This Day In Gay Utah History December 20th

December 20

Today is the feast day of Ruth and Naomi, whose biblical story is believed by some to have lesbian overtones.

1973-The New York City Council rejected a gay rights ordinance.

1980-According to recently released stats, at least one person is physically assaulted in New York City each day because they are gay or lesbian.

1986-Boy George and a friend, Mark Golding, were arrested on suspicion of drug possession. The next day Golding died of an overdose of Methadone.

John Lorenzini

1986- Utah AIDS activists, John Lorenzini (1947-1990) and Elizabeth Van Der Burgh were presented a special award by the Utah Department of Social Services and signed by Governor Bangerter for their AIDS training Sessions with Social Services.

1988 - I’ve decided to let Unconditional Support stand or fail on its own merits.  People need to take charge of their own destinies. People have to step forward and make a difference.  I am tired of shouldering so much alone. I can’t control everything in this world in fact I can’t control any of it even my own body. I had to get ready for Unconditional Support with a splitting head ache. What a trooper. A very small turn out of perhaps 10 people. The holidays diminish for sure. I did the meeting on Homosexuality and the New Testament. First time ever in Unconditional Support that I did a lesson on religion. (memoirs of Ben Williams)

1988 Mike Conners dropped off a packet for Beyond Stonewall 89 from his lover John Bush. John is doing such an outstanding job. I hope I can find someone equally gifted to replace Dave Malmstrom. (memoirs of Ben Williams)

1988 OUTSIDE ATTORNEYS TO HANDLE DEFENSE IN MILLARD SLAYING Defense

Gordon Church

attorneys from outside Millard County have been appointed to represent two parolees charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of a Cedar City man. Michael Anthony Archuleta and Lance Conway Wood face a preliminary hearing Jan. 24 and 25 in East Millard Justice of the Peace Court. The two are accused of kidnapping and killing Gordon Ray Church, a Southern Utah State College student whose body was found in the desert alongside I-15 in Millard County Nov. 23. County Attorney Warren Peterson said Marcus Taylor, Richfield, will represent Wood while Michael Esplin, Provo, will represent Archuleta.  Millard County has a public defender, Peterson said, "but this case is not included in his soon-to-be-completed contract." Esplin is the Utah County public defender. Taylor defended George Wesley Hamilton, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 1986 mutilation slaying of Sharon Sant, an SUSC student whose body was buried near where Church was found.

1989 PROVO JURY DELIBERATING ARCHULETA'S SENTENCE Jurors in the murder

Mike Archuleta

trial of Michael Anthony Archuleta will decide Wednesday whether to recommend the defendant they convicted last week of capital homicide get the death penalty or life in prison. Following two weeks of testimony, the seven-man, five-woman jury on Friday found Archuleta, 27, guilty in the torture slaying on Nov. 22, 1988, of Gordon Ray Church, 28. Church's badly beaten body was found buried under dirt and tree limbs north or Cove Fort, Millard County, in an area known as Dog Valley. Archuleta testified under oath last week that he stood by while co-defendant Lance Conway Wood, who will be tried Feb. 20, murdered Church. Jurors rejected his testimony in light of what prosecutor Carvel Harward called "overwhelming evidence" to the contrary. Fourth District Judge George E. Ballif sent jurors home Friday evening after they reached their verdict following eight hours of deliberations. Ballif ordered jurors to return Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the penalty phase of Archuleta's trial.

1990-OutRage established the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights to address legal attacks against the GLBT community.

Ben Altman

1991 - In the evening we went to the Rhino Nest’s preview of the art show featuring Ben Altman. It’s amazing how much hard work had gone into making the Rhino Nest a reality. Becky Moorman wanted some Salt and Sages to sell at the Rhino Nest for $2.00 a copy. The art show was a cheese and wine affair but really nice. (Memoirs of Ben Williams)

1991 NO ROOM FOR ANTI-GAY PREJUDICE To the editor: KSL recently conducted a poll asking if homosexuals in Utah should be protected under the law from "hate crimes," which law already protects people of a different race, creed or religion. The results: 42 percent agreed they should be protected - 42 percent felt they should not. I'm LDS. The only reason I mention my religion is if this many people in Utah felt that homosexuals should not be protected from hate crimes, then quite a few of them are either LDS or of some other Christian faith. There is no room for this type of prejudice in our faith or any other. If any of us find ourselves condemning homosexuality, we should remember that this is not our job. We must pray for them and love them, placing them in God's divine hands instead of our own human ones, and never deny them protection from something as horrendous and anti-Christian as a "hate crime." Helen Selander Roy (SLTribune)

1993 Darrell Bruce Durrant, died December 20, 1993, he fought a courageous battle against AIDS. Survived by mother, three sisters, a brother, a grandfather, two grandmothers, and his companion.  We wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Reis and Continuity of Care Staff, Maggie Snyder, Bonnie, Susan, Leeann and to the Doxey Hatch staff. Private memorial services will be held.

1997 -James "Jimmy" Dalton Wolfe, Jr., age 40, died in Salt Lake City, Utah after a long and courageous battle with AIDS. A native of Oklahoma.. Jimmy started out in the floral business when he was just 16 years old with his own shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later he attended BYU and continued in the floral industry and opened Affordable Flowers in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jimmy enjoyed the out of doors and especially loved camping at Little Half Moon Lake in Wyoming. He enjoyed hosting candlelight suppers. .Survived by dedicated and loving companion, Mark Dillenbeck and a daughter.

