January 7
1887 The Police Court Report in the Salt Lake
Tribune ran an article, “A Pitiful Array of Youthful Scapegraces.” [“graceless
and good for nothing”]. Sitting on the
court bench of Judge Pyper’s court, waiting for sentencing again were Willie
Paddock and John Ledford along with Dan Henry, Luzon Adams, Willie Adams,
Arthur Curtis, and George Bubbles. Bubbles would be in all later accounts
referred to as Richard Bubbles or even Dickie Turpin Bubbles. As he is described as always chewing gum,
Bubbles may not have even been his real name. All these boys were from eleven
to fourteen years old. In this police court report, the boys were referred
sarcastically as “precious cherubim”, and as “two more darlings”, however the
reporters comments that some of the boys legs dangled from the bench paint a
more poignant picture of the drama unfolding in the court room on 6 January
1887. The youths, Dan Henry, John Ledford, and
Willie Paddock, were charged with assault “upon an inoffensive boy, George W.
Ritter”, to which charge Henry and Ledford pleaded guilty. The sentencing was suspended for the time.
Henry and Ledford, with Arthur Curtis, Luzon Adams, and Willie Adams were
charged with larceny. Luzon Adams pleaded not guilty and began to cry while the
other boys braced up according to the court reporter. George (Richard Bubbles)
was charged with receiving stolen property. On the evening of January 5th,
Arthur Curtis and Dan Henry entered the store of Sarah Neal, on the corner of
Third West and Second South Streets in Salt Lake City. After buying five cents
worth of candy at the store upon going out, they had left the door so that the
bell would not ring. Later when the store employees were in the back of the
house, “these two stole in and carried off the till containing $3.50 and a
pistol valued at $1.00.” Dumping the money into Henry’s pocket, Curtis threw
the empty drawer away and rejoining the other youngsters on the opposite
corner. They thieves “started off for a secure place to divide the plunder”,
when police officer Smith, ran across them and witnessed the young bunch of
hooligans beating the Ritter boy. Office
Smith, who had been sent over to the Presbyterian Church to drive away the
Modocs Indians, who had been disturbing their Wednesday meeting, came upon the
miscreants and began questioning them.
Suspecting there was more to the beatings, Smith arrested Henry and Ledford
and at the same time discovered from Ritter that there had been a theft. The
other boys including Richard “George” Bubbles were then arrested also. Bubbles
was held on a separate charge of receiving the money from the boys as a sort of
bank or stakeholder. The court reporter stated that Bubbles spent the afternoon
on the court’s bench “chewing gum as though his acquittal depended upon the
number of times he kept his jaws moving per minute.” In court Lazon Adams
showed that he refused participation in the theft or in a share in the profits
even though admitting that he a member of the youthful gang. He was accordingly
discharged with a lecture by the court. Adams however was not all that innocent
for he had been one of the boys before Judge Zane recently for vandalism, in
which he received a suspended sentence. Dan
Henry told the court that he had been released from jail the previous Christmas
evening and Ledford and Curtis admitted that they had been out of jail for just
about two weeks. The judge said that
having no choice in the matter, he would have to send the youths to city jail
which could be up to one hundred days with a fine of $99 in each case. At the end of the article the reporter made
an editorial comment after remarking that the court said “it was like passing
judgment on babies, to sentence boys of such tender years, but nearly twenty
houses had been broken into in the last few weeks, and racket had got to be
stopped.” It was pointed out to the readers that in the courtroom, “the lack of
Territorial House of Correction was sadly felt, for boys ought to have
different treatment from adults.” (7 January 1887 Salt Lake Tribune No 70 Vol.
XXXII) “Willie Paddock, the notorious little tough who was one of the trio to
beat an unoffensive child named George W. Ritter, was fined $25 by Justice
Pyper and as he could not rustle up the cash, Willie gave his fond parents a
chance to whistle “Willie We Have Missed You” for 25 long and uneventful days.”
(8 January 1887 Salt Lake Tribune No 71 Vol. XXXII) “Richard Bubbles, the
chewing gum, stolen money receiving fiend, pleaded not guilty and had his agony
continued until Monday next. Richard will chew gum meanwhile in the jug.” (8
January 1887 Salt Lake Tribune No 71 Vol. XXXII) It is paradoxical that while
locked up in city jail for larceny, on January 8th the youths
committed sodomy with another prisoner named David Prior for which they became
charged with a felony. A man named LeBaron Havington witnessed the sexual act
and testified in the case against the
boys for committing homosexual acts with David Prior. “LeBaron Havington [real name Alonzo
Harrington LeBaron] was arraigned as a vagrant; a clear case of jealousy among
the prophets. His case was also put over until Monday. An appeal was noted in
the Willie Paddock case to the Third District Court. (9 January 1887 Salt Lake
Tribune No 72 Vol. XXXII) LaBaron was a
71 year old man who died in 1891. An article in the Deseret News dated
Saturday 31 of January had the following
information. DIED IN HIS TENT About noon today, word was received at police
headquarters that an old man name Havington, who for some time past had lived
in a tent in the foothills above the city, had been "found dead" in
his bed. In company with a police officer, Undertaker Skewes went to the place
where the body lay. It was yet warm, and was brought to the city and taken to
the undertaking establishment of Skewes and Son. An inquest was to be held this
afternoon. Havington was about seventy-five years of age. It is supposed he died
of natural death.” In an articled titled, “Busted Bubbles” the Tribune reported
on Richard Bubbles being charged with receiving stolen property. “That bold,
bad, bumptious boy, Dick Turpin Bubbles, charged with acting Fagin to Ledford’s
Oliver Twist, next effervesced to the surface for sentencing. He burst with a
loud explosion when court bound him over in $100 to the Grand Jury. (11 January
1887 Salt Lake Tribune No 74 Vol. XXXII) The next record of Richard Bubbles is
found in Case 382 in February 1887 when he is charged with receiving stolen
property, the gun that was taken from Sarah Neal’s store. Then in Case 388 dated 23 February 1887 in
Third District Court William Paddock, Richard Bubbles, Arthur Curtis, Dan
Henry, and John Leadford were indicted by a Grand Jury of committing a crime against nature. “The
People of the Territory of Utah against William Paddock, Richard Bubbles,
Arthur Curtis, Dan Henry, and John Leadford. William Paddock, Richard Bubbles, Arthur
Curtis, Dan Henry, and John Leadford Are accused by the Grand Jury of this
court by this indictment of the crime of against nature. William Paddock,
Richard Bubbles, Arthur Curtis, Dan Henry, and John Leadford on the eight day
of January A.D. eighteen hundred and eight-seven at the county of Salt Lake in
said Territory of Utah in and upon one David Prior feloniously did make an
assault, and there and then feloniously, wickedly and against the order of
nature had a venereal affair with the said David Prior and there and then
feloniously carnally knew him the said David Prior, and then and there
feloniously and wickedly did commit and perpetrate the detestable and
abominable crime against nature.” “In the District Court of the Third Judicial
of the Territory of Utah The People of United States in the Territory of Utah
To the U.S. Marshall for the Territory Greeting: An indictment having been
found on the 23rd day of February A.D. eighteen hundred and
eighty-seven in the District Court for the Third Judicial District in and for
the Territory of Utah charging William Paddock, Richard Bubbles, Arthur Curtis,
Dan Henry, and John Ledford with the crime of “The Crime Against Nature”. You
are therefore commanded to forthwith arrest above named William Paddock Richard
Bubbles, Arthur Curtis, Dan Henry, and John Ledford and bring them before that
court to answer said indictment or if the Court has adjourned for the term,
that you keep, or cause them to be safely kept in custody until the further
order of this Court; or if they required it, that you take them before William
McKay U.S. Commissioners to be admitted to bail in the sum of $500.00 23 Feb
1887 C. S. Zane. The defendants were brought before Judge Zane of the Third
