• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Towleroad Gay News

Gay Blog Towleroad: More than gay news | gay men

  • Travel
  • Sports
  • Law/Justice
  • Celebrities
  • Republicans
  • Madonna
  • Books
  • Men
  • Trans Rights
  • Royals
  • Monkeypox
  • Sophia Bush’s girlfriend ‘proud’ the actress has opened up about coming out as queer
  • Mel B declares she’ll ‘always be open’ when it comes to her sexuality!
  • Megan Thee Stallion being sued for ‘forcing cameraman watch her having lesbian sex!’

Utah State Senator Fights For LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill Amid Gay Marriage Ban Battle

Sean Mandell February 4, 2014

While the future of marriage equality remains uncertain in the Beehive State as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to consider and rule on a lower court ruling that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, one lawmaker is fighting to send a strong message about how Utah treats its LGBT brethren: "we don't discriminate against our fellow Utahans." 

SteveRepublican State Senator Steve Urquhart has, for the second year in a row, introduced a bill that would "bar discrimination based on sexual identity or orientation in housing and employment deals," according to the AP. Despite the fact that the bill has gained some ground since being backed by a Republican (it was previously introduced on four separate occasions by Democratic representatives), many Utah lawmakers are calling for a delay in consideration of any proposed legislation that could be impacted by the state's ongoing debacle surrounding same-sex marriage, which in the eyes of many, includes Senator Urquhart's bill. Urquhart, however, does not agree.

Referring to Judge Robert Shelby's ruling that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, Urquhart said:

"I want to point out, that this issue, it was relevant before Shelby's decision," Urquhart said. "It will continue to be relevant no matter how the issue of same-sex marriage is resolved."

On Friday, Urquhart urged anyone supporting the bill to "come to the Capitol and let people know that this issue should be heard."

He then took a paper form used for members of the public to request meetings with lawmakers and wrote a message on the back urging his bill to be heard.

He taped it to the main doors of the Senate, and urged any supporters to do the same during the legislative session.

Eight other supporters in attendance posted similar messages on the door soon after.

Senate Chief of Staff Ric Cantrell said the messages will be allowed, but the door will be cleared off every few days and the messages saved.

Meanwhile, other bills have been proposed which actually would be impacted by the 10th Circuit's eventual ruling. Republican State Representative Merill Nelson has introduced legalisation that would allow Utah taxpayers do donate part of their tax refund to fight gay marriage. Another proposed law "would stipulate that religious officials do not have to perform marriages that violate their beliefs."

Topics: News More Posts About: Discrimination, discrimination, News, Utah, Utah

Related Posts
  • Republicans have filed dozens of bills to disrupt transgender youth health care
  • No deal to end gun violence, U.S. Republican lawmaker says
  • Utah lawmakers vote to override veto on anti-trans sports ban
  • Mel B declares she’ll ‘always be open’ when it comes to her sexuality!

    Mel B declares she’ll ‘always be open’ when it comes to her sexuality!

    Published by BANG Showbiz English Mel B will “always be open” when it comes to her sexuality. The Spice Girls singer, 48, who reunited with her bandmates including the group's ex-singer Victoria Beckham for the fashion …Read More »
  • Megan Thee Stallion being sued for ‘forcing cameraman watch her having lesbian sex!’

    Megan Thee Stallion being sued for ‘forcing cameraman watch her having lesbian sex!’

    Published by BANG Showbiz English Megan Thee Stallion is being sued for allegedly creating a hostile work environment and forcing her cameraman to watch her having lesbian sex. The 29-year-old ‘Savage' rapper faces the salacious claims …Read More »
  • Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett recalls the moment his life ‘changed forever’

    Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett recalls the moment his life ‘changed forever’

    Published by BANG Showbiz English Jonathan Bennett's life was “changed forever” by his role in ‘Mean Girls'. The 42-year-old actor starred as heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the 2004 cult classic – which followed Lindsay Lohan, Rachel …Read More »
  • Sir Elton John sent Lance Bass gift basket to celebrate coming out

    Sir Elton John sent Lance Bass gift basket to celebrate coming out

    Published by BANG Showbiz English Sir Elton John sent Lance Bass a gift basket after he came out as gay. The 44-year-old NSYNC star revealed the legendary singer showed his support when Lance decided to reveal …Read More »
Previous Post: « Stephen Colbert Flips Out Over Coca-Cola’s Super Bowl Ad Celebrating Diversity: VIDEO
Next Post: Bill O’Reilly Demands Obama Explain How He’s Unfair to Him: VIDEO »

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent

  • Sophia Bush’s girlfriend ‘proud’ the actress has opened up about coming out as queer

    Sophia Bush’s girlfriend ‘proud’ the actress has opened up about coming out as queer

  • Mel B declares she’ll ‘always be open’ when it comes to her sexuality!

    Mel B declares she’ll ‘always be open’ when it comes to her sexuality!

  • Megan Thee Stallion being sued for ‘forcing cameraman watch her having lesbian sex!’

    Megan Thee Stallion being sued for ‘forcing cameraman watch her having lesbian sex!’

  • Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett recalls the moment his life ‘changed forever’

    Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett recalls the moment his life ‘changed forever’

  • Sir Elton John sent Lance Bass gift basket to celebrate coming out

    Sir Elton John sent Lance Bass gift basket to celebrate coming out

  • Relationship status influences heterosexual women’s sexual prejudice towards lesbians

    Relationship status influences heterosexual women’s sexual prejudice towards lesbians

  • JoJo Siwa had a challenge transitioning to new grown-up image

    JoJo Siwa had a challenge transitioning to new grown-up image

  • Liz Hurley defends lesbian sex scene in new movie that was directed by her son

    Liz Hurley defends lesbian sex scene in new movie that was directed by her son

Partner Links

  • Born On This Day: Don Rickles
    Born on this day in 1926. Married to Barbara for 52 […]
  • Nathan Lane says his Hulu comedy ‘Mid-Century Modern’ is more than “the gay Golden Girls”
    Nathan Lane joined Deadline on The Actor’s Side to discuss his […]
  • Princess Kate repeated an Alessandra Rich dress for the VE Day service at the Abbey
    The Windsors gathered at Westminster Abbey earlier today for the service […]
  • “Leonardo DiCaprio did not want to be photographed at the Met Gala” links
    Leonardo DiCaprio actually attended the Met Gala with Vittoria Ceretti, his […]
  • OMG, he’s naked RETRO EDITION: Antoine Basler goes full-frontal in ‘Paris s’éveille’ (1991)
    If you’re a fan of vintage bush, check out Antoine Basler […]

Most Commented

Social

Twitter @tlrd | Facebook | Instagram @tlrd

About

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy
[towleroadmr] [towleroadtn]

Footer

Ptown Hacks 2018

Read

  • Travel
  • Film
  • Law – LGBT Rights
  • Columns
  • Specials

About

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in

×
×