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
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
Over the past several years our political climate is growing increasingly polarized. We are in a moment when it is becoming more difficult to engage across the aisle and find common ground with our neighbors. The chasm between “us” and “them” only seems to be widening. The culture wars are being stoked and the fires they produce threaten not only to harm LGBTQ Americans, but also the strength and wellbeing of our democracy.
Things need to change. We need to be the change.
Today, Equality Utah will have a booth at the Utah State GOP Convention. Our intent is to engage with delegates and share our lives. And perhaps, maybe even discover common ground. Sure, it would be easier to preach to the choir. Our challenge is to be brave and curious with those who don’t know our community, who have genuine questions, and are perhaps even suspicious.
Yes, we know Governor Ron DeSenatis is the keynote speaker. We have been deeply disturbed by the legislation that has been introduced in Florida that aggressively targets LGBTQ people. Many of the measures that he has supported have been frightening to our community. Many fear that these harsh measures will be exported to Utah.
So we must engage. We have been successful at advancing LGBTQ equality in our state because of our capacity to build meaningful relationships with people from all sides of the political spectrum. We won’t stop now.
With DeSantis as the keynote speaker, we felt an even greater urgency to attend the convention and meet delegates in respectful dialogue. In any conflict, the easy path is to turn away from each other -- to point fingers and condemn the other side. We believe now, more than ever, that we need to turn toward our fellow Utahns and talk. We are pulling a seat up to the table to make sure we are part of the conversation that directly impacts our families.
At the end of the day, there are many values that we all share. We want the freedom to live in peace, and have the opportunity to live, work, love, and if we desire, build a family. It’s the American Dream, and we want to make it real for every LGBTQ Utahn. That is the message that we will be sharing with GOP delegates today.
We are walking in with open hearts andoutstretched hands.
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
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
Today Governor Cox signed HB 228, which will codify into law a ban on conversion therapy for minors. This misguided practice has done untold harm to LGBTQ Utahns. We are grateful to Rep. Petersen, Rep. Brammer and Senator Bramble for working together with open hearts. We are grateful to Governor Cox, President Adams and Speaker Wilson for encouraging us all to get around the table to find solutions.
We don’t agree on every issue on Capitol Hill. We didn’t agree on every issue this session. But we are committed to always engaging with each other, working through conflict, and finding common ground where we can.
To all of the survivors of conversion therapy, today’s victory was for you. We heard your stories. We shared your heartbreak. We promised we would end this harmful practice amongst licensed therapists.
Today, Utah made good on that promise. Our state passed HB 228 with the bipartisan support of every Utah legislator and our Governor.
This is an incredible victory for LGBTQ Utahns, and an example to the nation.
Thank you to everyone who made this historic day possible. We could not have done this without you.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Wharton, Attorney
801.910.6795
chris@wolawutah.com
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
801.915.1809
troy@equalityutah.org
Utah Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Rights
Salt Lake City -- On Thursday, May 6, the Utah Supreme Court ruled today In Re Gray and Rice (20170046) 2021 UT 13, and confirmed the right of transgender Utahns to change the name and gender marker on their birth certificates. Attorneys Chris Wharton, Kyler O'Brien, and Beth Jennings (Wharton O'Brien) Troy Booher and Beth Kennedy (Zimmerman Booher) will joint plaintiffs Angie Rice (she/her) and Sean Childers-Gray (he/him) in a press conference outside the Matheson Court House today at 11am to discuss the impact of the ruling.
Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center and TEA of Utah will also be in attendance.
“We are grateful that our clients’ right to live as their authentic selves has been upheld by the court.” stated attorney Chris Wharton, “While the decision was a long time coming, there is nothing radical about the outcome—the right to be treated equally regardless of which county or judicial district you are in.”
This day is about Angie and Sean, but will also have profound significance on transgender Utahns. The case has been under advisement by the Utah Supreme Court for almost 3.5 years. Notably, there was no opposing party, and no challenge to existing Utah law. The case only challenges the district judge’s erroneous rulings. The Utah Attorney General's Office was ordered to file an amicus brief and essentially agreed with Angie and Sean on the merits (the state's first published opinion supporting transgender rights).
Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams stated, “It has been an unprecedented year for transgender Americans. Over 30 states introduced legislation to restrict the freedom of transgender youth. But here in Utah, we chart a different path. The Utah Legislature rejected two anti-transgender bills, and today, the Utah Supreme Court has upheld transgender rights to live freely as their authentic selves. This is ‘equality under the law’ in practice, right here in Utah.”