District on April 22, 1887 and Richard Bubbles pled not guilty to both charges
of receiving stolen property and committing sodomy. Since the Sodomy charge was
the more serious of the two and carried a greater penalty the charges of
larceny were dismissed. “In 3rd District Court the case of people vs
Richard Bubble indicted for Grand Larceny was dismissed.” (SL Tribune 23 April 1887 Vol. VXXXIII No. 8)
According to the Tribune reporter who covered the trial of “the case of people
vs. William Paddock, Richard Bubbles, Arthur Curtis, Dan Henry, John Leadford,
a crime against nature”, all persons except the jurors were excluded from the
room during the examination. The Prosecution dismissed the charges of sodomy
against John Leadford and Dan Henry both who were only about 12 years of
age. William Paddock was absent from the
courtroom for since the February indictment, he “was judged insane and is
confined to the Territorial Insane Asylum.” This left Richard Bubbles and
Arthur Curtis alone to bear the blunt of the prosecutor’s case against the
original defendants. Reporter left out all the details of the case saying that
they were of “the most disgusting character and unfit for publication.” However
the reporter did mention that the crime was committed when the defendants were
imprisoned in the city jail for larceny. The reporter however seemed content to flesh
out his report by mentioning the antics of one of the witnesses. Le Baron
Havington prepared an essay he wanted to read to the court as a “preface to
this testimony”. The request was denied by the court, but evidently the
reporter was privileged to it. He stated that it was “a long account of his
(Havington’s) “persecutions” which he
says were prompted by malice, and that it contained “statement and scrapes of
ancient history …touching upon crimes of the ancients.” And that “altogether
the epistle was a curious affair and gave evidence of a peculiarly disordered
mind.” LeBaron was a polygamist but by
1887 was a vagrant. The witnesses in the case are not listed as being for the
plaintiff or the defendants. There were only three plaintiffs, David Prior,
Judge George Pyper, and LeBaron Havington and certainly Judge Pyper was not a
witness. The Salt Lake Tribune reported: “The case on the testimony of witness,
the argument of counsel, and charge of the court was submitted to the jury and
a verdict of guilty with a recommendation to the mercy of the court on account
of the extreme youth of the defendants was returned. A stay of proceeding was
granted for ten days.” The actual verdict read: In the District Court of the
Third Judicial District, Territory of Utah County of Salt Lake The People of
the Territory Plaintiff against Richard Bubbles and Arthur Curtis etal
Defendants Verdict: We the Jurors impaneled in the above case find the
Defendants Richard Bubbles and Arthur Curtis Guilty as charged in the
Indictment and recommend them to the mercy of the court. Dated April 22nd
1887 J M Darling Foreman Filed April 22nd 1887 JM Zane. It appears that William Paddock was released
from the Insane Asylum because on July 21, 1887 a warrant for his arrest was
issued by the Third District Court to Utah County so that he could be tried on
the February 23rd indictment. In the District Court of the Third
Judicial of the Territory of Utah The People of United States in the Territory
of Utah To the U.S. Marshall for the Territory Greeting: An indictment having
been found on the 23rd day of February A.D. eighteen hundred and
eighty-seven in the District Court for the Third Judicial District in and for
the Territory of Utah charging William Paddock, Richard Bubbles, Arthur Curtis,
Dan Henry, and John Ledford with the crime of “The Crime Against Nature”. You
are therefore to forthwith arrest above named William Paddock and bring him
before that court to answer said indictment or if the Court has adjourned for
the term, that you keep, or cause him to
be safely kept in custody until the further order of this Court; or if he
required it, that you take him before 21st July 1887 J.M. Zane. On July 22 Paddock was in custody but on 1
August 1887 his grandmother Julia A. Cole and mother Cornelia Paddock, secured a bond of $500 for
William Paddock’s bail and on the 5 August 1887 he released from Jail. In 1888, William Paddock, Arthur Curtis, Dan
Henry, and Luzon (Lucon) Adams all were indicted for burglary in case file 448
in the Third District Court. Bubbles is not mentioned again in criminal court
records which does not necessarily mean that he left his life of juvenile
crimes behind. I suspect that Bubbles is simply an alias for a preteen who
loved to chew gum. 1888 William Paddock appeared in court for burglary case 448
1889 William Paddock breaking and
entering 1888 Arthur Curtis appeared in court for burglary case 448 1888 Dan
Henry appeared in court for burglary case 448 1888 Lucon Adams appeared in
court for burglary case 448 1890 Lucan
Adams appeared in court for burglary case 632.
1971-The National Commission on Reform of Federal
Criminal Laws recommended to President Nixon the repeal of all sodomy laws
involving consenting adults.
1975-Two men in Phoenix AZ applied for and
received a marriage license and were married. A judge later voided the
marriage. A local newspaper published their address and they were forced to
move due to constant harassment, including a man breaking into their apartment
and threatening to stab them to death.
1977- The Board of Directors of Metropolitan
Community Church of Salt Lake voted to hold a dance April 22 at the State
Capitol Rotunda.
1987- Wednesday-
The first AIDS Consortium was organized by AIDS Project Utah to enable
representatives of various AIDS support services to share information,
eliminate needless duplication of services, and establish a useful network with
one another. Meeting held at St. Joseph’s Villa with Jeffrey Burkhardt, a
member of the Board of directors of APU conducting the meeting.
 |
| Steve Breckenbury |
1988- John Bennett was re-elected as chair of
GLCCU. Satu Servigna elected Vice-Chair, and Jim Hunsaker Sec-Treasurer.
Michael Aaron founder of the Anti-Violence Project resigned because he was
moving out of state. Lyle Bradley assumed head of the AVP. Floyd Gamble was
elected chair of the Gay Pride Day subcommittee. Chuck Whyte named coordinator of a community
wide food drive for the food bank at Crossroads Urban Center. “I went to
community council at 7 p.m. and it actually got over on time at 9:30. John Reeves made the comment that he thought
the council very penitent. Anyway we held elections at the end of the meeting
and John Bennett was reelected as Chair person, Satu Servigna as Vice Chair,
and Jim Hunsaker was elected as Secretary Treasurer. Lyle Bradley declined nominations to any
position as did David Nelson, Michael Aaron, and Graham Bell. Becky Moorman
was nominated several times which is interesting David, Michael, and Graham all seemed very
contrite well except for Graham who of course had his moments of
bitchiness. He can’t help it. Michael Aaron relinquished his Anti-Violence
Project to the Council which agreed to operate it as a subcommittee. The rumor
is that Michael and David are moving out of state. It seems to me that the real struggle in the
Gay Community is between its organizations and it’s activists who
really represent no one but their own interests. That is why Lyle Bradley could
muster so little support even though he is a good man and really committed to
the community. But he has no
organization behind him. Also he hasn’t
worked well with the organizations that are out there. Bruce Harmon echoed my
sentiments when he said he though that people in leadership positions should
have connections in the community and not just be independents. I agree. Floyd
Gamble was appointed head of the Pride Day 1988 Committee. I made a motion that
the Gay and Lesbian Community Council be the keeper of a resource list for the
Gay Community and that they have an active outreach to new groups. The motion
was accepted and passed. Dave Malmstrom approached me at the meeting and wanted
to get together with Unconditional Support to sponsor a dance in February,
perhaps a Valentines dance. I also reminded him about doing a show for KRCL on
the 23rd. Bob McIntier said that he is doing an investigative story on the LDS
Church’s involvement with shock therapy in the 1970’s as practiced on Gay
victims at BYU. From talking to heads of different organizations there
definitely is an interest in having a retreat this summer as an inter community
event. Ben Barr especially showed
interest in the idea. He also said that he would be at the steering committee
meeting on the 11th for The Names Project.