1998 Mormon Church's Family Proclamation Overlooks Benefits of Gay Couples BY PHILIP DE ROCHAMBEAU and MICHAEL THOMAS TAYLOR The LDS Church's ``Proclamation on the Family,'' which President Hinckley and other church leaders stressed during its last general conference, is an attempt to articulate a remedy for our ailing families. The proclamation is a bold and noble stand to protect families and their role in raising, educating and supporting children. Strong families are certainly our best defense against a host of societal ills. Unfortunately, however, the ``Proclamation on the Family'' advocates a very limited view of what constitutes a family and even attacks other concepts of families that do not fit the church's traditional definition. In our war against moral decline in America, we should use every weapon available to us -- and this arsenal includes non-traditional families. Non-traditional families include families headed by gays and lesbians. The reality of modern America, despite any legal definitions of marriage, is that gay and lesbian couples are today rearing thousands of children. Most of these children are the products of earlier, heterosexual marriages, bus some of them are adopted. While many conservatives argue that growing up in a gay or lesbian household is detrimental to a child, several recent court cases have been decided precisely on this point.     After presentation of evidence from psychologists and sociologists, the courts consistently have concluded that a child growing up with two parents of any sex or sexual orientation has a tremendous advantage over a child growing up in a single-parent home. Many children, especially minority children, are anxiously waiting to be adopted. The issue in looking for adoptive parents is not whether they are gay or straight, but whether they will provide a loving home for a child.     President Hinckley's remarks admirably expressed a desire to assist homosexuals with their struggles. ``But,'' he said, ``we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation.  ``To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families.'' This view about the purpose of families may be ``doctrine'' for the LDS Church and other conservative religions -- and it may even be shared by a majority of Americans -- but certainly it is not shared by all Americans. Hinckley's remarks share a common heritage with other comments that imply that homosexual parents will rear homosexual children and teach their children decadent morals. However, the evidence is clear that children raised with gay parents are no more likely to be gay than children in the general population. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of gays and lesbians come from heterosexual households. The charge that gay parents teach decadent morals also is groundless. No one denies that gay parents would be likely to raise children tolerant of homosexuality. However, most polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe in tolerance toward homosexuals. And, fortunately, we live in a country where decisions about teaching values to children rest squarely in the hands of parents, not with any institution or opinion -- whether agreed upon by a majority or not. In objecting to adoption by gays and lesbians, many people nonetheless realize that gays and lesbians already have the rights to do what they wish with their biological children. These objectors argue instead that gays and lesbians should not be allowed to inculcate adopted children with ``questionable'' morality. Such objections are based on fear and ignorance. Gay couples who want to adopt children must meet the same criteria for a stable home environment as heterosexual couples. Gay couples are as committed to ``family values'' as any other set of parents. Monogamy is monogamy, whether heterosexual or homosexual. These couples are like all couples who want to adopt; they want to provide children with a loving home, a better chance at education, and ethical values such as honesty, tolerance, and integrity that are shared by all responsible Americans. Moreover, the needs of children awaiting adoption are more compelling than the fear and ignorance that breed bigotry. There is a shortage of adoptive parents, especially for minority children and children with special needs. These children cannot afford to be denied the advantages of a loving home because of discrimination against gays and lesbians. America's need to strengthen our families is blind to any faith, creed, or sexual preference. Unfortunately for so many children waiting to be adopted, the LDS Church and many Americans mistake the blinders of ignorance for the blindness of justice. The Rev. Dr. Philip de Rochambeau is a Salt Lake City feature writer and a columnist for Whosoever, a magazine for gay and lesbian Christians. Michael Thomas Taylor is a student at the University of Utah.

1998 Galbraith & Peterson releases directory of gay-friendly firms Deseret News Published: Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998 Galbraith & Peterson Inc., a Salt Lake graphic design and media management firm, has completed the initial issue of the "Little Lavender Book," a directory of Salt Lake and Utah businesses that are gay-owned, gay-operated or gay-friendly. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah is distributing the directory at special events, select retail stores and through the Stonewall Coffee Co. According to a Galbraith & Peterson press release, such a directory has not been published for Utah since 1996.

1999-The Vermont Supreme Court ordered the legislature to pass a law requiring equal protection for same-sex committed couples.1999 : Page: A12 Contemptible Constituency   Office staffers for Utah Atty. Gen. Jan Graham have written a court brief opposing the equal adoption rights of gay and lesbian Utahns, stating in the brief that "children raised by homosexual parents stand a greater risk of becoming homosexual and 'mimicking the risky behavior of their adoptive parents' " (Tribune, Dec. 8).   This is just the latest in a long seven-year history of how Graham views her gay and lesbian constituents with contempt. She asked state Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus members in 1992 for their support of her first campaign, but also said she'd not accept their endorsement -- she got neither. Her office staffers joined Hawaii leaders in1997 to oppose the equal marriage rights of gay and lesbian people there.  Graham told state Democratic convention-goers in 1998 that she's "not for same-sex marriage" and doubted that "there's anyone in that room who is," despite the fact that her party has adopted gay- and lesbian-inclusive policies in

David  Thometz

its constitution, by-laws, delegate-selection rules, campaign-practices codes, platforms and resolutions, which are all proposed by Democrats who support equal rights for gay and lesbian people.   The question is now whether possible U.S. senatorial candidate Graham believes what she's said about gay and  lesbian people, and whether state attorney general candidate -- and Graham staffer -- Reed Richards agrees with her. With national polls showing that five to almost nine percent of voters are gay and lesbian, Graham and Richards should want to avoid statements about risky behavior. The risk might be in angering those voters. DAVID THOMETZ   Utah Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus   Salt Lake City

2002 Couple of additions in Drag Queen names, or who they really are.....Sheneka--Ralph Currington III, Clariss Cartier--Doug Tolstrup, Veronica--Garland Carter, Tasha Montiel--Randy Watson, (didnt become empress till 90's),Chip Slaymaker also didn’t make it to the throne till the 90s so how would the protocol be addressed? Gordon Steel was from the Imperial Court of Utah...which folded when  all of the members of the ICU resigned and then formed the RCGSE cause Steel would not step down...(so what’s new there right...hahah)  I should get you in touch with Marita and have her and Pepper tell you the story of that night.....and we need to add Linda Prespentt--aka Pepper Emperor I RCGSE What a list of incredible people....so what is the next step....?- Chad Keller

Jay Bell

2003 Dear Friends: At this point we are not sure how much participation Affirmation will be allowed to have in the funeral. But a Celebration of Life, where we can all participate, will be hold in the evening. Please bring food & drinks and join us! Celebration of Jay's Life Sponsored by Affirmation Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons invites Jay's friends to a Celebration of Life and Soiree to be held at the home of Steve and Kevin on Monday, December 22, at 6:00 pm. Please bring food, drinks, and a story about Jay to share with the group.