TEA of Utah executive director Candice Metzler stated, “Today, the State of Utah has taken a step closer to that ideal of ‘becoming a more perfect Union.’ We have chosen to create a system that actually serves all who use it. We have chosen the health of our community by sending a clear message that transgender, intersex, and gender-diverse people have a place in our communities and state. This decision will go a long way in helping such people know they belong.”
CASE SUMMARY:
District Cout Rulings: In Ms. Rice’s case, the court ruled that “[t]he procedure for obtaining a sex/gender marker change must be set forth by the legislature” before they may be considered by the court. The court ruled that it was “prohibited from invading the legislature’s prerogative on this issue.”
In Mr. Childers-Gray’s case, the court reached the same conclusion, stating that the petition for sex designation change must be denied “because there is no statute in the State of Utah which sets forth either standards or procedures under which the court may consider such a request.” The court ruled that the lack of legislative guidance rendered the question of whether to change a sex designation to be a nonjusticiable political question under Baker v. Carr, 369 U.S. 186, 209 (1962).
Timeline:
* December 14, 2016 - Final Ruling and Order in the Childers-Gray case and Rice cases
* January 9, 2017 - Notice of Appeal filed
* May 23, 2017 - Opening Brief filed
* January 8, 2018 - Oral Argument held
* December 5, 2019 - Attorney General Amicus Brief filed
* January 6, 2020 - Supplemental Brief filed
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City -- On Thursday, May 21, the LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality Utah hosted The Equality Forum featuring all four Republican gubernatorial candidates. The Equality Forum was a first for Utah, and a first for red states across the country.
“Four years ago we would never have seen a moment when all Republican candidates vying to be Governor would join a forum hosted by Equality Utah,” stated Executive Director Troy Williams, who hosted the event. “Today, all four Republican gubernatorial candidates expressed love and friendship to LGBTQ Utahns and made a commitment that our voices will continue to be at the table.”
Former Utah governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman was unequivocal in his support:
“An overriding philosophy for me, as a human being and as an elected official, has always been ‘equality under the law.’ So as a Republican that’s what I’ve always thought Abraham Lincoln stood for: equality under the law, not for some, but for all.”
Current Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox, also shared his support, specifically reaching out to transgender Utahns: “I have had the opportunity to meet with members of our transgender community many times . . . They are an important part of our state, and they deserve to be at the table.”
Former Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Greg Hughes joined his Republican rivals in expressing support for LGBTQ Utahns. When asked how he would address the struggles of LGBTQ youth, he said, “ I’d tell them what I tell my friends who are gay: You are my friend, that is the bottom line. Our relationships and how we hold our relationships are most important.”
Former Republican Party Chair Thomas Wright declared, “I am an ally” to LGBTQ Utahns. He went on to discuss the work he’s done to move the state’s Republican party forward on LGBTQ issues.
All four candidates have helped move the state forward on LGBTQ issues. In 2009, then Governor Jon Huntsman challenged party orthodoxy to advocate for antidiscrimination protections. As Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox has long championed suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth and helped the state ban conversion therapy. As Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes helped pass Utah’s landmark LGBTQ employment and housing nondiscrimination law. As Republican Party Chair, Thomas Wright challenged the party to include and involve LGBTQ Utahns.
Over the past five years, Utah has made remarkable strides toward equality. In 2015 Utah passed a law protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment and housing. In 2017, Utah repealed an anti-LGBTQ curriculum law that prohibited discusson of homosexuality in public schools. In 2019, the state passed an LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes law. Earlier this year, Utah became the 19th state in the nation to protect minors from conversion therapy.
The event was simulcast on Facebook Live, and is now available to view on Equality Utah’s YouTube channel.
The Forum will continue next week with Democratic nominee, Chris Peterson.
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City -- On Thursday, May 21, Equality Utah will host a forum featuring the four Republican gubernatorial candidates. The Equality Forum is a first for Utah, and a first for red states across the country. The simulcast of the Equality Forum will occur on Equality Utah’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at 7pm.
“Utah continues to be a beacon to conservative states on LGBTQ public policy. Year after year, we’ve proven that people with different ideological views can come together and discover common ground” stated Executive Director Troy Williams. “Utahns may not agree on every policy issue, but we always engage with each other to find positive solutions to complex issues.”
