Equality Utah

HB51- Statewide Nondiscrimination Protection Amendments

This bill has been asigned to the Government Operations & Political Subdivisions Senate Committee for a hearing

This hearing is open to the public and we encourage everyone to show up and attend in support of the bill.

 Bill Summary: Currently in Utah it is legal to be fired or evicted based solely on sexual orientation and gender identity. All Utahns, regardless of our perceived differences, should have the opportunity to provide for our families and stay in our homes without fear of being unjustly fired or evicted for reasons that have nothing to do with ability to work or pay rent. 

• People should be judged on what counts. Characteristics like education and experience are important to employers deciding whom to hire. Race, religion, and sexual orientation and gender identity are all factors that are irrelevant to someone’s ability to work or pay rent. These factors that are beyond someone’s control should not be the sole basis for eviction or termination.

• Employment Discrimination is a problem in Utah. A recent report by the Williams Institute shows that employment discrimination is a pervasive and persistent problem in Utah.  The study showed that 43% of gay respondents and 67% of transgender respondents experienced discrimination in employment. 

• A fair workplace strengthens the economy. A strong economy depends on people making rational economic decisions. Discrimination uses labels and stereotypes instead of reason. Prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will encourage employers to evaluate employees reasonably, benefiting the employee, the employer, and Utah’s economy.

• Prohibiting discrimination is moral. Traditional Utah values speak to the inherent good of Utahns. We believe in a fair and just society, where everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect. Our values call on people to treat others fairly in our dealings. Recently, we commissioned a statewide poll that shows 3 out of 4 Utahns support including sexual orientation and gender identity in Utah’s nondiscrimination law. This bill is not about special rights, but about basic fairness.
• This bill prohibits quotas. SB 51 Statewide Nondiscrimination Protection Amendments prohibits employers from providing preferential treatment or creating quotas based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Religious organizations are exempt, and can hire according to doctrinal beliefs. Passing this bill will help to ensure a fair and just Utah.
  This bill prohibits quotas. SB 51 Statewide Nondiscrimination Protection Amendments prohibits employers from providing preferential treatment or creating quotas based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Religious organizations are exempt, and can hire according to doctrinal beliefs. Passing this bill will help to ensure a fair and just Utah.

 View the Bill Here

 Nondiscrimination Q&A

Bill tabled by Senator Jenkins. See the minutes of the Government Operations Committee here.

 Public Opinion Study (Dan Jones & Associates)

 Experiences of Gay & Transgender Utahns (the Williams Institute)