I said to him that I really would like to turn it over to someone else
to really do it justice. He said that he
would like to farm it out or at least some of the panels to different groups
such as an elementary school as a project for the baby that just recently died
of AIDS. Anyway Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church wanted the community
council to sponsor another Romanovski and Phillips concert and after some foot
dragging, the majority voted to incur the expense involved which would be
anywhere from $500 to a $1000. The
Lovebirds said that they would put on a show to help with the fundraising. I
supported the concert because of the boost to the morale of the community they
provide. I said if this event flies then it would be nice to start promoting
other Gay groups especially women music.
Anyway this meeting was not in any way shape or form as raucous as
December’s meeting. The Wasatch Leather
Men were out in full force. Both Randy Olsen and John Reeves came as
representatives of US. Beau Chaine
called me yesterday about tonight’s agenda and I had called him back saying
that according to the agenda the Gay Help Line wasn’t going to be discussed so
Beau decided not to attend. However at the meeting tonight it was on the agenda
handed out but both Graham Bell and I agreed that it was not appropriate to
discuss the matter with out Beau’s input especially when the agenda that was
mailed out did not list it as a topic of discussion. I committed Unconditional Support to some form of a talent show
in March for a fund raiser for the Community Council. I have to discuss it with the group to figure
out what we will do. Off the top of head I can see Mike Anderson or Ken Francis
doing a strip tease. It was a pretty
good turn out tonight with perhaps 40 people or more.” [1988 Journal of Ben
Williams]
.jpg)
1997 Page: B1 Keywords: UT, Universities &
Colleges, Educators-Teachers-Faculty, Social Issues, Social Trends, Employment,
Medical Insurance U. to Study `Domestic Partners' Benefits;
Benefits Plan to Be Studied at U. Byline: BY BRENT ISRAELSEN THE SALT LAKE
TRIBUNE Apparently undaunted by
legislative criticism of their liberal bent, University of Utah professors on
Monday voted to study a plan that would extend employee benefits to unmarried
partners. The plan calls for ``domestic
partners'' to become eligible for about a dozen benefits the U. offers to its
16,600 employees.
``Domestic partners'' would include gay and lesbian partners
as well as unmarried heterosexual companions. ``It is fair to be compensated the way others are compensated,'' said
Kathryn Stockton, an English professor and a lesbian. Some other members of the U.'s Academic
Senate, composed of faculty from all of the university's colleges, expressed
opposition to such a policy, on grounds of fairness and social responsibility. The issue first surfaced in the fall of
1995, when the senate directed its salaries committee to explore whether fringe
benefits should be extended to domestic partners. Some senators noted that the
U.'s nepotism policy specifically prohibits domestic partners from getting
employment at the U. Since the U. treats domestic partners like family, it
should extend benefits to them, the senators argued. Last fall, the committee released five
options, one of which called for domestic partners to be allowed benefits.
Senator Patty Reagan, a professor of health
education and women's studies, made a motion in December to adopt the
domestic-partner option, but student senator Joseph Burggraaf moved to table
the issue. Rather than consider either of those motions, the senate on Monday
voted to send the proposal back to the committee, which will study how and
whether such a policy would work at the U. The committee was directed to report
back to the senate in May. Since
moving for the adoption of a domestic-partner policy last month, Reagan has
became somewhat of a champion of its cause. In a memo to the senate chairwoman,
Reagan noted that giving benefits to domestic partners would be a progressive
act of fairness. ``We are a community of well educated persons committed to
fair play in our professional lives. We expect this in our classroom, among our
colleagues and within our professional organizations,'' Reagan said. The U.
offers 13 benefits to its employees, from retirement and health insurance to
funeral leave and reduced tuition. Of those, 12 could be extended to domestic
partners without going through the Legislature. The only one that would require
legislative change is the state retirement plan, which currently offers pension
benefits only to a spouse upon the death of an employee. Reagan, like Stockton,
argues that giving benefits to domestic employees is needed to keep the U.
competitive in its recruitment. ``Some very qualified and sought after
candidates will seek employment only at institutions that offer benefits that
include domestic partners.'' Susan Jurow, executive director of the College and
Universities Personnel Association (CUPA), agreed. ``Some companies that offer this benefit use
it as a recruitment and retention tool. It's a benefit that allows you to be
competitive on an equal footing,'' said Jurow. CUPA, which represents
human-resource departments at 1,600 colleges in the United States and Canada,
plans to survey the colleges on their benefits programs in the coming year. A
survey conducted by the U. human-resources department found that three of 12
large research universities west of the Mississippi offer benefits for domestic
partners. They are the University of Iowa, the University of Minnesota and the
University of New Mexico. A 1994 article in the human-resources journal
Employee Benefits and Practices said at least 47 universities nationwide have
domestic-partner benefits. None is in Utah. Additionally, Reagan said hundreds
of agencies, businesses and local governments give benefits to domestic
partners. ``IBM, Lotus and Disney have all
found that including domestic partners only enhances their organizations and
improves morale and productivity,'' Reagan said. Several professors on Monday spoke against
the plan, calling it unfair, politically ill-timed and contrary to what a
university should stand for.
Robert Bullough, a professor of educational
studies, said the issue is not one of rights, but one of ``what kind of
community we want to live in.'' ``Social institutions are supposed to stand for
something,'' Bullough said in an interview after Monday's senate meeting. ``The
U. should support marriage.'' Bullough's remarks about community prompted
history Professor Dorothee Kocks to say, ``We all live in numerous overlapping
communities . . . In a democracy, we must always err on the side of greater
inclusion.'' Anthropology Professor James O'Connell said questions of equity
should go beyond domestic partners to single employees, who, because they are
single, do not receive as many benefits as married employees. For example, the
U. pays $2,500 more a year to a married employee with family than to a single
employee. Math Professor Don Tucker said the nepotism argument does not wash
with him because his older son falls under the nepotism rule but is ineligible
for most of the U.'s benefits. Another concern expressed by faculty was the
cost. Extending benefits to a larger number of people would mean that existing
benefits or even salaries would have to be reduced. Reagan, however, quoted an
American Bar Association Journal article that showed fewer than 1 percent of
employees at Brown University signed up for domestic-partner benefits.
 |
| Kathryn Stockton |
.bmp) |
| Patty Reagan |
 |
| Robert Bullough |
1998-Wednesday- The Salt Lake City Council races already have started.
Just ask Katharine Steffensen. She intends to kick the bums out of office who
voted Tuesday night to schedule the imminent death of a new anti-discrimination
ordinance that protects gay and lesbian city employees. Her targets? Councilmen
Carlton Christensen, Keith Christensen, Bryce Jolley and Roger Thompson.
