Equality Utah responds to act of vandalism directed toward Utah senator

Equality Utah has learned that Senator Mike Kennedy’s home was vandalized yesterday. We do not know who participated in this action, but we have been informed this may have been an act of retaliation for his sponsorship of SB 16. To the extent this, or any other act of violence or vandalism against our public officials, is related to LGBTQ advocacy, we want to make it clear that Equality Utah condemns these tactics in the absolute strongest terms.

As LGBTQ Americans, we know what it is like to be on the receiving end of violence. We know what it is like to fear for our own safety. It is never acceptable to replicate the violent or threatening tactics we have had to endure and target those with whom we have disagreement.

These heinous acts do not help LGBTQ Utahns. They do not advance a climate of equality. In fact, they harm our efforts to build bridges and create deeper understanding with our fellow Utahns.

We understand that many people in our community are frightened by the unprecedented number of bills that have been introduced across the country that directly impact LGBTQ youth. We work tirelessly with lawmakers to help them understand the complexity of these issues, and to have compassion and empathy for our community. Because we have been able to develop meaningful relationships with many lawmakers with whom we have fundamental disagreements, we have been able to experience incredible progress in a very conservative state. We will never achieve equality unless we continue to actively build bridges of understanding through mutual respect.

We don’t know the ideology of those who vandalized Senator Kennedy’s house. But we have repeatedly asked conservatives to call out extremists on their side, who verbally harass our community and attack our liberties with harmful legislation. In return, we now call out and condemn extremists who may identify with our side, who deploy tactics to intimidate and frighten political opponents.

The culture wars are now escalating into real world violence, and we all have an obligation to take a stand and condemn extremism wherever it manifests — be it acts of vandalism, or political acts of violence.

We extend compassion and kindness to Senator Kennedy’s family. Just as LGBTQ families have a right to feel safe and secure in our homes, so too do the Kennedys.  We recommit to working with legislators in a respectful, constructive manner. And we call on everyone on all sides of these debates to work together to ratchet down the hysteria and create genuine common ground with our fellow 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

Sue Robbins
Transgender Advisory Council, Equality Utah
350 E 400 S #305
Salt Lake City, UT 84111