Anonymous | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Good for Salt Lake! Strike one up for the good guys!
Anonymous | 8:38 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Let's all cross our fingers and hope this passes! Discrimination of any kind is wrong.
Digbads | 9:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Strike one up for the good guys? I think not.
Comments continue below
are you kidding | 1:55 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
what????? We all ready have discrimination law. Are we trying to look good for other states because of what happen with prop 8. I'm personally tired of having gay rights shoved down my throat.
ERB | 3:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
And its been said that Salt Lake would become one of the wickedest cities in the world...
Lose more freedoms. | 5:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Freedom of speech and thought is what america is all about. Even discrimination is part of that freedom and these specialized laws infringe on our rights to freedom of speech.

Why should gay and lesbian emotionally challenged individuals have more rights and freedoms than the rest of the american people? These laws are very damaging to everyone's rights and discrimination is only a figment of their imagination and self guilt for their unnatural lifestyles. They use their guilt as a crutch to blame others for what they are ashamed of.
Anonymous | 7:26 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I am a landlord and I had a renter with no problems for a year then one month he stop paying rent. So I started the eviction process and he tried to say I was evicting him because he was gay. Well I knew he was gay when he moved in because he told me and he lived there a year with know problems from me or other renters now when he stop paying rent he was pulling this on me! I called him on it and evicted him anyway. I can only wonder what would have happen and how much longer it would have taken to evict him with this ordinance.
Renters all ready have enough laws on their side.
RE: Are You Kidding | 7:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Flabbergasted with the comment "I'm personally tired of having gay rights shoved down my throat?" WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

This is Utah, Gays have no rights. Not a single one. This state works extremely hard to deny these human being ANY civil rights.

And "We all ready have discrimination law." Yes, that is the point, Utah laws discriminate against Gays & Lesbians and denies them equality under the law, without a single "ANTI-Discrimination" protection.

Due to the facts, proven by Salt Lake City's report, Gays & Lesbians are discriminated in housing and in the workplace, not for performance, but because of their existence offends someone else.

The moral thing to do is to protect everyone against discrimination, without excuse. Particularly when the facts prove a particular group is unfairly & disproportionately discriminated against.
UtahRez | 7:47 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
And how many homosexuals rushed to the defense of those who lost their jobs for supporting Prop 8?
Pagan | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'We all ready have discrimination law.'

And it is still legal to fire & evict someone because they are gay in Utah.

Great protection.

Discrimination is not protected under freedom of speech.

Think this law is unfair? Tell your boss or landlord you are gay. When they fire and evict you, please remember how you were against this.
Pagan | 8:31 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'Renters all ready have enough laws on their side.'

Spoken like a true landlord.
Pagan | 8:39 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
In July 2009 the SLC Human Rights commission released a report showing that gay and lesbian americans in SLC were being discriminated against.

If your of the mindset that:

'Oh, no! That's leftist propaganda!' Then you are the problem.

This was not done by 'Q' magazine or somesuch. This was done by the city of Salt Lake. The capital to one of the most conservative states in the country. Utah.

They have no 'agenda.' They went by the facts. And the fact is discrimination is alive and well in Utah.

Think these laws are unfair? Tell someone your gay.

I doubt you are aware of how much discrimination is protected in this state. I doubt many would have the courage to do it and the stamina to endure it.

So, please, if you think the gay community has nothing to fear being a legally discriminated class in America, tell someone you are gay.

I dare you.
Almost a graduate | 8:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Gays and Lesbians have no state rights? When did they become a special group that is excluded from what rights everyone has? Everyone is protected under the constitution. There should be no special attention given to someone because of their sexual orientation. America is a place of freedom of choice. Do landlords actually ask the question "Are you gay or strait?" I never have had that question asked either in renting or at work. Nor have I put out the vibe of my orientation because it is not important. Being gay doesn't trump being a good citizen. Passing something this silly would show that being gay is more important than being a good renter or employee. I personally would never want a crutch like that to define my life. How sad!
RE: UtahRez | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
How many lost their jobs due to supporting Prop 8?

I know of one gentleman (Theater Director) who resigned of his own free will. Who are these supposed people who lost their jobs? How many?

This is wrong, IF it actually happened. But two wrongs don't make a right, and those folks have laws to protect them.

Studies show, factually, that Gays & Lesbians loose their jobs due to discrimination. It seems a bit hypocritical to complain about one group (supposedly) loosing their job unfairly and then be against another group (factually supported) loosing their job unfairly.
RE: Lose More Freedoms | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Thank You! Your honesty is very much appreciated.

