SALT LAKE CITY -- About 50 people gathered outside the Utah State Capitol on Tuesday to protest the sudden death of a bill that would have prohibited discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Many of the demonstrators said they are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and called for passage of a non-discrimination bill. Carrying signs that read "Love One Another" and "Jesus Says Love Everybody," they sang LDS hymns as they marched around the capitol grounds.
Some said the experiences of their LGBT friends was the reason they came to the rally.
"I've seen the tragedy that sometimes occurs with people that just feel outcast," he said. "I think this is for our benefit as a people and as a society that we not discriminate."
SB 262 was suddenly killed in the waning days of the Utah State Legislature when senate leaders announced they would not bring it to the floor for a debate. It made it out of committee -- a first -- last week on 4-3 vote.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, has said he would bring the bill back next year.
The gay rights group Equality Utah is planning a rally on Wednesday at the Utah State Capitol to renew the push for a non-discrimination bill.
