The Issue: Discrimination
Every day, LGBT Utahns face discrimination because of who they are. As a matter of fairness and justice, municipalities should provide protections for their LGBT residents.
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Can Cities Pass Discrimination Ordinances? Yes. Across the country, eighty two municipalities have human rights ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. U.C.A. 10-8-84 empowers Utah's cities to pass ordinances necessary for the prosperity, peace and comfort of residents. Prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is part of protecting residents.
Do Municipalities with Human Rights Ordinances get Flooded with Complaints? No. The Williams Institute reports that LGBT people file discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity at about the same rate that women file complaints of discrimination based on sex. The U.S. General Accounting Office confirms that only about 3% of cases of employment discrimination involve sexual orientation.
Will a Human Rights Ordinance Force Employers to Hire Gays? No. These ordinances prohibit the consideration of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, education, and public accomodation. Employers are encouraged to hire employees based on what counts: qualifications and experience.
Resources: Please check the resources below for more information.