2004 GLBTCCU announced that the Utah Stonewall Coffee Company which had been part of the center since it’s inception in 1998 will close due to fiduciary problems

2004 Gay center faces funding woes Director hoping to raise enough to keep programs going By Deborah Bulkeley Deseret Morning News A bleak funding situation is threatening to shut down the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah and the social and outreach programs it provides, the new executive director said. "We are committed to not closing our doors," said Valarie

Valerie Larabee

Larabee, who took the helm of the GLBT Center, 361 N. 300 West, two weeks ago. Since learning of the financial situation this week, Larabee said she's launched an aggressive fund-raising drive to keep the center viable. "We have $10,500 in the bank, and our monthly expenses average about $20,000," she said. "Somewhere in mid-January we start going into the red." Larabee's goal is to raise $160,000 by Dec. 31. That, she said, would fund the GLBT Center through June, providing enough of a cushion to plan ahead, though the center could remain operational on less. "If we got $20,000, it's one additional month of operating," Larabee said. "It would be prudent at that point to start cutting programs." Board chairwoman Maryann Martindale said the center has been operating "bare-bones" and

Chad Beyer

month-to-month for some time. She said it hasn't been able to recoup the loss of as much as 25 percent of its budget when a tobacco prevention grant wasn't renewed. That grant would have provided $100,000 per year for two more years. The GLBT Center also lost its executive director of 4 1/2 years in April when Paula Wolfe stepped down. Larabee started as executive director this month after Chad Beyer, who took the position in August, resigned. Larabee said the first service to be cut would likely be the coffee shop. The GLBT Center, established in 1991, also provides a

Maryanne Martindale

meeting place, youth activity center and library. It sponsors the annual Utah Pride celebration. Martindale said the center's most needed services are its youth programs. A lot of these kids sort of flounder when they come out with this identity. We give them a place where there's some hope," she said. "There's a high risk of suicide in gay youth, we really feel we play an important role in helping to stem that."

2005  Gay-straight clubs issue is already settled By Marjorie Cortez Deseret Morning News Any discussion about reconsidering the appropriateness of gay-straight student alliances in Utah public schools is like picking a scab. Don't go there. Please. I say this as an observer of the previous GSA debates. They were painful and divisive discussions that literally divided communities. It's not something we should revisit. Here's why. Most people's feelings about gays, lesbians, transgendered people and issues are deeply entrenched. Their feelings are colored by their personal experiences, religious beliefs and their study of  issues. It's like debating abortion or the death penalty. There are few fence-sitters. When I covered this issue in the Salt Lake City School District in the 1990s, the debate quickly degenerated from its initial point — whether students at East High School could form a gay-straight alliance — to a referendum on homosexuality. People who opposed the club were labeled as bigots and gay-bashers. People who supported the club were demonized for attempting to "recruit" straight people into the gay agenda. The school board debate became a national platform for gay rights organizations as well as arch-conservative groups — each plying their respective agendas. This was a local debate, but Congress basically decided the issue in 1984 when it passed the federal Equal Access Act. It's intent was to halt discrimination against religious clubs. In essence, the Equal Access Act spells out that curriculum clubs are run by schools. "But if kids want to get together and meet on other topics, if you open your door to any of those clubs, you open your door to all clubs," explains Martin Bates, assistant to the superintendent on legal issues and policy in Granite School District, in a recent Deseret Morning News report. The proper venue for this fight, if it indeed needs to be fought, would be Congress, but no one seems anxious to move on the point. There's always the courts, you might say, but the courts have already answered this issue. There's little point in spending more taxpayer resources to address an issue that the courts have already ruled upon. The real question is, why do we want to open an old wound? This issue rightly belongs in the hands of parents and local school boards. If a school board permits a gay-straight alliance,

it's up to individual families to decide whether their children can participate. If gay-straight alliances, as school principals represent, are doing service work and helping students to feel less isolated during their high school years, what's the harm of that? Frankly, I'm more concerned about the prevalence of suicide among young gays and lesbians and that "gay" and "lesbian" are used as pejorative terms in our junior highs and high schools. Seemingly, there's a real need for support groups and greater compassion for our fellow travelers. As much as I'd like to slam the brakes on this discussion before it goes any further, the reality is gay-straight alliances will be debated again and with great intensity. I'm not afraid of the debate. My fear is dividing communities — yet again — over an issue that is settled law. Somehow we have to reach a place in the discourse where the debate doesn't devolve into name-calling and cheap shots. Because when it's over, no one is going to remember the high-minded conversations. They'll remember, as they do from the East High debate nearly a decade ago, when it turned ugly. Marjorie Cortez is a Deseret Morning News editorial writer.. 

2005 Everyone, We are doing some renovations here at the Center that need a lot of bodies to help with clearing out the various spaces so that we can repaint floors and carpet certain areas. Then we will be moving the Youth Center into the middle meeting room and moving the adult meeting space into the previous Youth Center.  We will also be redoing the floors in the multi-purpose room.  So in the end we will all have a new and improved Center to use!! So this is what we need help with: 1.  THIS WEDNESDAY – December 21(afternoon and evening). We need help clearing the middle meeting room.  Report to Stan who will be delegating duties.  Wear your grubbies!.   2.  Then on Saturday, December 31st we need help moving everything back into the rooms, including the youth center into its new space. We need help in the morning starting at 10am and up until about 3pm.  We want to make sure everything gets done in time for all the volunteers to be off for their various New Year’s Eve festivities. Any help on either of these two days would be wonderful.  Contact Stan directly about your availability so he can coordinate with other volunteers. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