`They're not leaders. They're moral cowards,'' says Steffensen, a member of
Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. She plans to campaign against
Keith Christensen, who represents her neighborhood, four years from now.
Carlton Christensen, Keith Christensen and Thompson all were elected in
November. They won't face re-election until 2001. Jolley is up for re-election
in 1999. But Steffensen is undaunted. ``I have more respect for Gayle Ruzicka
[the leader of Utah's conservative Eagle Forum] than I do for these men. At
least you know where she's coming from. These guys aren't brave enough to call
a spade a spade and admit that they're bigots.'' On the contrary, insisted the
two Christensens, Jolley and Thompson. They argued the new law was flawed, the
rush to pass it late last year was disturbing and they abhor discrimination.
Either way, the month-old law is set for repeal at the council's Tuesday
meeting. Unless one of the men who wants to repeal the law changes his mind,
``sexual orientation'' will be stripped from the ordinance and a more generic
law will be crafted. Salt Lake City was the first Utah municipality to adopt
such an ordinance. Salt Lake County and the University of Utah have similar
policies, but state and federal laws are more general in their protections for
employees. Cities nationwide, including tiny Troy, Idaho; Denver and Phoenix
have adopted anti-discrimination ordinances with similar wording. And
businesses like Delta Air Lines, Sears, Nordstrom and REI have the same
employee protections. But a different council voted 5 to 2 to approve the
ordinance Dec. 9 that prohibits discrimination ``against an otherwise qualified
employee or applicant based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion,
age, sexual orientation or disability.'' Three of those council members are
gone. And now Jolley, the ordinance's most vocal opponent, is in charge.
(Tuesday, the new council elected him chairman.) He brushed aside the pleas of Deeda Seed,
Joanne Milner and Tom Rogan to wait, study the issue and then change the
ordinance. It was a satisfying moment for the councilman who two months ago
asked the council to consider his list of 21 moral and legal questions before
adopting the ordinance, but was rebuffed. ``My passion for repealing this
ordinance came from the lack of process, consideration and discussion before it
was passed,'' Jolley said. ``I made the same plea for time two months ago, but
I was ignored. I was hurt and offended by that lack of respect. ``We need to take a look at the ordinance
and start the process properly,'' Jolley said. ``It's imperative that this law
be repealed.'' Keith Christensen agreed. ``I want an adequate and complete
ordinance,'' he said. ``Yeah, there's a need to protect our employees against
discrimination. Just give protection to everybody, not a few protected classes,
and I'll be happy.'' And Thompson, who
refused for months to say where he stood on the issue, backed them up, swinging
the vote. ``It appears to me that this is an ordinance looking for acts of
discrimination instead of acts of discrimination seeking a remedy,'' Thompson
said. Two years ago, as a member of the
Salt Lake City School Board, Thompson voted to allow East High School's
Gay-Straight Student Alliance to meet in the school. He lost his school board
re-election bid the same year. He says that vote proves he is not homophobic.
But Doug Wortham, a gay Rowland Hall-St. Mark's teacher who lives in Thompson's
council district, was skeptical. ``This is about moral views that are based in
religion,'' Wortham said. ``Anything else is a camouflage. This just sends the
message that gays and lesbians, regardless of the rhetoric behind the council
members' statements, are not full, equal citizens.'' Seed, who promised when
she was elected two years ago to push the ordinance, was somber after the
council meeting. ``The discussion tonight was not entirely honest,'' Seed said.
``These men believe that homosexuality is immoral. They won't come out and say
that. They're hiding behind legal arguments. ``I'm sad. We're sending entirely
the wrong message to residents and taking a step away from human rights.'' ( 01/07/1998 Salt Lake Tribune Page: D1)
1999-Human Rights Campaign's head Elizabeth Birch
and her partner, Hilary Rosen, adopted newborn twins, evoking criticism from
right-wing groups.
2000 Education board bans bias
in Utah Activists unaware of months-old policy by Peter Freiberg Washington
Blade January 7, 2000 Washington,
DC With so little fanfare that even Gay
activists didn’t know about it, one of the nation’s most conservative states –
Utah – has joined only four other states in approving a regulation that bans
anti-Gay discrimination by school
personnel. Utah’s Board of Education approved the change in its ethical
code last May, but activists did not find out until November during a court
hearing on a lawsuit seeking to guarantee the right of public school students
to meet in Gay-straight alliances and to express Gay-positive viewpoints in
curricular-related clubs. In seeking dismissal of the lawsuit, Salt Lake City
school board attorneys asserted that students’ Gay-positive views would not be
silenced and pointed to the new statewide rule prohibiting discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation. “Nobody knew about this [code change],” said
Stephen Clark, attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah.
“Obviously, it’s a very positive development, if it’s applied, followed, and
given meaning.” The Utah code change, which is similar to regulations on the
books in Pennsylvania, Florida, Alaska, and Connecticut, added sexual
orientation to the list of categories on which teachers, administrators, and
other school personnel are barred from discriminating against students or
co-workers.
- Up Date on High School Clubs There are three Gay Straight Alliances up and running. They are located at East High, West High and Copper Hills High School. If you know of students looking for a support group please forward this information to Richard Teerlink. Also if you know of teachers, councilors, administrators who would like to start a Gay Straight Alliance, call the same number. These teachers do not have to be gay to do this job; in fact it might diffuse some problems. If you know of students who are being harassed or are in need of support, please give GLSEN (Richard’s number) a call.
 |
| Robert Kelshaw |
2003-Page-Lake Powell Pride Events 2003 1st Annual Summer of Pride "Pride through Peace" June 7 - September 7, 2003 Pride Events 2003 Houseboat Vacations Specify men’s or women’s boat. 6 Days 5 Nights June 8 – 13 Don't forget Flagstaff's Pride in the Pines festival on June 14! 7 Days 6 Nights August 29 - September 5Don’t forget the Page / Lake Powell Pride festival on September 6!* Hiking Adventure DATE: TBD* Grand Circle Adventure DATE: TBD* Sporting Challenge On and off road Bicycle Races Track Baseball Swimming (subject to NPS approval)Water Skiing (subject to NPS approval) Triathlon (subject to NPS approval) DATE: TBD * Parade and Festival DATE: September 6 Early registration for all events, especially houseboat vacations is highly recommended. Space is limited. For more information or to pre-register for these events, send email to: info@pagepride.org Or Mail to: Page Lake Powell Pride P.O. Box 7156Page, AZ 86040-7156 Special discounted rates may be available for event volunteers. Watch for updates at: www.pagepride.org.
