Rocky puts focus on gay rights

[kweerwolf]

In assessing the quality of life in Salt Lake City, Mayor Rocky Anderson used traditional instruments: taking stock of the decrease in crime, the positive attention paid by national media, the planned expansion of transit.

Next in his State of the City address Tuesday night, he ventured where most mayors don't: He spoke of the status of gays and lesbians and declared they are "consistently marginalized" and treated as "second-class citizens."

"Society's treatment of gays and lesbians has made life tragically difficult and painful for them, and has too often deprived our community of the valuable perspectives and resources they offer," Anderson said at City Hall during the start of his 50-minute speech.

While the mayor said the city has made strides in including the gay community - he named his executive order offering health insurance to city employees' domestic partners, the city's inclusion in a book on gay-friendly cities and his being named a top straight advocate for the gay community - he said obstacles remain.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3412570

[joeybee12]

1. Especially impressive considering he's not in the most gay-friendly part

of the country. It's one thing to make sucha speech in NYC, but to do this in SLC takes guts, and--dare I say it?--leadership.

Bravo.

[f-bush]

2. Good Job

I too recognize that it could be a tough road to work in SLC more power to those that are in field working for justice!!!! You have my thanks and prayers!!!

[kevinbgoode]

3. Maybe if the Mormon Church was marginalized

for the polygamist wannabes they are, the Repukes running Utah would finally get their own comeuppance.