2005 Dear Equality Utah Member: Deep, heavy sigh of frustration. "I'm concerned about

Mike Thompson

gay clubs," said Senator Chris Buttars in last week's interview with the Deseret Morning News. Buttars said his goal is to ban gay student associations from meeting on public school property. Sigh. Here we go. As we approach the 2006 legislative session, it's important to allow our sighs of frustration to move us into action. We must be involved citizens, engaged in the process to influence change. Please join Equality Utah for our January 14th Citizen Lobby Training, "How to Talk to Your Elected Officials" and Town Hall Meeting with Representative David Litvack presenting the new Hate Crimes legislation. This event is being co-sponsored by Human Rights Campaign and The GLBT Community Center of Utah. We'll be meeting from 9am until Noon in room W125 of the West Building on Capitol Hill. Representatives Roz McGee, Ross Romero and Jackie Biskupski as well as Senators Karen Hale, Gene Davis and Scott McCoy will be part of this important training. Space is limited so please RSVP to Melissa Larsen as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Sign-up now. Make your sighs matter - get involved! Happy Holidays! Mike Thompson Executive Director

2007 Michael Aaron wrote: Hey there, As you might remember, we do a cover story at the beginning of each year with a “Person of the Year” as part of our end-of-year review. Over the past year, who do you see as the person who most impacted gay and lesbian Utah in 2007? I’d appreciate your input.  Thanks! -Michael Aaron From: "Ben Williams" To: "Michael Aaron" I'd say Senator Craig but he's in Idaho....LOL  Not sure  who….Babs de Lkay sure is moving and a shaking in the Marmalade area  let me think

2013 I was pulling into my driveway and got high centered by snow that was shoved into my driveway by the snow plow when I heard the news that the Fed Judge declared marriage equality for Utah but no time to celebrate I had to dig my wheels out... But now safe and my nerves un frazzled I am so excited for my friends who are marrying this day. There's a picture of my dear friend Michael Adam Ferguson overcome with joy upon hearing that J Seth Anderson's and his marriage application is being accepted by the county clerk... This pictures makes me cry... For shame on those who have kept people in love from marrying for years...what a historic day for us who have stayed in Utah and fought the good fight...I knew we would win but not in my life time... I am 62 years old... I'm happy & proud to announce that my friends J Seth Anderson & Michael Adam Ferguson were the first gay couple to be legally married in the state of Utah today. Shortly after a federal Judge struck down Utah's ban on same-sex marriage their application for a marriage license was accepted and they wasted no time. Congratulations Seth & Mike! — Along with J Seth Anderson and Michael Adam Ferguson, Jim Dabakis just got married! Wahoo! Jim Dabakis said he's not expecting a wedding present from the governor lol Gary Herbert is the George Wallace of Marriage Equality...segregation today Segregation tomorrow Segregation forever... The acting AG is trying to get the 10th Circuit Court to issue a stay of marriage license... The old men at North Temple must be on the hot line to the Governor office... Boyd K Packer is probably purple with apoplexy. Congratulation James Dabakis what a great birthday present To understand that Utah is not a democracy the news picks one church and one church only to comment on Marriage Equality today... So proud that Bob Henline my friend officiated at the first gay marriage in Utah to my friends Seth and Mike. There's over 100 couples still waiting in line to get married in SLCounty and Mayor Becker is there marrying people left and right... They are keeping the court house open well past 5 o'clock to accommodate these people and their families... Shame shame shame on Mormon officials trying to keep people apart... Keep your religion out of our lives Why does it take the federal government to get Utah to do what is fair and just? Now I heard Weston Clark just got married by Ralph Becker yahoo and Long time activist Babs DaLay getting married ... Wow! You know ...only those who do not know what love is ...could possibly deny others the joy of being loved .... It makes me wonder how twisted someone must be to keep people in love apart... Who are the real perverts... Who is really anti-family... I think we all know. So many people are going to be sharing the same anniversary date in Utah ... I never use to cry at weddings... But have been bawling all day... We only just begun... Congratulations all you old time activists we've done good making a happier day for those who will come after us... I can just imagine all my friends who died before this day are smiling on the other side...40 years ago I came to Utah... I finally feel like I am in the promise land.... What a day of jubilation ... Know matter what old Pharoah throws at us we are on our way to better days God so many wedding gifts to buy! Maybe just switch wrapping paper on the Christmas gifts! Kind of weird how the Mormon Church would rather have people live in sin instead of getting married don't you think? Wait! What's that? is the veil in the Temple being rent asunder? are heterosexuals feverishly filing for divorce? Is Moroni falling off his perch? There has to be some kind of apocalyptic doom... Dogs and cats mating, something... Oh the horror! People in love getting married! Utah's NAACP issued a Press Release applauding Judge Shelby according to Jenetta Williams. Lots of Honeymoons tonight... Goodnight young lovers wherever you are... Exhausted and happy by a memorable day. Today is the feast day of Ruth and Naomi, And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

2013 Federal Judge Robert Shelby ruled Utah's ban on Gay Marriage is unconstitutional Federal judge strikes down Utah ban on same-sex marriage As same-sex couples receive marriage licenses, state appeals the decision to 10th Circuit Court. BY BROOKE ADAMS THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE A federal judge in Utah on Friday struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, saying the U.S. Constitution offers the same equal protection and due process rights to same-sex individuals to marry the person of their choice that it gives heterosexual individuals. “The state’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason,” wrote U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby in the 53-page decision. “Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional.” In the ruling, Shelby enjoined the state from enforcing two different statutes that ban same-sex marriage as well as Amendment 3 to the state’s constitution, approved by Utah voters in 2004. As news of the ruling broke, hundreds of people descended on county clerk offices around the state to request marriage licenses. At the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office, a First

Michael Ferguson &
Seth Anderson

Baptist pastor was on hand to conduct wedding ceremonies. Michael Ferguson, 32, and Seth Anderson, 31 were the first same-sex couple to receive a license there and be married. Hours later, the Utah attorney general’s office appealed the decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver and also filed a motion asking Shelby to stay the ruling while it seeks to defend Utah’s Amendment 3. “The federal district court’s ruling that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right has never been established in any previous case in the 10th Circuit,” it said. The appellate court handles cases for Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. The New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed the right to same-sex marriage on Thursday. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert released a statement that said he was