2003 Picture Perfect Developing a photo
collection detailing the history of the Utah GLBT Community. By David
Hurst-member of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society Remember the day the Nazi's showed up to Gay
Pride Day in Murray Park, and the circle of gay people that surrounded them in
peace? Do you remember the night of the sashing of the first Mr. Utah Leather
or the first UGRA Rodeo? How sharp is your memory of the DIG Awards, the last
Gay Pride march and rally, The Utah Stonewall Center, the first exhibition of
the AIDS memorial quilt, Mountain/Desert States Gay and Lesbian Conference, or
last Halloween party at the Deer Hunter or Sun Tavern (old or new)? Most of us
have great memories of these and many similar moments in the history of the
GLBT community. The details often differ in the folklore and legend of the GLBT
community. But somewhere tucked away in boxes and drawers in the basements and
storage units of the GLBT community is photos that forever have captured those
many important and diverse moments in time. Photos are an important part of the
history of our community. They are a "picture perfect" compliment to
the many written and oral histories of the GLBT community. These small squares
of chemically developed paper bring to life some of the detail of events that
have become history of our community. They rekindle the memories of the great
strength and unity of a growing Utah GLBT community or remind us of the happy
moments with friends we have lost. Importantly they remind us of our journey as
a community. The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is looking for the photos
that tell the story of the Utah GLBT Community, and for photographers willing
to help us capture history on film. Individuals or organizations are being encouraged
to share their photo collections. A print is always the best, but with modern
technology, individuals and GLBT organizations are encouraged to loan to us for
scanning their many photos of GLBT events or GLBT Allies events where our
community was focused on or a participant. Photographs may be brought to Angles
(511 W 200 S, SLC) anytime or to the monthly meeting of the Utah Stonewall
Historical Society held the third Wednesday of each month at Angles. As a donor
you will be noted as the photographer and will be forever entered into the
annuals of the GLBT community. We will be very careful, and promise their safe
return. All photos will be crossed referenced and matched to events in the Utah
Stonewall Historical database for future use in sharing the accurate history of
our great community in literature, documentaries, and exhibits. Open your photo
albums and help us create a great photographic legacy of the GLBT people of
Utah. No photo too large or small, to good or bad. Bring your Photos in to Angles
January 1 to February 15 for a _Mocha at half price (minimum 24 photos per
visit one visit per day) to be given or scanned into the archives of the Utah
Stonewall Historical Society. Ask about the USHS and Angle Shutterbug Card for
great discounts as a regular customer.
2005 Big
dreams motivate support-group leader Big dreams motivate coalition director By
Michael N. Westley The Salt Lake Tribune When Toni Johnson dreams of the
future, she sees a three-story building with places to exercise, a library and
comfortable rooms to hold seminars. As the director of the People with AIDS
Coalition of Utah, it's her job to dream big - and being slapped with a dose of
her mortality at a young age helps her do it. Each day she fights to live,
while fighting to help others living with HIV/AIDS lead better lives. She
contracted the virus through unprotected sex. "I was 21 and wanting to
have a good time. And I got HIV," Johnson said. Since her diagnosis in
June 1993, Johnson has seen her share of the dark side of her illness. She told
her parents, learned about the virus, was fired when her co-workers became
uneasy with her HIV status, got married, got divorced, sued her former
employer, started her own accounting firm and attended countless funerals for
those who helped her along the way. "I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of
the way I might die," Johnson said. Johnson's illness is not easy to
manage. Despite a naturally strong immune system, a lung infection settles in
like clockwork every winter, and energy is a valuable commodity. She washes her
hands frequently and knows whether cleaning products include bleach or
anti-bacterial agents. Her diet has changed and dating starts with an
uncomfortable conversation about HIV. But her passion for the PWACU, based in Salt
Lake City, keeps her moving. She became a board member in 1998 and took the
director's chair in 2001. She oversees an annual conference and quarterly
seminars, publishes a monthly newsletter, offers a resource library, support
groups and recreation programs for the more than 1,800 people living with AIDS
in Utah. Her dreams of the future are not for her - they are for the coalition.
Her own focus stays on the day-to-day. "It's kind of nice to be so aware
of my mortality," she said, "because it makes me aware of what's
really important in my life." Information on the coalition and its
services is available at http://www.pwacu.org.
mwestley@sltrib.com
.jpg) |
| Toni Johnson |
2005 TSubject: [slmetro_staff] Metro
Writer/Staff Meeting Happy New Year! A reminder that we are planning our
quarterly staff/writers meeting for this Monday, January 10, at 6:00 p.m. We
will meet at the Salt Lake Metro office (352 S. Denver Street, Suite 350 -
2006 From the Deseret news--Grieg Smith, senior
vice president and ad director for the NAC, said notification to pull the
listing came too late to remove it from Friday's paper. It has been pulled from
ads for papers today and Sunday, he said. Calls to Miller and a spokesperson
were not returned Friday. Cal Gunderson, manager of the Jordan Commons Megaplex,
was reached by phone but declined to comment. A check of the theater's online
and telephone listings showed that "Brokeback Mountain" had indeed
been removed from screening. Conservative groups lauded the apparent decision
to not show the film. Others said it was a decision that would deny Utahns a
chance to see a true work of art. "I think it sets an example for all the
people in Utah and, like I said before, he's my new hero," said Gayle
Ruzicka, president of the Utah Eagle Forum. "It's such a terrible show,
and it is such a horrible message. I just think (pulling the show) tells the
young people especially that maybe there is something wrong with this
show."
2006 Saturday-'Brokeback' gets boot A no-show at megaplex
in Sandy By Sean P. Means and Sheena McFarland The Salt Lake Tribune - SANDY -
Carol Adams just wanted to watch a movie and have a burrito. But Adams learned
Friday the movie she wanted to see - the R- rated Western gay romance
"Brokeback Mountain" - had been pulled from screens at the MegaPlex
17 at Jordan Commons. Management at the MegaPlex 17 decided late Thursday
afternoon not to open "Brokeback Mountain" on Friday as scheduled.
Word of the decision arrived at area newspapers by e-mail at 5:39 p.m.
Thursday, too late for Friday papers that still listed MegaPlex's screening
times for the film. "I even called
in advance yesterday, and they said the first showing was at 12:45 p.m.,"
said Karen Tiblier, of Sandy, who went to Jordan Commons with a friend to catch
a matinee of "Brokeback Mountain." I just had a feeling that they
wouldn't show it here, and then I saw that it was and I was surprised,"
Tiblier said. "Now I'm being surprised again." Adams, who moved to
Sandy from Washington state more than a year ago, said "this is the first
time I've been slapped in the face with what I believe to be closemindedness. .
. . This movie has gotten stellar reviews, and it's already up for boatloads of
awards. Not showing this film says bigotry and fear." Neither theater
management nor Jordan Commons' owner, auto magnate and Utah Jazz owner Larry H.
Miller, returned calls seeking comment. The only official explanation was a
typed message posted at the MegaPlex ticket window: "There has been a
change in booking and we will not be showing 'Brokeback Mountain.' We apologize
for any inconvenience." In an interview with KCPW-FM reporter Jonathan
Brown, which was taped Thursday afternoon and aired Friday, Miller said booking
a movie like "Brokeback Mountain" was a business decision. "It's
something that I have to let the market speak to some degree," Miller told
Brown. "I don't think I'm qualified to be the community censor."
