriate behavior, the epitome of that acceptance showing forth in a society accepting homosexual marriage.

Cory | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Recently the mormon church finally put out a statement detailing the mormon church's stance on homosexuality. It's really quite the same as the chatholic church's view: It's okay to be gay as long as you stay chaste. Oh, and also you shouldn't 'act gay'. The title of the statement is 'God loves his children'. Quite apart from anything else, this shows the church has finally realized that there are homosexuals within its own fold. Wake up people. This is not something that happens only in other cities. These are mormons, christians, sisters, brothers, spouses, sons, and daughters. Anyone who has gone through an unsupportive family knows that this is not just a lifestyle 'choice'. GLBT people want the same things anyone else does, which includes the right to marriage, church, children, and political representation. Is that really so surprising? Honestly the republicans are slowly going to lose more and more if they don't start opening up to this demographic. And if you think you don't know anyone personally who is gay, I'd bet $100 dollars you're dead wrong.

Sunday In Utahi | 1:50 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Heather, your thoughts may hold some validity if we knew for 100% certain the age old question..Is it nature or nuture? If it is even remotely possible that these people are "born" gay, then all of your reasoning about choice are wrong.It would indeed be the case that their opportunities are limited because of when they were born in history.
I think the problem with most people is that they become obsessed with the sexual activity of gay vs. non gay, and refuse to divide the issue. If I dwell in any depth on the sexual behaviors of heterosexual couples, it may be equally disgusting.{ You mean to tell me that married couples actually do "that" after being married over ten years?) Gosh! If I dwell on the sexual behavior of the female praying mantis, it would be difficult for me to view the entire mantis for the benefits they provide in my garden.And the black widow spider ought to be exterminated from the face of the earth because of her courting habits.
When these people have entirely equal rights, distinct from their sexual orientation, the issues they seek to resolve will no longer seem so extreme. Perhaps then, we will in retrospect, begin to understand why they felt the opression they express.

Stenar | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Salt Lake City hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 1971. Despite the perceptions of outsiders, the city is one of the more liberal in the country. And the gay community has a big influence in the city elections because they're more politically active than the average citizen.

gayRMs | 2:45 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

The leadership committee of gayRMs, the society for gay and lesbian LDS return missionaries, has endorsed Ralph Becker for mayor as he has the most experience of any candidate in the race.

Keith V | 3:44 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

There are many weaknesses individuals may be born with, but this does not mean they should act on them. Is it okay for alcoholics to get drunk because it is genetic? No! The fact that homosexuality may be genetic, does not make acting on it okay. You cannot believe in the bible and just ignore the scriptures that state very clearly that homosexual behavior is wrong. You are being dishonest to do so. The scriptures are not editable to conform to personal beliefs, and god does not "change with the times" to make these behaviors acceptable.

gayRMs | 5:03 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Homosexuality is not a weakness akin to alcoholism. The scriptures are actually very ambiguous on whether homosexuality is wrong. Also, Jesus never said a single word against it and neither does the Book of Mormon. If the Book of Mormon was written for our day, why doesn't it mention homosexuality? Because god loves and accepts gay people just as he created them.

WC | 6:52 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I love living in Salt Lake!!!

RangerGordon | 7:02 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

BradC: The Mormons trekked to Utah in order to get away from gays and lesbians? I think you need to brush up on your church history, my friend.

Save Utah | 7:39 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve! Non-Mormons are against homosexuality practices also.

Adam and Steve | 8:47 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

God did create us. Do you think us gay people were the product of evolution, but the rest of you were the product of intelligent design?

Dennis Doddridge | 10:22 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

When I first read Isaiah 3:2-13, I never dreamt that it could ever apply to Salt Lake City! Goodness gracious!!! So, when is SLC going to have its first Gay Parade? I'll make sure I'm somewhere else.

WC | 11:43 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

When is Salt Lake having its first gay parade? Obviously you've been out of town the first week of June for the last many years. We have a great parade annually! It is the second largest in the state!

Jose RM | 12:58 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007

Being gay is akin to any other sin. It is a lifestyle choice. I truly feel for those with genetic abnormalities, e.g. XO, XXY, etc. that don't have a defined sexual makeup. Unfortunately we never know who is genetically distinct and need to be tolerant of gays. That doesn't mean to be accepting of or embracing homosexuality, but we are all still children of God. In evolution, a purely gay society would become extinct.