All candidates have helped move the state forward on LGBTQ issues. Long before marriage equality was a possibility, Governor Jon Huntsman challenged party orthodoxy to advocate for civil unions and antidiscrimination protections. As Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox has long championed suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. As Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes helped pass Utah’s landmark LGBTQ nondiscrimination law in 2015. As Republican Party Chair, Thomas Wright challenged the party to include and involve LGBTQ Utahns.
Over the past five years, Utah has made remarkable strides toward equality. In 2015 Utah passed a law protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment and housing. In 2017, Utah repealed an anti-LGBTQ curriculum law that prohibited discusson of homosexuality in public schools. In 2019, the state passed an LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes law. Earlier this year, Utah became the 19th state in the nation to protect minors from conversion therapy.
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Utah ERA Coalition Media Contact:
Kelly Whited Jones
Fair Utah Media Contact:
Amy Rich
amy@fairutah.org
Salt Lake City -- January 24, 2020: Four decades since it was first introduced in the Utah Legislature, Representative Karen Kwan will reintroduce the Equal Rights Amendment during the upcoming 2020 legislative session that begins on Monday morning.
The ERA was first ratified by the US Senate and sent out for state’s approval in 1972. Despite years of political efforts by Utah women, the state remains one of only 12 states yet to ratify the ERA. But this year is different. This year more than 30 bi-partisan coalition partners including, Women’s State Legislative Council, League of Women Voters, National Association of Women Business Owners, Equality Utah, American Association of University Women, Women Lawyers of Utah, YWCA and many more, are working together under the umbrella of the Utah ERA Coalition.
Their efforts are gaining ground, as a 2020 Utah Policy Poll reports broad support for ratification in Utah is building. 71% of Utahns support the effort, and perhaps even more poignantly, 66% of active LDS members want to see it ratified this year. “Hearts and minds are changing as they realize what this amendment is really about, and what it will mean for the women they love,” says Kelly Whited Jones, a member of the Coalition executive committee. “It’s a fight we’ve been part of for decades, says Teri Jewell, Coalition member of AAUW. “Women are not constitutionally protected and we won’t be until this historic amendment is passed.”
Utah is often seen as one of the worst states in the nation for women, consistently ranked 47 and lower by national metrics, but ratification can send a strong message to the contrary. Kwan says the amendment can serve as a shining example to the nation of respect. “Utah has a unique history of being a national leader in women's equal political rights, but we have recently fallen outside the national conversation,” says Rep. Karen Kwan (D-District 34), the bill’s sponsor. “I want our young men and women to know our history and inform the national narrative about how much Utah values women. Ratifying the ERA now will be Utah’s grand gesture of love and respect for our families and our neighbors.”
HJR 007 is a next step bill modeled after last year’s Reaffirm Respect for Utah Women Resolution HJR 021 that passed both the house and the senate unanmously. By signing the resolution, every Utah representative and senator recommitted to value Utah women and affirm the State’s commitment to elevate the status of women. Now it’s time to take that next step. Utah’s ratification will bolster active efforts in Virginia, Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, Ohio, and elsewhere, and provide cushion states in the legal battles ahead. “The fight for full equality under the law is not over after Virginia’s ratification” says Amy Rich of Fair Utah and Utah ERA Coalition Chair, “Utah can still be the state to make history. #38 would be great, but #39 will be just fine.
Christian Numes, a community organizer and current Vice President of the National Organization of Women (NOW), is a featured speaker at Monday's event. She is chair of NOW's Racial Justice Task Force and has spoken at events such as the March for Black Women in 2018. Numes has over 20 years of experience advocating for children's and women's issues.
The Utah ERA Coalition and Representative Kwan will host a rally and press conference on Monday, January 27th , 12:00pm-1:00pm MST on the Utah State Capitol front steps, to discuss HJR 007 as it moves forward through the house.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City, UT – On Wednesday, January 22, Utah will become the 19th state in the nation to protect minors from the practice of so-called “Conversion Therapy.” The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and Governor Gary Herbert have adopted rules to effectively regulate this dangerous practice. Equality Utah, the Utah Psychological Association, Rep. Craig Hall and conversion therapy survivors will gather at the Capitol’s Copper Room at 9am on Wednesday morning to celebrate the adoption of this new rule.
Troy Williams, executive director of EQUALITY UTAH stated: “Every reputable science-based organization in the country recognizes that conversion therapy is a dangerous fraud. It exasurbates depression, anxiety and suicide ideation. We are grateful to Governor Herbert and the Board of Psychologists for acting swiftly on behalf of LGBTQ youth.”