However, Brown said Friday that Miller was unaware of the storyline of
"Brokeback Mountain" - about two Wyoming cowboys who maintain a hidden
romance for two decades - until Brown described it to him Thursday, less than
two hours before the schedule change was announced. Other new movies with
R-rated content - such as the marijuana- fueled comedy "Grandma's
Boy" and the grisly horror movie "Hostel" - opened on schedule
at the MegaPlex 17. Officials for Focus Features, the movie's distributor, were
incensed. "Only hours prior to opening 'Brokeback Mountain,' [the theater
management] reneged on their licensing agreement with Focus Features and
refused to open the film today as scheduled," the company said in a
statement. "Given the gigantic grosses already being posted in Salt Lake
City for 'Brokeback Mountain,' this is their loss. We are thrilled that the
film . . . is now being embraced by such a huge audience in Salt Lake City,
regardless of the deplorable business practices of this one theater." Mike
Thompson, executive director of the gay-rights group Equality Utah, said,
"It's disappointing that bias would prevent a beautiful and award-winning
film such as 'Brokeback Mountain' from being made available to the residents of
Utah." The movie, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, set
box-office records for the Broadway Centre Cinemas when it opened Dec. 30. Tori
Baker, executive director of the Salt Lake Film Society (the nonprofit group
that runs the Broadway and Tower theaters), said "Brokeback Mountain"
made $46,000 over the four-day New Year's weekend - placing the Broadway 10th
nationwide for per-screen average. Baker said Focus Features, the movie's
distributor, "is falling off their chair about [the numbers]." Focus
Features has been releasing "Brokeback Mountain" slowly across the
country, building up positive reviews to counter the marketing hurdle of
selling a gay romance to middle America. But better-than-expected box office
prompted Focus to speed up the national release, up to nearly 500 screens this
weekend – including the Century 16 in South Salt Lake and the Cinemark 24 at
Jordan Landing. The Utah Film Critics Society named "Brokeback
Mountain" the year's best movie, and also gave top honors to director Ang
Lee. The movie has received similar honors from critics' groups nationwide, as
well as seven Golden Globe nominations, four Screen Actors Guild nominations,
and nominations for Directors Guild, Writers Guild and Producers Guild awards.
Adams, not wanting to cancel her weekly "Mom's day out," chose to
watch a movie she has already seen, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion,
the Witch and the Wardrobe." But she said the "Brokeback
Mountain" incident may change her moveigoing habits. "There are some
new theaters around here and they show all the same movies," Adams said.
"I may end up going there." spmeans@sltrib.com smcfarland@sltrib.com
2006 Read the last two paragraphs if not the
entire article to realize what Larry Miller is really afraid of. Article Last
Updated: 1/07/2006 03:25 PM Why 'Brokeback Mountain' is so frightening Leonard
Pitts Salt Lake Tribune I went to see ''Brokeback Mountain'' last week, mainly
to prove to myself that I could. This was after reading a New York Times piece
by Larry David of ''Seinfeld'' and ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' fame in which he
wrote that, though he loves gay people and supports both gay marriage and gay
divorce, he does not plan to see this critically praised movie about gay
cowboys. David said he's discomfited by the idea of watching two men fall in
love and fears it might make him gay by osmosis. ''Not,'' he added, ''that
there's anything wrong with that.'' It strikes me that David's essay amounted
to the smiley-face liberal version of what is being said more bluntly in
conservative circles. ''Gay love story carries a high 'ick' factor'' reads the
headline of a story on the American Family Association Web site. It quotes a
prediction that people will leave the theater vomiting. How asinine, I think.
Yeah, says a little voice in my head, but if that's how you feel, why haven't
you been to ''Brokeback Mountain''? Now look, I say, and suddenly there's this
wheedling tone to my voice, some of my best friends are gay. Heck, my own
brother's gay. But you know, we are talking about a love story between two
guys, and they might be kissing and, you know, touching and . . . stuff. The
little voice falls silent. It is a put-your-money-where-your- mouth-is silence.
So I went to see ''Brokeback.'' And I can report that it was as shattering and
powerful as advertised. People were moved. Nobody threw up. Which brings me
back to that ick factor. I find myself wondering if this primeval revulsion
doesn't speak less to our antipathy toward homosexuality than to our fears
about masculinity. I mean, while a movie about two women in love would surely
be controversial, I doubt it would present the visceral threat ''Brokeback
Mountain'' does for some of us. I doubt Larry David would be scared to see it.
Indeed, the idea of women who can't keep their hands off each other is a staple
of so-called men's entertainment. Visit a magazine stand if you don't believe
me. Point being, when it's women, we - meaning straight men - tend to find it
titillating, exotic, arousing in its very forbiddance. When it's men, we -
meaning straight men and women - tend to react as if somebody dropped a snake
in the bed. Small wonder the FBI reports that while 902 men were reported
victims of sexual orientation hate crimes in 2004, only 212 women were. We seem
prone to find male homosexuality the more clear and present danger, the more
urgent betrayal of some fundamental . . . something. Some will say it's - and I
will finesse this for a general audience - the nature of man-to-man sex some of
us find off-putting. I think it's more basic than that. I think gay men
threaten our very conception of masculinity. The amazing thing about
''Brokeback Mountain'' is its willingness to make that threat, directly and
overtly. These are not cute gays, funny gays, ''Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy'' gays. These are ''cowboys,'' and there is no figure in American lore more
iconically male. Think Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, the Marlboro Man. The cowboy
is our very embodiment of male virtues. In offering us cowboys who are gay,
then, ''Brokeback Mountain'' commits heresy, but it is knowing heresy,
matter-of-fact heresy. Nor is it the sex (what little there is) that makes it
heretical. Rather, it's the emotion, the fact that the movie dares you to deny
these men their humanity. Or their love. Ultimately, I think, that's what the
Larry Davids among us sense. And why for them, ''Brokeback Mountain'' might be
the most frightening movie ever made.
- Sunday 8 Jan, 2006 10:31 am posted by
David Nelson Because of your refusal to exhibit the film
"Brokeback Mountain," I won’t patronize or spend any money at
your businesses including: Delta Center, Fanzz Sports Apparel and More,
Jordan Commons, KJZZ Television, Larry H. Miller Group, Larry H. Miller
Automotive Group, Megaplex Theatres, Miller Motorsportspark, Prestige Financial, Utah Jazz NBA
Basketball ...and tell everyone I can to do the same. As a longtime friend
of your mother, Larry, I believe that she'll agree with me that this is
the most hateful and petty thing you've ever done. I believe that, if you
fail to fulfill your contractual promise to exhibit the film, you're less
of an honorable citizen than even I thought possible. Clean up your act.
- Mon Jan 9, 2006 3:14 pm posted by Jere Keys David, Thanks for starting this. I've also written a letter to the Larry H Miller group and hope others will as well. Jere
2007 Dear Affirmation/ Reconciliation member,
Please join us for our first 2007 event, a Discussion/Workshop - "Letters
To God" - led by Craig Steiner, Affirmation- SLC's Co-director.
Description of Event: When he was
dealing with the challenge of being both gay and religiously Mormon,
Affirmation: SLC co-director Craig Steiner was challenged by a friend to write
a letter to God, telling Him everything without holding back - just being
totally honest in all his feelings and inner conflicts. The process proved to be very healing. Hear
about Craig's experience, and consider writing your own letter to God as you
seek to heal your own relationship and move forward along your own path. [No
one will be forced to participate, write a letter, or share what they have
written - there is no pressure. But
those who may wish to share are welcome to.] We look forward to your joining us
for a thought-provoking evening. Regards,
Brian, Craig, Duane, and Rick Co-workers in Affirmation- SLC Host: Affirmation SLC Location: Metropolitan Community Church 823 South 600
East, Salt Lake City, UT When: Sunday,
January 7, 5:00pm
2007 Deseret Morning News, Sunday, January 07,
2007 God alone can judge souls In
response to Sid Williams' comments about my
friend Carol Lynn Pearson's alleged confused message for gays to "come and
continue to sin" (Readers' Forum, Jan. 3), had he read her loving book,
"No More Goodbyes," he would have learned that there is no sin in
being homosexual, and that many gay people have never even acted upon their
unchosen condition, having learned to accept themselves after struggling
mightily, without success, to change it. If, as Williams suggests, God weeps
over our poor choices, in light of many sins heterosexuals commit, he would be
weeping nonstop. If God weeps at all, it must be over the sin of uninformed and
cruel judgments like Williams' that drive so many of our young gay people to
end their lives. Terry J. O'Brien Provo
 |
| Terry O'Brien |
2007 HRC is
hosting a fabulous LWord Season Premier party at MoDiggity's this Sunday. There
will be FREE fun stuff from Lword like a necklace, back massager and episode 2.
