Utah passes Mormon-backed bill to stem anti-LGBT discrimination

Utah passed a bill protecting LGBT rights — (Image credit: Twitter/@FoxNews)

On Wednesday night, Utah's Republican-dominated state legislature passed a bill that bans discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people but gives religious institutions and charities some leeway if they object to homosexuality. The bill has the backing of both the Mormon Church and gay rights groups, and it's seen as a potential model for other conservative states looking to shield gays and lesbians from housing and employment discrimination while protecting religious liberties.

The bill is seven years in the making, but it cleared the state House, 65-10, just a week after it was introduced in the state Senate. The backing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which sent two high-ranking officials to the legislature to support the bill, was instrumental in a state and legislature where most people are Mormon. Gov. Gary Herbert (R) is expected to sign the bill into law Thursday evening.

After he does, Utah will be the 19th state that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workforce and housing, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.