VP | 7:38 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007

According to surveys, 61% of eligible voters voted in 2004, compared with 92% of gay voters. It makes sense that candidates will try to appeal to the voters who are the most likely to go to the polls. I'm all for anything which will get more people involved in voting and the political process.

http://www.pensitoreview.com/2007/08/12/poll-over-90-of-gay-people-voted-in-2004/

Rob L. | 1:21 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007

I was surprised to see the GayRM's endorse Ralph Becker, who has never once sponsored legislation advancing gay rights when not one, but two of his opponents (Wilson, Buhler) have done so. As a gay man, I've been looking closely at the candidates and find their lack of experience charges lacking. I'm still undecided between Wilson and Becker. All candidates are well qualified with very different experiences. To say one candidate lacks experience over another is unsubstantiated. Plus, Rocky Anderson had never held elected office when he was elected Mayor. I then learned that this was an inside deal and the first time this group has EVER ENDORSED! They didn't even endorse Sen. Scott McCoy when he ran as the first openly gay man to the State Senate.

Rick | 11:55 a.m. Aug. 14, 2007

I laugh at the pre-historic arguements some of you have made.

It's amazing to me how people can hold themselves to a superior moral ground, and spew intolerance, ignorance, and hate. To praise Jesus Christ and his teachings, but justify hating other human beings.

We're gonna fly our fabulous flag on Pride day, we're going to have families (whether laws in place allow adoption or not), we are going to commit to our partners, we are not going to be silenced.

I am glad to see progressive candidates supporting GLBT issues. I met Ralph Becker at Pride, and I like Jenny Wilson quite a bit. The queer vote in Utah is significant. I take Pride in the fact that the idea that we live among you freaks you out, shakes up your fragile little world. Yeah, we live among you, and we're pretty damn fabulous.

;)

Paul Drooks | 12:47 p.m. Aug. 14, 2007

Those who speak of the 'original' settlers of SLC and neglect to mention the homosexuals are only deluding themselves.
Homosexuals resided in the SL Valley before there were ever Mormons, they were part of the original settler groups and have continually been part of the society that has created the current city.
Gays and lesbians ARE part of the SL community and always have been.

Are these church reactionaries suggesting that this group of people do not have rights? Who's next? Red-headed people? Left-handed people? Anyone who does not agree with them on any issue?

Cristy Gleave | 3:38 p.m. Aug. 14, 2007

Wow! I have never read such ignorance in my life. For those who would state "just change your ways and you can have everything 'we' have" kind of baffles me a little. I am guessing it may be their way of dismissing LGBT people as a whole without having to put any real thought into what they are saying or feeling for that matter. I would challenge you to research homosexuality (get to know a gay person) and then ask yourselves why one would choose this lifestyle. Why would the population percentages of homosexuals over centuries be relatively the same as they are today? That is not just a crazy coincidence. I believe that people who are uncomfortable with Gay people say such things so they don't have to admit to themselves and to God that they are shallow and hateful people. It is much easier to say it's a choice because then you can go on your merry way and feel that you are good with God. Well you are not. I love when straight people are asked why they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. I have yet to hear an answer other than "that is how God intended". If that is really the case, why are you attracted to some of the opposite sex and not all of the opposite sex? Did God intend that as well? And why are Gay people only attracted to some of the same sex and not all of the same sex? Did God really get that detailed when working out attraction? I would think he had better things to do than to be hung up on what type of people we are attracted to. Don't you?

Keri | 6:45 p.m. Aug. 15, 2007

Amen, Cristy!

KL | 10:12 p.m. Aug. 15, 2007

Boy have we strayed from the topic of the story! Both the folks who are GLBTQ and those who oppose them are getting carried away with preaching their opinions and forgetting that the candidates are trying to listen to citizens' concerns. Some are legitimate, some are whiny. No, those who are GLBTQ don't deserve special "rights" other unmarrieds don't have, but they also don't deserve to be discriminated against when trying to find a job, find a place to live, or get an education. This issue is too emotoinal for reason, though. Pray for each other.

Heidi | 11:38 p.m. Aug. 16, 2007

That is so interesting that GLBTs, Planned Parenthood, and the Sierra Club seem to all go together. I have a few good friends who are in the GLBT club, and they're very sensitive, so no more comment from me.

JGolden | 10:07 p.m. Sept. 12, 2007

Bottom line is simple..."Agency"...you have your Agency to life the way you desire...I have my Agency to vote the way I desire...Can I write in the name of J. Bracken Lee?????

Derrick NOT in SLC | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 13, 2008

I am doing research for a paper on marginalization of minorities for political gain in a media theory and effects class in Florida. We just passed an amendment banning gay marriage, which was already illegal, but the verbage of the bill is such that it allows health insurance companies (that have donated a great deal to 2's support) to deny benefits and hospitalization rights to unmarried STRAIGHT couples...whcih south florida is full of.. the elderly dont remarry b/c they would lose their deceased spouse's benefits. I found the arguments here in your state to be as backwards as your religion. Mormons thought Jesus came to the american indians and they were the descendants of the ethnic jewish population described in the scriptures. science proved that is not possible due to mitochondrial DNA... so dont you think other things in your religion might be wrong too?... just a thought.

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