Equality Utah responds to Elder Holland speaking at SUU

Many have asked for us to weigh in on the controversy regarding Elder Holland speaking at Southern Utah University’s commencement ceremony.

As an organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the rights of LGBTQ Utahns, Equality Utah disagreed vehemently when Elder Holland deployed the metaphorical use of ‘muskets’ to defend traditional marriage. It was disheartening and painful to hear. Yet, we also understand that the principles of freedom of expression, which are the hallmark of a free and pluralistic society, mean that even those with whom we disagree are entitled to express themselves, especially in an academic setting.

This same principle and First Amendment right has allowed LGBTQ people to make progress in ensuring equal treatment and empathy from our neighbors. Largely for that reason, Equality Utah strongly believes in protecting public forums as a space where ideas can be freely shared.

We are especially sensitive to this issue because there are currently efforts by our opponents to cancel LGBTQ culture. We work diligently to protect the LGBTQ community from ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws that seek to restrict classroom conversations that allow LGBTQ children and families to talk openly about their lives.

We oppose measures that would ban books from school library shelves when those books discuss or include LGBTQ characters or themes.  

We advocate for the ability of people to march in pride parades and to participate in or attend drag shows, even while our detractors (incorrectly, we believe) suggest that the content of these events are so dangerous that they should be systematically banned.

Certainly as an organization, we have no control over who a university invites to speak. However, as a matter of course, Equality Utah rejects simply shutting down speech we disagree with, especially because we so fundamentally believe in the truth of our ideas. An ever-evolving democracy is better served when there is space to speak, to voice differing opinions, to make mistakes and to have robust debate, rather than drive unpopular messages underground where they risk becoming more rigid and entrenched.

The principles of freedom of expression allow us to live and speak freely.  We must accordingly extend the same courtesy to those with whom we disagree.  We urge those members of our community who are concerned about Elder Holland’s past statements to use our freedom of speech to express why his words were hurtful to LGBTQ Utahns. This is an opportunity to hold his words up to sunlight. But let’s not deploy the same tactics that have been used to silence and intimidate our community.  

Also, as we recognize harmful rhetoric, let’s also acknowledge our progress.

While we disagree with Elder Holland’s past statements, we have also historically been able to find common ground with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because of their willingness to engage our community, Utah has successfully passed LGBTQ and religious liberty nondiscrimination laws. The Church was instrumental in helping Utah ban LGBTQ conversion therapy for minors, and we are grateful for their willingness to support the Respect for Marriage Act, which now protects civil marriage for LGBTQ couples.

As our friend, Irshad Manji says, it is possible to stand our ground, even as we seek common ground.

For Americans to thrive in a pluralistic society, all have a responsibility to de-escalate the ongoing culture wars, so that all people – regardless of our faith, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or political persuasion – can live and work together with mutual respect.

Whatever the University and students decide to do, our hope is to not silence Elder Holland, but rather to continue to engage in further dialogue with him, to share our lives, hopes, fears and joys. And in so doing, perhaps we end the culture wars and create greater peace and understanding between LDS and LGBTQ Utahns.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Troy Williams
Executive Director, Equality Utah
350 E 400 S #305
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Marina Lowe
Policy Director, Equality Utah
350 E 400 S #305
Salt Lake City, UT 84111