Your candor is refreshing. Basically - "I don't like Gay people and I want to discriminate against another human being, simply because I want to."

Your post is filled full of misinformation and ugly prejudice, but at least you told the truth.
Pagan | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'And how many homosexuals rushed to the defense of those who lost their jobs for supporting Prop 8?'

Probably the 13,000 people discharged under Don't ask, Don't tell.
Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I think the law should pass. But Chris Buttars will push legislation through the state congress that will make such ordinances illegal. We live in such a backward state that even when a city starts making progress, the rest of the state will pull it down.

But I still support the legislation! Good luck!
Anonymous | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

"Why should gay and lesbian emotionally challenged individuals have more rights and freedoms than the rest of the american people? These laws are very damaging to everyone's rights and discrimination is only a figment of their imagination and self guilt for their unnatural lifestyles. They use their guilt as a crutch to blame others for what they are ashamed of. "
"lose more rights" did you mean "Buttars"??
NUMBER ONE: we will not have "MORE RIGHTS". we will have ONE MORE right that we currently do not have.
NUMBER TWO: it was determined at some point in the 70s we are not mentally ill.
NUMBER THREE: WE ARE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST!! who are you kidding? ( utahrez: please!)
To reference a quote I recently found in QSalt Lake..
why you just might win the "best looking rear in logic pants award!!"

dear "landlord" do tell what amazing amount of tenant rights you speak of that Utah tenants have, period!
I'm sure your tenant was feeling the "too many laws on his side" when he slipped on the rent for ONE MONTH and you began eviction. That sure sounds like far too much leniency for tenants!!
Observer  | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Let's face it - there are people on both sides that take it to the extreme - there always will be those homosexuals that will flaunt it in public and there are those that are intolerant (both sides). Your orientation should be a private thing - the public doesn't need to know and most don't care if you keep it low key. So please folks - everyone - keep you sexual activities (all types)in the bedroom or your private places.
@are you kidding me | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Of course you are ok with the current anti-discrimation laws, they cover you.
@7:26 | 9:43 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
You would have that issue already with anyone else. A person with a disability could do that to you. They only difference is you would have to DOCUMENT proof that they were not paying their rent. But you should already be doing that.
@Lose more freedoms | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
As stated earlier there are already plenty of anti-discrimination laws on the books. This expands them to sexual orientation (guess what you have one) and disability (which should already be covered).

My question is why do you feel that religion should be covered? Why do they get a special class? Why do blacks or latinos have a "special class"? All it is doing is limiting other peoples freedoms.

When you personally get fired and evicted for being a straight white LDS man, then you will understand what gay people go through EVERYDAY in this country.
Re:PAGAN | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
How do you as a Gay get so many posts approved by the DNEWS.....its discriminatory!!

No one will falsely accuse you of being narcissitic!
@Pagan | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Spoken like a true user/loser. How much recouse do you think landlords have when tenants destroy property, refuse to pay rent, and act in threatening ways. Not many. I got out of the landlord business years ago, my enthusiasm for provided excellent housing to renters destroyed by user/losers. Soon more landlords will have to hire security.
Pointless Legislation | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I think anti-discrimination laws in a small market are generally useless. In theory, they should protect minorities of all types from being discriminated against by the majority, but the practice is far from the theory.

First off, SLC is such a small market that a good employee will think twice before filing something like this because, regardless of what the law says, they don't want to get a reputation for suing their employers. So the people who take advantage of anti-discrimination laws are usually lousy employees who were underqualified in the first place and only got the job because they were a minority. Then when they get fired for being a lousy employee, they bring a discrimination suit. The minorities that are good employees have too much to lose by bringing such a suit so the people who are least entitled to relief are usually the only one's who benefit.

Second, a $500 to $1000 fine is a slap on the wrist and not worth the company's time. This might get some positive press, but won't really make any difference.
Pagan | 10:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'There should be no special attention given to someone because of their sexual orientation.'

And yet, almost a graduate, your doing so now.

'Do landlords actually ask the question "Are you gay or strait?"

No. The question is phrased. 'Are you married?'

'Being gay doesn't trump being a good citizen.'

Too true! I agree.

Now, about being TREATED as a good citizen....


The constitution does protect all americans. And yet local authorities choose to ignore or insult any claims about discrimination due to orientation. Like you are doing. State and federal protections are needed to ensure people work and treat others like they are meant to.

Or would you like the example of a police officer refusing to give CPR to someone because they were 'gay and had aids.'