Gary Herbert

“very disappointed an activist federal judge is attempting to override the will of the people of Utah” and said he would work with Acting Attorney General Brian L. Tarbet “to determine the best course to defend traditional marriage within the borders of Utah.” Meanwhile, any marriage licenses issued before a possible stay is granted will be valid, according to a plaintiff’s attorney. But the state disputes that in its appeal. Among those married in Salt Lake County on Friday afternoon: Kody Partridge, 47, and Laurie Wood,one of the three couples named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit that challenged

Kody Partridge &
Laurie Wood

Amendment 3. The ruling is the first federal decision on a state law banning same-sex marriages or denying recognition of legal same-sex marriages since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision this summer that struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Utah judge ruled just 16 days after he heard arguments in the case and well before his self-imposed deadline to render a decision by Jan. 7, when the next hearing in the matter was to be held, relying on extensive briefs filed in the case by both sides. “It feels unreal,” said

Derek Kitchen & Moudi Sbeity

Moudi Sbeity, who with his partner Derek L. Kitchen were plaintiffs in the case. “I’m just very thrilled that Derek and I will be able to get married soon, if all goes well and the state doesn’t appeal.” The pair make and sell

Karen Archer & Kate Call

Mediterranean-style spreads at farmers markets throughout Utah, which Sbeity said would be an ideal setting for their wedding. The other plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Karen Archer, 67, and Kate Call, 60. Archer and Call already have a marriage license from Iowa, but joined the lawsuit to protest Utah’s refusal to recognize that marriage. The other two couples applied

James Magleby

for a license from the Salt Lake County Clerk’s office in March

Peggy Tomsic

but were denied one. Attorneys Peggy A. Tomsic and James E. Magleby, who represented the plaintiffs, hailed what they said was a historic, courageous decision to bring marriage equality to Utah for all same-sex couples “who desire to marry or have their legal marriage from another state recognized in Utah.” If the decision stands, it will “provide legal precedent to support other plaintiffs’s constitutional challenges to similar state laws in the remaining states where there is marriage inequality,” they said in a statement. Tomsic said she went to the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office Friday afternoon and saw the long line of same-sex couples trying to get a marriage license. “It made me sad and happy at the same time,” she said. “Happy that same-sex

Sim Gill

couples finally have the same rights as every other citizen of Utah and the U.S. and sad that it has taken so long.” Across Utah, county clerks had varying responses to the decision. By 3 p.m., Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill had advised Clerk Sherrie Swensen to begin issuing marriage license

Sherrie Swenson

applications to same-sex couples immediately. “Unless there is a change, the current state of the law is that we cannot prohibit it,” Gill said, but then warned, “This is a moving thing.” Clerks in Utah, Weber and Davis counties initially said they were not issuing licenses pending instruction from county attorneys. But Davis County Attorney Troy S. Rawlings later told clerks to abide by the ruling. “The decision announced today, unless and until a stay is granted or Judge Shelby is overturned, is the law of the land,” he said in a memo. “We will also consider seeking leave to file an amicus brief supporting Utah’s legal right to define marriage.” Sean Reyes, Bob Smith and Tarbet, all candidates to replace former Attorney General John Swallow, who resigned under investigation earlier this month, have said they would not simply accept a federal ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which remained on the sidelines during the district court process unfolding in its home state, broke that silence Friday. “The church has been consistent in its support of traditional marriage while teaching that all people should be treated with respect,” said spokesman Cody Craynor. “This ruling by a district court will work its way through the judicial process. We continue to believe that voters in Utah did the right thing by providing clear direction in the state constitution that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and we are hopeful that this view will be validated by a higher court.” Other reactions cross the political and religious spectrum. While the LDS Church voiced support for the state’s position, Mormons for Equality called it a “thrilling” confirmation of the right to civil marriage. The Human Rights Campaign called it a recognition of “fundamental equality” while the National Organization on Marriage said the decision was a “travesty of justice” and an example of “vetoing the voters from the bench.” Shelby said he agreed that marriage has traditionally been left to states to regulate, as Utah argued, but those laws must comply with the Constitution. “The issue the court must address in this case is not who should define marriage, but the narrow question of whether Utah’s current definition of marriage is permissible under the Constitution,” the judge said. Shelby acknowledged the politically charged climate that surrounds the issue and said that was particularly true in Utah, where 66 percent of voters approved the ban nearly a decade ago. “It is only under exceptional circumstances that a court interferes with such action,” Shelby said. “But the legal issues presented in this lawsuit do not depend on whether Utah’s laws were the result of its Legislature or a referendum, or whether the laws passed by the widest or smallest of margins.” The judge noted both parties drew arguments from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor, which struck down DOMA but did not resolve the issue in the context of state laws banning same-sex marriage. Shelby said Justice Antonin Scalia predicted in his dissent that would come next as plaintiffs raised similar claims about harms due to state laws. But Shelby said other decisions addressed the “tension” between a state’s right to regulate marriage and individual liberty and equal protection rights, among them 1967’s Loving v. Virginia that ended bans on interracial marriage. Such rulings held that individual rights take precedence over states’ rights when the two are in conflict, the judge said. “Given the importance of marriage as a fundamental right and its relation to an individual’s rights to liberty, privacy, and association, the Supreme Court has not hesitated to invalidate state laws pertaining to marriage whenever such a law intrudes on an individual’s protected realm of liberty,” Shelby said. The state’s ban rendered the right to choose one’s marriage partner “as meaningless as if the state recognized the plaintiffs’ right to bear arms but not their right to buy bullets,” the judge said. Shelby took issue with the state’s argument that the plaintiffs “do not possess the qualifications” to enter a marriage relationship, saying there is “no dispute that the plaintiffs are able to form a committed relationship with one person to the exclusion of all others” and to raise children within that union if they desire. Shelby said the state’s argument about the ties between marriage, procreation and optimal child-rearing were not compelling, nor was its assertion that the plaintiffs were seeking a new right. “However persuasive the ability to procreate might be in the context of a particular religious perspective, it is not a defining characteristic of conjugal relationships from a legal and constitutional point of view,” the judge said. “The state’s position demeans the dignity not just of same-sex couples, but of the many opposite sex couples who are unable to reproduce or who choose not to have children.” What same-sex couples seek is simply the same right “currently enjoyed by heterosexual individuals: the right to make a public commitment to form an exclusive relationship and create a family with a partner with whom the person shares an intimate and sustaining emotional bond,” he said. Shelby also gave a nod to Utah’s religious majority. The judge said that while the state did not present an argument based on religious freedom, his decision does not mandate any change for religious institutions; those who oppose such marriages may continue to do so, he said. “If anything, the recognition of same-sex marriage expands religious freedom because some churches that have congregations in Utah desire to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies but are currently unable to do so,” he said. With the ruling, Utah becomes the 18th state where same-sex marriage has become legal through either court decisions, legislation or referendums. The District of Columbia also allows same-sex marriage. The ACLU of Utah filed an amicus brief in the case and legal director John Mejia said Friday the organization was “thrilled” by the decision. “We think that it was a discriminatory law that only served to deny loving and committed couples the protection and dignity of marriage,” he said. “We congratulate the brave plaintiffs for making such a historic stand and their legal team for putting up such a great fight.” Cliff Rosky, University of Utah law professor and chairman of the board for Equality Utah, said he is optimistic Shelby’s ruling will survive appeal. “We are thrilled that our federal courts have finally recognized that Utah’s Amendment 3 is unconstitutional. It demeans the dignity of gay relationships,” Rosky said. “[The ruling] is cautious and thoughtful, based explicitly on the Supreme Court’s ruling from this summer. I fully expect it to be upheld on appeal. “When that happens, people will soon enjoy the freedom to marry in Utah and all 50 states.” Utah Democratic Chairman Jim Dabakis, who is gay, married his longtime partner Friday afternoon and called the decision reasonable. He noted the generational divide on the issue where young people, including younger Republicans, are more accepting of gay marriage than older people. “What we need to do is a little hand holding with Utahns of a certain generation who really don’t understand that there is no need to feel threatened by gay people, that we are just like everybody else,” he said. And Dabakis said there needs to be a recognition that civil marriage and religious marriage are not necessarily the same thing. “I don’t believe any religion should be coerced into performing a marriage they are not comfortable with and conversely no religion should be able to take away a civil right that should be available across the country,” he said. Tribune reporter Erin Alberty, Matt Canham, Peggy Fletcher Stack and Matt Piper contributed to this report.