There will also be drawing for season 3 DVD set and LWord CDs. WHAT: HRC's
LWord Season premier party WHERE: MoDiggity's (a private club for members)
WHEN: Sunday, January 7th TIME: 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm COST: $5 donation Be the first
to see LWord episode one and two!!!!
2010 B-I-N-G-O By Hattie MacLeod Salt Lake City weekly Looking for a
Friday night activity sans alcohol, but not willing to sacrifice giddy high jinks
and the presence of a few good drag queens? Then dust off your lucky bingo
marker and head to the Columbus Community Center (2531 S. 400 East,
801-412-3295) for Gay Bingo, put on the second Friday of every month and hosted
by Utah’s drag troupe The Utah Cyber Sluts. The gaudily-garbed Utah Cyber Sluts formed in
2000 and launched their popular bingo night two years later. According to Cyber
Slut Ida Slapter, the goal of the group and Gay Bingo Night is to bridge gaps
by benefiting organizations in and out of the gay community. A different Utah
nonprofit is the spotlighted at each event.
On bingo night, individuals ranging from fresh 20-somethings to seniors
pack the auditorium to raise dollar bills in the air, eager to hand them to
wigged and boa-draped queens with a punk-rock edge. Bring plenty of cash and
prepare yourself to leave covered in glittered kiss marks, a handful of prizes
ranging from Rice-A-Roni to “personal massagers” from local sponsors and an
aching stomach from laughing. In the mood for something more traditional?
Reserve a table at Annie’s Dinner and Bingo Club (4151 S. Redwood Road,
801-266-0255) or Southgate Dinner & Bingo, (3725 S. 900 East,
801-266-6025).
2014 Suit filed to allow same-sex marriages in Arizona THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PUBLISHED: PHOENIX • Four couples have filed a class-action lawsuit seeking to make same-sex marriage legal in Arizona. The suit filed Monday claims a voter-approved ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. It seeks to allow same-sex couples to be married and recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. Phoenix radio station KTAR reports the suit names Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne among the defendants. Some of the couples who filed the suit are legally married in other states. Should the plaintiffs win the case, Arizona would become the 19th state to recognize same-sex marriages. New Mexico and Utah legalized gay marriage last month. However, the U.S. Supreme Court put a hold on same-sex marriage in Utah on Monday.
2018 Two years ago, senior apostle Russell M. Nelson stared straight into a camera at Brigham Young University-Hawaii and confidently confessed to a worldwide assembly of Mormon millennials that social science research bothers him. “I am less interested in what the experts have to say about you,” the LDS prophet-in-waiting told a Young Adult global gathering via computers and satellites, “than what the Lord has told me about you.” Among other divine messages, Nelson said, the church’s hotly disputed November 2015 policy — declaring same-sex LDS couples “apostates” and barring their children from Mormon rituals until they are 18 or older — was a “revelation.” It cannot be a coincidence that Nelson gave this landmark speech, and on this topic, to a gathering of 20- and 30-somethings. The former heart surgeon, no doubt, is well aware of the statistics regarding millions of young people dropping out of organized religion, and, if the research is right, churches’ treatment of gays ranks among the biggest reasons. With the recent death of Thomas S. Monson at age 90, Nelson is poised to become the next president of the nearly 16 million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is 93 and would be the second-oldest apostle to assume the Mormon presidency in history. In fact, Nelson is 13 years older than Monson was when he stepped into the role in 2008. To millennials, that means their church still will be run by a man old enough to be their great-grandfather. The generation gap seems to be “widening in the LDS Church,” said Mormon writer and researcher Jana Riess. “We have a younger church than most other homegrown, nonimmigrant-based religions such as Islam and Hinduism.” The new “prophet, seer and revelator” will be “more than 70 years older than missionaries who are going out to preach Mormonism,” she said. And his views on social issues were formed in a very different America. For several years, Riess has conducted a multigenerational survey of Mormons, including questions about temple attendance, LDS General Conference watching, activity in the church, marriage, race, gender and same-sex marriage. Her sample size was 1,696, including 1,156 current and 540 former Mormons. Her findings will be published by Oxford University Press next year in a volume titled “The Next Mormons.” Mormon millennials, born in the 1980s and ’90s, “are mostly married and, among those who do get married, the age of marriage has not shifted,” Riess’ survey showed, but they “grew up in smaller families and are more politically balanced than previous LDS generations.” The LDS Church, as a whole, remains one of the most reliably Republican faith groups. But Mormon millennials are spread far more evenly across the partisan playing field, with 46 percent identifying as Republican or leaning that way, 41 percent as Democratic and 13 percent as independent. When it comes to supporting their church financially, seven in 10 millennials pay a “full tithe” but many donate a “tenth” of their net income rather than from their gross. They are strong believers in God (about 90 percent) and 82 percent say they feel the presence of deity “at least once a week.” But millennials’ views of same-sex marriage are markedly different than earlier generations. In the 18-26 age bracket, more than 40 percent support gay marriage, double the 20 percent backing among Mormons age 52 and over. Of the former Mormons in the Riess’ millennial cohort, LGBT issues were the third most commonly cited reason for their decision to drop out. Overall, young adult Mormons are not as liberal as non-Mormons their age, she said, but they are “clearly more progressive than Mormons who are over 51, and even more so than Mormons over retirement age.” The divide between aged apostles and young believers could be mitigated somewhat, the writer suggested, if the Utah-based faith took a more multigenerational approach to leadership as it did in the past. After all, Monson was 36 when he was tapped as an apostle and Boyd K. Packer was 45. “It would help,” Riess said, “by having younger men in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.” Nelson surely is aware of this trend — which could be why he chose the Young Adult venue to defend the gay stance and counsel his listeners to look to their leaders for answers. He first described the process of arriving at what some have called “the exclusion policy.” After same-sex marriage became legal in a number of countries, including the United States, Nelson explained, the LDS Church’s top 15 leaders wrestled with what to do, weighed the ramifications, fasted, prayed, met in the temple and sought God’s guidance on the issue. Balancing their understanding of Mormon doctrine about the “plan of salvation,” which is built on male-female eternal marriage, with compassion for children of same-sex couples, he said, “we considered countless permutations and combinations of possible scenarios that could arise.” Ultimately, then-President Monson declared that the policy reflected “the mind of the Lord and the will of the Lord.” At that moment, Nelson said, each of the apostles “felt a spiritual confirmation.” Nelson urged his listeners to look to Mormon authorities to help guide them in these challenging times. “Prophets see ahead. They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path,” he said. “Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey.” The young people might not always understand “every declaration of a living prophet,” he added. “But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever his prophet has proclaimed.” He warned the audience that some might tear down their faith. “The somber reality is that there are ‘servants of Satan’ embedded throughout society,” he said. “So be very careful about whose counsel you follow.” It is not hard for Ashleigh Allan Read, a 31-year-old BYU graduate, to heed the warnings of the future LDS prophet. Read has seen friends leave the faith over the same-sex marriage policy, but she accepts it as revelation. Mormon authorities’ explanation that it is “respectful of gay couples,” she said, “makes sense to me — not wanting to pit children against their parents, being taught one thing at church and another at home.” The Provo resident also sees “good signs of progress” in her religion — with women serving in top councils, for example, and the church’s endorsement of the LoveLoud Concert in Orem to raise money for LGBTQ organizations. These elderly apostles have been making strides, Read said, “in relating to younger people. They all have Twitter accounts and hold face-to-face online gatherings.” Change may be slow, but she’s OK with the direction the church is moving. Read also doesn’t mind the age difference between Nelson and the millennials in his future flock. “Elder Nelson is a pioneering heart surgeon and a man of science, and he believes in God,” she said. ”It gives him a unique perspective and ability to relate to scientists, to non-Mormons and to skeptics because he has lived in their communities.” The young wife has never felt anything but love from Nelson’s sermons. He is “upbeat and fun,” Read said, “and doesn’t come across as a stuffy old dude. “ Even though, she said, “he’s older than my grandparents.” SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Peggy Fletcher Stack
2014 Suit filed to allow same-sex marriages in Arizona THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PUBLISHED: PHOENIX • Four couples have filed a class-action lawsuit seeking to make same-sex marriage legal in Arizona. The suit filed Monday claims a voter-approved ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. It seeks to allow same-sex couples to be married and recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. Phoenix radio station KTAR reports the suit names Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne among the defendants. Some of the couples who filed the suit are legally married in other states. Should the plaintiffs win the case, Arizona would become the 19th state to recognize same-sex marriages. New Mexico and Utah legalized gay marriage last month. However, the U.S. Supreme Court put a hold on same-sex marriage in Utah on Monday.