There are many examples of discrimination you are ignoring. Nationally and locally.

Like Mathew Sheppard.
Like David Bell.
Like....
RepublicanForever | 10:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Let us pray this gets shot down, just as we did with prop 8. Liberals don't like hearing it, but that doesn't change the fact that God said homosexuality is wrong. I, as a nonMormon, am happy to join the LDS church in the fight to prevent the moral decay of our state.
matt | 10:16 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Putting the term "sexual orientation" into law is unwise at best and dangerous at worst. Such a term is undefinable. Doing so may placate same-sex advocates for a day or two, but their efforts to gain special recognition will not cease. Crafty lawyers would gain the most from this addition to the law -- they would have a hey day with it.
this state | 10:17 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
if there ever was a state in which gays need specified protections, it's the state of Utah. This place seems to hate everything not mormon. But being gay? They seem to loath gays. And for what? I'm sorry but it's the most unchristian religion I've ever run across.
Anonymous | 10:18 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I need a special bill that prevents me from being unfairly passed over for work and/or housing just becuase I am NOT female, minority, gay, or otherwise "disadvantaged."
Anonymous | 10:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
We all have our rights according to the Constitution of the United States of America. Again, why do these people think that they are entitled to any additional rights because they are gay?
Tyler | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
It was said that Salt Lake City would become one of the wickedest cities. I think it already has, but for different reasons than most who are familiar with this. It is one of the wickedest cities because the people do not love each other. This is the perfect example of the hate that exists here. I just don't understand how anyone could deny these rights to anyone. I liked the comment recommending that you go tell your boss or landlord that you're gay and see how they react. It would be an interesting Social experiment. I wonder if any viewpoints would change at the point when some of these people get fired or booted from their homes.
trsgrv | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
The horror of Ft Hood occurred because the army was afraid to call an outspoken islamic terrorist out, and remove him from the army. 13 people died.

All these "special protections" do is provide opportunities abuse of the majority and for lawsuits. I think we're all beyond reacting to be called a racist. But the practical side of it is that minorities use these protections to abuse the majority. Someone can't be denied an apartment if they're destructive to property because they're 'gay'. Another can't be fired because he's 'gay' even though he's doing a terrible job. And on and on.
@Almost a graduate | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I think the point is, it doesn't matter how good an employee or renter is because they are getting thrown out just for being gay. Look at don't ask don't tell. Good soldiers protecting their country are thrown out just because they are gay.

I am gay, it does not define me, but if my landlord kicked me out of my apartment just because I am gay (not because of poor payment history, or a bad tenet) that is just not right. I know if you got thrown out of a complex just because you were straight you would be just as upset.
Pagan | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'I'm personally tired of having gay rights shoved down my throat.'

Then please, are you kidding, go ahead and donate blood (which I cannot do) meet a nice woman/man and get married (which I cannot do) kiss on temple grounds (which I cannot do) get sealed on temple grounds (which I am not LDS, so I cannot do) serve your country in Iraq (which I cannot do) and then, when you get bored go to Hooters on 7100 South and State in Midvale.

And that last one...I have no interest in doing.
@Observer | 10:34 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I agree with your comment. Straight people everyday can be seen holding hands in public, hugging, sometimes stealing a kiss.. It is gross! Why do I have to see that? Get a room!
Pagan | 10:35 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'Your orientation should be a private thing...'

Observer, we've had this talk.

If I can see your wedding band, I can safely assume you are straight. (As 50 states allow staright marriage and only 5 allow gay ones) If you have a wedding ceremony, I can assume your straight.
Baby shower. Aniversary. Pictures of your spouse on your desk. Temple sealing. Etc, etc.

If you wanted to be fair in your comparison you would say:

'Your marriage should be a private thing...'
Pagan | 10:37 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'Of course you are ok with the current anti-discrimation laws, they cover you.'

@ - 9:41 a.m.

They would also cover you. It would cover any sexual orientation.

And trust me, if you've ever gone through puberty, you have one.
Congratulations | 10:41 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Congratulations Salt Lake City. There may be hope for Utah after all.
If you don't discriminate against gays and lesbians, I guess you shouldn't mind the approval of this ordinance. On the other hand, if this is an issue for you. Perhaps, you are a bigot after all.
Think about it.
Cats | 10:41 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Gays and lesbians have the same rights as anyone else and no one has taken their civil rights. In addition, it is their behavior that causes offense to others, not the fact of their being. I don't believe in being unkind to anyone, but as time goes on, many are becoming less and less sympathetic to their cause. It is their own fault.
Anonymous | 10:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
No one likes to be hurt in any way or form. Just don't ask for it!!.
re: Pagan | 8:39 a.m. | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
"This was not done by 'Q' magazine or somesuch. This was done by the city of Salt Lake. The capital to one of the most conservative states in the country. Utah."