2012 Written by Staff Each year QSaltLake names a Person(s) of the Year. From politicians to community leaders, we’ve covered the gamut of community members that have made an impact in the Beehive State. This year, we’re honoring a selection of unpaid volunteers who keep the standard of living for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns very high and very fabulous. Each year QSaltLake names a Person(s) of the Year. From politicians to community leaders, we’ve covered the gamut of community members that have made an impact in the Beehive State. This year, we’re honoring a selection of unpaid volunteers who keep the standard of living for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns very high and very fabulous. Without these individuals, many programs and social groups would collapse, rallies and gatherings wouldn’t be held and the Utah would be a much less fabulous place to live.

• Kirk Birkle  is the president of the Utah Bears, a social group for larger, hairy men and their admirers. He’s helped lead charity drives, social events and organize a weekly

  

  Kirk Birkle

  coffee mixer. For more information, go to utahbears.com. Why did you get involved with the Utah Bears?  I wanted to be part of an organization that provides a place for people to belong, be respected, and gives back to the community — that is the Utah Bears.  It is both a social and service organization.  It’s a great group of guys who originally came together based on body characteristics and image; now it’s about inclusion and promoting diversity regardless of characteristics and image. In my almost five-year involvement in this group, we have seen our membership and our level of community involvement increase.  I consider myself fortunate to find a group I am proud to belong to, participate in, and lead. Why do you think social groups are important for Utah’s gay community? Social groups can provide a home for people — a place where one feels safe and valued.  Additionally, social groups provide a way for individuals to connect and feel a part of their community, based on interests and kinship. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? The super power I would like would be the ability to turn hate into appreciation, not necessarily acceptance or love — as we need conflict to progress and grow.

  

  Lee Castillo

• Lee Castillo is involved with several projects benefiting homeless youth in Utah. He’s responsible for raising thousands of dollars for the overnight shelter. What organizations are you currently working with? I do a variety of things for Volunteers of America Homeless Youth Resource Center and volunteer with the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. I have been a strong advocate for the HYRC. I’ve sorted donations and worked with workshops over the years. This last year I worked with the Pride Center and helped revise and give ideas for state policies that affect queer youth in state’s care.
  You recently sponsored a fundraiser for the Volunteers of America. How much money did you raise and why did you decide to sponsor that organization? We raised more than $2,300. I attempt to do two fundraisers a year for VOA and their efforts to secure the first overnight shelter for homeless youth. I think a lot of my own struggles finding acceptance and understanding within my own family have lead me to the youth. I identify with their struggle because I’ve had so many. I’ve sofa surfed, stayed with friends and even though I’ve never had to sleep on the streets, I know how it feels to think you are all alone. What’s your biggest fear? My biggest fear is making a client’s life worse than before I was involved. I hope to improve people’s lives. Also I fear being a disappointment to my nieces and nephews. 
• Aaron Smith plays an optimal role in the organization of Utah’s Pride Softball League. He spends all year prepping to make each season a huge success. How long have you been involved with the Pride Softball League? I first started participating in the league during its inception in 1995 and have played in 17 of their 22 seasons. I have assisted with running the league since 2006.  Why do you think it’s important to have

  

  Aaron Smith 

  LGBT-inclusive sports groups? It gives us a safe environment to seek out recreational activities with like-minded people with no stress, drama or fear of violence  – where we can be ourselves.  Another reason is with all the networking leagues and organizations that can cross-promote or sponsor an important event or just get the word out allows us to prop up and support the causes that are so important to us.  But most of all, it’s because so many of us know each other and it gives those who are new to Salt Lake a sense of support and can make new friends. It helps us realize we are our most valued asset, and with the organizations we have behind us builds a stronger community. When does next season begin and how can people join a team? Our next season begins Sunday, April 14,  and runs through August, with an end-of-season tournament and banquet.  Open registration begins Feb. 1 through March 24, location and dates TBD.
• Wes Heaps former chair of the Queer Utah Aquatic Club, helped lead the club in local and international competitions in 2011. For more information, go to quacquac.org. What’s the key to QUAC’s success? QUAC’s success really is in the enthusiasm and