University of Utah law professor Clifford Rosky, who worked on drafting the approved language, stated: “Although Utah is a predominately conservative state, protecting children from conversion therapy is not a partisan project. It’s about preventing youth suicide—a goal that is widely shared by progressives and conservatives. Utah adopted this measure to prevent children from dying by suicide.”
Rep. Craig Hall, the original sponsor of HB 399, said: “I am thrilled by the adoption of the Administrative Rule which ends conversion therapy once and for all in this State. Thanks to everyone who helped develop language that both prohibits conversion therapy and also protects the legitimate interests of healthcare professionals, patients and families. This measure will truly save lives.”
The Williams Institute from UCLA Law estimates that 680,000 Americans have experienced conversion therapy—350,000 as minors. A 2018 study by Dr. Caitlin Ryan found that minors subjected to conversion therapy were two times more likely to experience depression (52%) and nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide (63%). A new study from JAMA Psychiatry on transgender clients in conversion therapy experience “severe psychological distress” and “increased odds of lifetime suicide attempts”.
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
(Salt Lake City, UT) - This morning, Troy Williams, Executive Director of Equality Utah, released the following statement regarding the introduction of the Fairness for All Act:
"Today’s introduction of the Fairness for All Act in the U.S. House of Representatives represents an important milestone. Rep. Stewart and many conservative faith organizations now recognize that LGBTQ Americans must be included in and protected by our nation's civil rights laws. Although Equality Utah was not involved in drafting the Fairness for All Act, and we have significant concerns about some of the bill’s provisions, we look forward to beginning a dialogue with the bill’s sponsor.”
“In 2015, Equality Utah worked in collaboration with the Utah Legislature, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a broad and diverse coalition of community stakeholders to find legislative solutions to Utah's cultural divides, which could be supported by Utahns of all parties and faiths. We hope to see that same model of collaboration develop on the federal level, in which people of faith can work alongside LGBTQ leaders to identify and secure robust legal protections for all Americans.”
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City, UT – On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing will hear public testimony on the harmful practice of conversion therapy. No one understands the harms better than McKrae Game who led the conversion therapy organization Hope for Wholeness in South Carolina for two decades. Game recently came out as a gay man and repudiated his practice.
“During all this time, I never encountered anyone who had reoriented their sexuality” Game stated. “For the overwhelming majority it becomes a game of turning your head, repressing thoughts, denying identity, denying involvement in gay relationships and friendships, and lying to self. Today, I now see that my chronic anxiety over my whole life was from my constant repression of my sexuality. Today my anxiety is gone.”
Troy Wililams, executive director of EQUALITY UTAH stated, “Every reputable science based organization in the country recognizes that conversion therapy is a dangerous fraud. It exasurbates depression, anxiety and suicide ideation. We are grateful that the Board of Psychologists and DOPL are thoughtfully engaging this issue. The end objective we all share is to save lives.”
Matthew Shurka from the national BORN PERFECT campaign will also be joining us. “Leaders have a responsibility to promote the health and well-being of our youth. Being LGBTQ is a natural part of the human condition—not a mental illness or disorder. It is vital that Utah’s medical boards protect youth from the life-threatening practice of conversion therapy and send a clear message that all LGBTQ youth are Born Perfect.”
The public hearing begins at 9am at the Heber Wells Building, 160 E 300 S in the main conference room. We will host a press conference after the hearing immediately after the initial hearing. We expect it sometime around noon.
Other available interviews include Casey Pick from The Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ suicide hotline, Taryn Hiatt from The American Foundaiton for Suicide Prevention, Marina Lowe from The ACLU of Utah, Rep. Craig Hall, and several survivors of conversion therapy.
The Williams Institute from UCLA Law estimates that 680,000 Americans have experienced conversion therapy—350,000 as minors. A 2018 study by Dr. Caitlin Ryan found that minors subjected to conversion therapy were two times more likely to experience depression (52%) and nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide (63%). A new study from JAMA Psychiatry on transgender clients in conversion therapy experience “severe psychological distress” and “increased odds of lifetime suicide attempts”.
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City -- To cap off PRIDE month and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, local muralist Josh Scheuerman will unveil his new permanent work, honoring Civil and LGBTQ rights leader, Harvey Milk on 265 East 9th South (Harvey Milk Blvd).
Building owner J.R. Holbrook stated, “We feel that there needs to be a special place on Harvey Milk Blvd where locals and tourists can stop by, gather strength, pay their respects and take a photo.”