Salt Lake is the Berkely of Utah, so no, I dont give the research much credence - the outcome was forordained.
Pagan | 11:17 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'I think anti-discrimination laws in a small market are generally useless.'

Have you been fired for your orientation? I have.

'So the people who take advantage of anti-discrimination laws are usually lousy employees...'

So, minority's are 'lousy employees?'

Your argument has a lot of assumptions and not a lot of facts. The fact is the SLC found 300 cases of discrimination based on orientation. If you think I'm making it up please read SLC's July '09 discrimination report. It's at SLC dot gov.

'This might get some positive press, but won't really make any difference.'

Well Pointless, your writting about it. Thanks for contributing.

Anonymous | 11:18 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Interesting how Brookstone recenlty used their anti-discrimination policy to fire a man who questioned gay marriage (there was no disciminatin involved - merely disagreement).

This is not about discrimination - it is about gay activists having a club to silence dissent.
(and about political debts)
Anonymous | 11:20 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Over the summer was looking for an apartment and found one that would have worked well. Just as the landlord(who was one of the roommates) seemed about ready to confirm I could live there, he asked me if I was "an open minded person." I did not answer immediately because I wasn't sure what he meant. He then asked my opinion on gays. I said I was against homosexuality, but would that I would let him/the other roommates live as the they wished without me interfering. He immediately told me he only wanted an "open-minded" person as a roommated, even though I had told him I would not "get in his way" of being gay. I lost all respect for the gay community that day.
Greg in SLC | 11:27 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I'm grateful for any legislation that moves persons like me toward more equality. I find comments like "don't flaunt your sexuality" I ask the straight persons to do the same, no hand holding, now hugging, definitely no kissing in public. Having said that, me and my partner have learned the hard way we have to conceal who we are when moving to a new apartment. In the past we were harrassed by security for: sitting in the hot tub together together, doing laundry together, exercising together. We've learned to walk to the apartment alone to avoid catcalls and aggressive harrassment. You have NO IDEA what it is like to have to suppress who you really are. We will stop "shoving gay agenda down your throat" when the dominant group stop will leave us alone and drop ALL laws that discriminate us. Let us live and love as we choose, and we will extend the same human dignity to you as well.
Pagan | 11:39 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
'Gays and lesbians have the same rights as anyone else and no one has taken their civil rights.'

Finish the sentace Cat.

'If they act straight.'

'I don't believe in being unkind to anyone, but...'

Thanks for making my case Cat.

@ - 839a.

'Salt Lake is the Berkely of Utah, so no, I dont give the research much credence - the outcome was forordained.'

I guess the question then becomes what source WOULD you trust? How much information do you need before you can say 'Oh yeah, Mathew Sheppard IS dead.'
Bill | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Though I feel it is wrong to discriminate against anyone I also feel it wrong to discrimate against someone because of their lifestyle. With that said I also feel that landlords already have to many laws that makes it difficult to rent to certain people.

To those who feel you can't serve in the military. Yes, you can as long as your lifestyle is kept quiet. Once it becomes openly then you are subject to disciplinary action. The military is fully voluntary so those who are openly gay knew that before they enlisted. They also knew the rules and regulations before enlisting. That said the military is one of the most closed societies in the world. Whether I agree or not with the current policy that is the policy. If it changes then so be it, until it does then it is better to keep quiet about it, especially if you want to serve. I knew many who were gay while I was in and some served well and some didn't. The same could be said of those who were heterosexual. I never turned anyone in based on sexual orinetation.
@trsgrv | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
But what about the gay who is an awesome employee that is fired because he was gay? No recourse. He didn't do anything wrong except be born apparently, but you seem to be ok with that.

Or the person who is evicted, not because he didn't pay his rent, or was destructive to property, but because of who the person is. Doesn't seem fair to me.
Born that Way | 12:14 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Very poorly written article. Quote: "Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns are not protected by state laws."

Um... they are protected under the law like everyone else.

Oh and the Matthew Shepard tragedy happened in Wyoming. And those who did it went to jail, cuz that was illegal.

We should be working as communities to foster tolerance of our own good will, and not use laws to ram our personal social agendae down other people's throats.


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