  

  Wes Heap

  countless unseen hours of effort that all its members put into the organization. QUAC’s board and coaching staff are entirely composed of volunteers who donate their time and effort making it such a great and welcoming place for everyone. I think the key to QUAC’s enduring appeal is really in its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. It doesn’t matter how well you swim, there’s a place for you at QUAC! Why is it important to have social and sports groups such as QUAC in the LGBT community? I think social and sport organizations such as QUAC are a vital and vibrant part of any LGBT community. It’s so important that we have a place to belong and provide a place of inclusion for everyone.
• Connie Anast  is the head of Transgender Education Advocates of Utah. The group serves as a resource for state officials, as well as individuals to learn more about trans issues that affect Utahns. What projects or events is TEA of

  

  Connie Anast

  Utah working on now? TEA is gearing up for an exciting year of advocacy and education. Our first focus is to assist the Utah Drivers License Division in streamlining their policies to include transgender individuals. This includes being able to photograph in the hair and clothes they wear every day. This is a daunting task, but one with great promise. We have made considerable gains with the DLD and are partnering with them to create a full training curriculum that will also include a video used across the state for their employees. How long have you been involved with the group? I began Transgender advocacy in 2007, slow and small at first, as a friend to the community. One of my best friends in high school came out and began his transition, which was the catalyst for me to begin learning about the trans* community. In 2010, when TEA applied for their non-profit status, I was appointed to the board of directors and served as treasurer. In 2011, I was honored to be appointed as executive director. The position is non-paid, but one I dearly love. As Mara Keisling, director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, says, “You have to be amazed by the work in order to be amazing.” As amazed as I am by trans* advocacy, I certainly hope one day I will be amazing.
• Dominique Storni is everywhere. From Transgender Awareness Month events to rallies and everything in between, Storni is a well-known face in many areas of the community. If you could improve one aspect about Utah’s queer community, what would it be and why? The one thing that most needs improving is the lack of inclusion in our own community. False hierarchies serve only to keep us divided, not united. And divided we will fall. United we will stand. Until we learn to embrace the queerness

  

  Dominique Storni

  and gender queerness within our own community, how can we expect heterosexual and cisgender folks to accept us? There is diversity; black and white and everything in between, gay and straight and everything in between, male and female and everything in between. Let us splendor in and embrace the differences and use our diverse strengths to gain full equality for all people. If you could encourage people to attend one function or fundraiser each year, what would it be and why? The one event that is most close to my heart is the Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil. It is held every Nov. 20. This year was the 14th year of this international event, and the 11th year we have held this solemn ceremony in Salt Lake City. This past year 265 people around the world were killed, just because they were transgender, binary gender non-conforming or perceived to be so. There were 15 in the U.S. This is the event that inspired me to start Transgender Education and Awareness Month in 2002, with the help of Darin Hobbs, then-assistant executive director of the Pride Center. 
• Valina Eckley  helped launch Cheer Salt Lake, a queer-inclusive cheer squad that helps raise funds for the Utah AIDS Foundation and other worthy causes. With practices, organization and other tasks, running the cheer group must feel like a full-

  

  Valina Eckley

  time job. Why do you do it? After eight years of living in Japan, I decided to come back to America because I was obsessed with Cheer San Francisco and their 30-year history of philanthropic cheerleading. Within my few short months in the Bay Area, I became good friends with all of CheerSF and the sister teams of the Pride Cheerleading Association. At SF Pride, I was honored to volunteer with the PCA and took the title of top fundraiser as we were raising money for the AIDS Emergency fund.Since losing my job the week after arriving from Japan, I moved to the Salt Lake area. I took the bold decision to spread the love of the PCA to Salt Lake. I knew Utah already had amazing talent. I took cheerleading classes with 12-year-olds. Thankfully Andrew, Alex, Mike and Wes came on board. I have high hopes for Cheer Salt Lake over the next 10 years. Not only will our talents and skills be top notch, I want us to be considered one of the top entertainment-for-charity groups in the area.
• Peggy Bon  is an activist and volunteer in Northern Utah. Her sunny disposition and

  

  Peggy Bon

  steadfast desire to aid her community’s growth is admirable, to say the least. What groups are you currently helping? The only group I work with presently is Ogden OUTreach Resource Center. And I am passionate about all we’re doing at OUTreach! And there is a lot going on — more than meets the eye! What do you like most about volunteering in Northern Utah? For years and years now, I’ve felt that something should happen in Northern Utah. You shouldn’t have to move to Salt Lake City to participate in life. Without OUTreach, these youth have zilch, nada, nothing. And that isn’t right. Also, a part of what OUTreach is trying to do is change the culture so our youth will have a more hospitable place to live and grow, so they can thrive. And those causing the problem aren’t going to drive to Salt Lake for community conversations.
• Logan Brueck  has helped coordinate Utah’s Pride Parade as it has grown by leaps

  

  Logan Brueck

  and bounds each year. He’s also involved with the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps. For more information, go to rotcslc.com. The ROTC is one of the most honored and visible LGBT-inclusive groups in the community. Why do you think it’s been popular? I’m not really sure why, but I’m not going to question it. I think that it’s due to the fact that we are such a different style of performance and such a diverse group being made up of straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer members. We also play hard and really work at getting ourselves out there. What are the biggest challenges facing a queer-inclusive social group in Utah? I have to say that it has to be breaking the stereotypes and being able to perform and fit in with all groups and events. Every performance we do is based on the event that we will be showcased in. We write two drills to each number, a PG-rated and an R-rated, so we can perform them depending on where the event is and to suit our audience.
• Becky Moss has been involved in local political and non-profit organizations for more

  

