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Advocacy

Advocacy

Our work is to achieve full legal equality for LGBTQ Utahns under state civil law.

  • Securing LGBTQ Rights

    Securing LGBTQ Rights

  • Finding Common Ground

    Finding Common Ground

  • Year-Round Engagement

    Year-Round Engagement

Our Role in Utah’s Political Landscape

Mitt Romney and Troye Williams pose together indoors.

Advocacy isn’t just part of our mission, it’s the essence of who we are. Throughout our history, we have championed legislative victories that have changed lives. From passing a landmark LGBTQ non-discrimination law in housing and employment to banning conversion therapy for minors, our work has helped make Utah a place where progress is possible.

But our work doesn’t end with celebrating these successes. When harmful bills are introduced that threaten the rights of LGBTQ Utahns, we are at the table. We protect our community through ongoing negotiations with lawmakers, while our year-round engagement with legislators helps identify shared values and build common ground. This creates opportunities to open hearts, change minds, and secure lasting progress. We work to ensure that all LGBTQ Utahns and their families belong in the state we call home.

Legislative Highlights

This is a timeline outlining featured years. Navigate using the arrow buttons or timeline dots.

2015 Made Non-Discrimination the Law

We secured landmark protections for LGBTQ Utahns through SB 296, ‘The Utah Compromise,’ ensuring no one could be fired or evicted based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs.

Made Non-Discrimination the Law

2016 Established Harvey Milk Blvd

Through collaboration with the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor, we dedicated 20 blocks of downtown’s 900 South as Harvey Milk Boulevard, honoring the pioneering gay rights leader.

Established Harvey Milk Blvd
Established Harvey Milk Blvd

2017 Repealed “No Promo Homo”

We overturned Utah’s ‘No Promo Homo’ law with SB 196, which had prohibited discussions of LGBTQ people in public schools, at times preventing teachers from intervening when LGBTQ students face bullying.

Repealed

2019 Passed Hate Crimes Protections

We worked to secure passage of SB 103, Utah’s first comprehensive hate crimes law protecting LGBTQ people, minority communities, and religious groups under state law.

Passed Hate Crimes Protections
Passed Hate Crimes Protections

2020 Banned Conversion Therapy

We secured a ban on conversion therapy, working with state regulators to protect LGBTQ minors from the harmful discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Banned Conversion Therapy

2023 Codified Conversion Therapy Protections

We secured the unanimous passage of HB 228 both in the Utah House and Senate, transforming Utah’s regulatory ban on conversion therapy into permanent state law.

Codified Conversion Therapy Protections

2024 Secured LGBTQ Protections in Religious Freedom Law

We secured LGBTQ protections within Utah’s Religious Freedom (RFRA) bill, making Utah one of the few states to ensure RFRA legislation safeguards rather than undermines LGBTQ rights.

Capitol building for the state of Utah.
A professional photo of a woman standing indoors, wearing a beige blazer over a white top. She is looking upward with a slight smile. The background is blurred, showing other people in the casual attire.
Clapping happy people under a street sign: Harvey Milk Blvd

Protections

While our work continues, Utah stands out as the conservative state with the strongest protections for the LGBTQ community.

Equality Utah image presentation
Equality Utah image presentation

Legislation Tracker

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  • HB 77

    Flag Display Amendments

    This bill mirrors a bill introduced in the 2024 legislative session that would have banned the display of flags in public school classrooms, including pride flags. This year’s version would allow parents to sue a school for violating the law. Equality Utah remains engaged in discussions around this legislation.

    Status: Introduced in 2025

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Upcoming Events

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  • Two individuals on a stage in front of a blue backdrop with 'Equality Utah' logos. The person on the left, wearing a red patterned jacket and black shiny pants, is speaking into a microphone while seated on a stool near a keyboard. The person on the right, dressed in a dark sweater and jeans, is seated on a stool, smiling and looking at the speaker.
    Event
    01.24.2025

    QTalks

    Celebrating The Book of Queer Mormon Joy. Four book contributors will share their journeys of finding joy and authenticity at the intersection of queer and Mormon identity.
  • performer singing on colorfully-lit stage
    Event
    10.11.2025

    Allies Gala

    Join thousands at our signature event, where we celebrate our achievements, honor our champions, and build momentum for positive change.
  • Woman smiling holding microphone
    Event
    02.08.2025

    PAC Brunch

    Brunch with a mission! Join us and master storyteller Dustin Lance Black as we rewrite the future, one mimosa and pro-equality candidate at a time.
Change starts with you

Help us continue building a Utah where we all thrive together.