Artist Scheuerman said, “Art has the power to start a conversation and to share a message with only a visual representation. I have seen murals unite communities and help propel a dialogue about social issues and causes.” He continued, “As an artist I believe I have a powerful role in helping to shape the world I want to live in, which is both brave and kind for future generations.
Equality Utah’s executive director Troy Williams praised the display, “Our intent in renaming 900 South after Harvey was to inspire the rising generation. In a state where suicide is the leading cause of death for young people, this beautiful work of art will send Harvey’s message of hope to LGBTQ youth throughout the city.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony will commence at 10am on Tuesday 2nd of July. A short program with Holbrook, Sheurerman, Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office will follow.
Harvey Milk was among the first openly gay candidates in the nation to be elected to public office when he won his seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Harvey foresaw his own death when he said, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.” Harvey was assassinated on November 27th, 1978. He is memorialized on downtown Salt Lake City alongside other civil rights luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr. (600 S.), Rosa Parks (200 E.) and Cesar Chavez (500 S.).
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City, UT – On Wednesday, March 6th, at 9am in the Copper Room at the Utah State Capitol, Equality Utah will hold a press event to discuss the Legislature’s efforts to undermine HB 399, “Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy for Minors”.
“What happened in the Legislature was a travesty,” said executive director, Troy Williams. “We came to the Capitol in good faith to save LGBTQ lives. The Governor and the House Judiciary Committee rejected the leading scientific consensus that conversion therapy is harmful and endangers youth. The Committee’s new substitute bill would have authorized conversion therapy, instead of protecting children from it.”
“This was a life-saving bill,” explained Taryn Hiatt, the area director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We know that youth who are subjected to conversion therapy experience higher rates of depression and suicide attempts. We are incredibly disappointed by the unwillingness of lawmakers to address this public health issue in a meaningful way.”
“Conversion therapy is a public health crisis,” said Clifford Rosky, a law professor at the University of Utah and a member of Equality Utah’s Advisory Council. “It is appalling that the Governor and the Legislature are refusing to protect our children and families. This is not about politics. It’s about saving lives.”
The Williams Institute from UCLA Law estimates that 680,000 Americans have experienced conversion therapy—350,000 as minors. A 2018 study by Dr. Caitlin Ryan found that minors subjected to conversion therapy were two times more likely to experience depression (52%) and nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide (63%).
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org
Salt Lake City, UT– Equality Utah, Rep. Craig Hall and Sen. Dan McCay will introduce “Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy Upon Minors,” on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 12:00 PM in the Hall of Governors at the Utah State Capitol. Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change or “fix” a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy has been associated with high risks of depression and suicide among minors, and it has been disavowed by all of the nation’s major medical and mental health organizations. Although the practice has been banned in 15 other states, it remains legal in Utah, where suicide is already the leading cause of death among youth.
“For decades, LGBTQ Utahns have been subjected to the harmful and fraudulent efforts of conversion therapy, and it’s sadly still happening,” said Executive Director Troy Williams. “We still meet young people who are being told they can change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and the impacts are devastating. We are grateful to Rep. Hall and Sen. McCay for sponsoring this bill to protect our youth.”
Sponsor Craig Hall said, “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that protects children from the harmful and discredited practice of so-called conversion therapy. This legislation establishes regulatory standards and will have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youth.”
Nathan Dalley, a 19-year-old survivor of conversion therapy from Lehi, Utah, described his ordeal: “In therapy I was told that I could overcome my same-sex attraction if I became more muscular and played sports with other boys. However, after a while I started to loathe myself.” He continued, “I became more depressed, and I experienced suicidal ideation stronger than I ever had before. The therapy that was supposed to be making me better was making me feel worse.”
“This is a life-saving bill,” explained Taryn Hiatt, the area director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We know that youth who are subjected to conversion therapy experience higher rates of depression and suicide attempts. We are eager to work with Equality Utah and state leaders to pass this legislation.”
“This bill is a huge step forward for LGBTQ children and families,” said Clifford Rosky, a law professor at the University of Utah and a member of Equality Utah’s Advisory Council. “Conversion therapy harms children and tears families apart. It’s time for Utah to join other states by protecting children from this dangerous practice.”
The Williams Institute from UCLA Law estimates that 680,000 Americans have experienced conversion therapy—350,000 as minors. A 2018 study by Dr. Caitlin Ryan found that minors subjected to conversion therapy were two times more likely to experience depression (52%) and nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide (63%).
About Equality Utah
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families, and its vision is of a fair and just Utah. For more information, please visit equalityutah.org.