2018 Two years ago, senior apostle Russell M. Nelson stared straight into a camera at Brigham Young University-Hawaii and confidently confessed to a worldwide assembly of Mormon millennials that social science research bothers him. “I am less interested in what the experts have to say about you,” the LDS prophet-in-waiting told a Young Adult global gathering via computers and satellites, “than what the Lord has told me about you.” Among other divine messages, Nelson said, the church’s hotly disputed November 2015 policy — declaring same-sex LDS couples “apostates” and barring their children from Mormon rituals until they are 18 or older — was a “revelation.” It cannot be a coincidence that Nelson gave this landmark speech, and on this topic, to a gathering of 20- and 30-somethings. The former heart surgeon, no doubt, is well aware of the statistics regarding millions of young people dropping out of organized religion, and, if the research is right, churches’ treatment of gays ranks among the biggest reasons. With the recent death of Thomas S. Monson at age 90, Nelson is poised to become the next president of the nearly 16 million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is 93 and would be the second-oldest apostle to assume the Mormon presidency in history. In fact, Nelson is 13 years older than Monson was when he stepped into the role in 2008. To millennials, that means their church still will be run by a man old enough to be their great-grandfather. The generation gap seems to be “widening in the LDS Church,” said Mormon writer and researcher Jana Riess. “We have a younger church than most other homegrown, nonimmigrant-based religions such as Islam and Hinduism.” The new “prophet, seer and revelator” will be “more than 70 years older than missionaries who are going out to preach Mormonism,” she said. And his views on social issues were formed in a very different America. For several years, Riess has conducted a multigenerational survey of Mormons, including questions about temple attendance, LDS General Conference watching, activity in the church, marriage, race, gender and same-sex marriage. Her sample size was 1,696, including 1,156 current and 540 former Mormons. Her findings will be published by Oxford University Press next year in a volume titled “The Next Mormons.” Mormon millennials, born in the 1980s and ’90s, “are mostly married and, among those who do get married, the age of marriage has not shifted,” Riess’ survey showed, but they “grew up in smaller families and are more politically balanced than previous LDS generations.” The LDS Church, as a whole, remains one of the most reliably Republican faith groups. But Mormon millennials are spread far more evenly across the partisan playing field, with 46 percent identifying as Republican or leaning that way, 41 percent as Democratic and 13 percent as independent. When it comes to supporting their church financially, seven in 10 millennials pay a “full tithe” but many donate a “tenth” of their net income rather than from their gross. They are strong believers in God (about 90 percent) and 82 percent say they feel the presence of deity “at least once a week.” But millennials’ views of same-sex marriage are markedly different than earlier generations. In the 18-26 age bracket, more than 40 percent support gay marriage, double the 20 percent backing among Mormons age 52 and over. Of the former Mormons in the Riess’ millennial cohort, LGBT issues were the third most commonly cited reason for their decision to drop out. Overall, young adult Mormons are not as liberal as non-Mormons their age, she said, but they are “clearly more progressive than Mormons who are over 51, and even more so than Mormons over retirement age.” The divide between aged apostles and young believers could be mitigated somewhat, the writer suggested, if the Utah-based faith took a more multigenerational approach to leadership as it did in the past. After all, Monson was 36 when he was tapped as an apostle and Boyd K. Packer was 45. “It would help,” Riess said, “by having younger men in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.” Nelson surely is aware of this trend — which could be why he chose the Young Adult venue to defend the gay stance and counsel his listeners to look to their leaders for answers. He first described the process of arriving at what some have called “the exclusion policy.” After same-sex marriage became legal in a number of countries, including the United States, Nelson explained, the LDS Church’s top 15 leaders wrestled with what to do, weighed the ramifications, fasted, prayed, met in the temple and sought God’s guidance on the issue. Balancing their understanding of Mormon doctrine about the “plan of salvation,” which is built on male-female eternal marriage, with compassion for children of same-sex couples, he said, “we considered countless permutations and combinations of possible scenarios that could arise.” Ultimately, then-President Monson declared that the policy reflected “the mind of the Lord and the will of the Lord.” At that moment, Nelson said, each of the apostles “felt a spiritual confirmation.” Nelson urged his listeners to look to Mormon authorities to help guide them in these challenging times. “Prophets see ahead. They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path,” he said. “Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey.” The young people might not always understand “every declaration of a living prophet,” he added. “But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever his prophet has proclaimed.” He warned the audience that some might tear down their faith. “The somber reality is that there are ‘servants of Satan’ embedded throughout society,” he said. “So be very careful about whose counsel you follow.” It is not hard for Ashleigh Allan Read, a 31-year-old BYU graduate, to heed the warnings of the future LDS prophet. Read has seen friends leave the faith over the same-sex marriage policy, but she accepts it as revelation. Mormon authorities’ explanation that it is “respectful of gay couples,” she said, “makes sense to me — not wanting to pit children against their parents, being taught one thing at church and another at home.” The Provo resident also sees “good signs of progress” in her religion — with women serving in top councils, for example, and the church’s endorsement of the LoveLoud Concert in Orem to raise money for LGBTQ organizations. These elderly apostles have been making strides, Read said, “in relating to younger people. They all have Twitter accounts and hold face-to-face online gatherings.” Change may be slow, but she’s OK with the direction the church is moving. Read also doesn’t mind the age difference between Nelson and the millennials in his future flock. “Elder Nelson is a pioneering heart surgeon and a man of science, and he believes in God,” she said. ”It gives him a unique perspective and ability to relate to scientists, to non-Mormons and to skeptics because he has lived in their communities.” The young wife has never felt anything but love from Nelson’s sermons. He is “upbeat and fun,” Read said, “and doesn’t come across as a stuffy old dude. “ Even though, she said, “he’s older than my grandparents.” SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Peggy Fletcher Stack
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