  Becky Moss

  than a decade. How long have you been involved with the Stonewall Democrats? Off and on since close to it’s inception. I was lucky enough to serve with David Nelson, Michael Piccardi, Nikki Boyer and now Todd Bennett. Why is the Stonewall Democrats an important group for the community? Utah’s LGBT people and supporters deserve to know about, and participate in, the political process — we provide that access. Especially through a political party that embraces our community. What’s the best way for people to get involved with the Stonewall Democrats? First, vote. Vote at every election, sign up for vote by mail, just vote. Second, check out our website and our Facebook page. Third, attend our monthly board meetings, the second Saturday of every month,  10 a.m., Salt Lake Public Library. Fourth, call any board member and attend our events. If there’s not a USD chapter in your county, start one.
• Roque Salas plays an intricate role with the Utah Gay Fathers Association and with the Temple Squares, a queer-inclusive square dancing group. He’s also a familiar face

  

  Rocque Salas

  at nearly every gay and affirming event in the city. You’ve been involved with the Utah Gay Fathers Association and the Temple Squares. Why do you think social groups are important for Utah’s LGBT community? When my partner and I moved to Utah in 2008, we originated from a very conservative area in northwest Florida where there were almost no LGBT organizations other than a couple bars and gay-friendly churches. Upon discovering the Utah Pride Center and QSaltLake, we were overwhelmed with the many clubs and groups to choose in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. We think these social groups are important to the entire community as beacons of hope that LGBT people can thrive and live in concert with our straight equivalent groups and allies, plus open the eyes of those who have never known LGBT people in their close-knit circles. What are the biggest challenges queer social groups face in Utah? Some of the biggest challenges for LGBT social groups in Utah include participation in political and social issues that could affect our future rights as individuals and a community. The existence of the Defense of Marriage Act will always cripple us by preventing gay and lesbian couples from taking advantage of basic federal rights and benefits that are only available to straight couples. Our families endure the same (and sometimes more) hardships and challenges of everyday life, but are not given the same benefits to help us financially and socially. Our social groups can help pave the way to open hearts and educate the entire state to end stereotypes and prejudice. Exposing ourselves to the public would be an excellent start. And one other challenge for our social groups would be in membership growth. If more of our community participate in these groups, the public can see just how large a percentage of the population consists of LGBT people and that we can make a huge impact to improve our society.
• Don Steward Better known to most as former QSaltLake columnist and Matron of Mayhem Ruby Ridge, Don Steward has entertained and provided for the Salt Lake community for decades. What some may not know, however, is his many other volunteer positions beginning in the early days of AIDS. Along with his partner, Dick Dotson, Steward created and ran the Camp Pinecliff Weekend Retreat for people with

  

  Donald Steward

  HIV/AIDS and their families for 24 years. They also opened a drop-in center for people with AIDS, called Horizon House, in 1989 and started the Living with AIDS Conference at the University of Utah with David Sharpton of the People with AIDS Coalition of Utah. Steward helped bring two showings of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to Utah and created the Utah AIDS Foundation Food Bank, getting its USDA and Utah Food Bank certifications. He was the Utah Pride Parade coordinator for three years and was named the Community Volunteer of the Year in 2005. He and Dick also rescued and found permanent homes for 389 bloodhounds, walker hounds and basset hounds. Interestingly, he also attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert as a guest of President Hinckley. Steward recently moved back to his native New Zealand and has left a gaping hole in the heart of Utah’s queer community. He will be missed greatly and his contributions will not go unnoticed.

Mike Ferguson overcome with emotion upon
learning that he and Seth Anderson would be granted
a marriage certificate

2013 Seth Anderson and Michael Ferguson were the first Gay couple legally married in the state of Utah. The marriage was officiated by Bob Henline, a columnist for teh Q Salt Lake Magazine. Other high profile people married this day were Jim Dabakis , Babs DeLay, Brandi Balkin, Valerie Larabee 

QSalt Lake-Michael Adam Ferguson and J. Seth Anderson may well be Utah’s first gay couple to legally marry in the state of Utah. The couple, hearing that U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby has declared Utah’s Amendment 3 as unconstitutional, went to Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen’s office asking for a marriage license. “Our application for a marriage license was just accepted by the state of Utah,” Ferguson wrote on his Facebook wall. Deputy Salt Lake County Clerk Wany Morrison was in tears as she handed the couple their license to marry. As the couple was awaiting an officiant, Morrison told the couple she would marry them, but was pulled out of the ceremony by Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, who said he wanted to wait on official notice from the state. QSaltLake reporter Bob Henline, who is also an official marriage officiant, married the couple on the spot. St. George couple Marty Pendry and Brian Struthers contacted the Washington County Clerk Kim M. Hafen, asking for a marriage license and was referred to the Utah State Attorney General’s office, who replied, “I don’t feel comfortable answering your question on this,” and referred them back to their county clerk. When Pendry called back to the county clerk’s office, Hafen said she would be “glad to issue you a marriage certificate.” “I have not yet been told to release any licenses to same-sex couples,” she said.

2014 Salt Lake City mayor proclaims Dec. 20 ‘Freedom to Marry Day’ BY PAMELA MANSON THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune

Derek Kitchen and Moudi Sbeity, plaintiffs in Kitchen v. Herbert, speak on the anniversary of Judge Robert J. Shelby's ruling that overturned the ban on gay marriage in Utah. The celebration was held at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

Marking the first anniversary of a historic ruling that struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker proclaimed Saturday “Freedom to Marry Day.” Becker said in a written statement that being part of the events on Dec. 20, 2013, was a highlight of his tenure in public office. The mayor performed nearly three dozen marriages in the days after U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby handed down his ruling. “This ruling was a long overdue correction of a state law that was both discriminatory and unfairly created a second-class group of citizens,” Becker said. “I continue to celebrate the appropriate extension of marriage rights to all of our residents and look forward to a time when we, as a society, stop battling over our differences and simply appreciate and respect one another.” His proclamation says the extension of marriage rights to all couples is a celebration of diversity in the community. Troy Williams, Equality Utah executive director, said the ruling had a “tremendous impact” on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families. “We are one step closer to enjoying full legal equality,” he said.