Utah Passes Limited Housing & Employment LGBT Protections

The result of a joint effort by LGBT activists and the Mormon Church, the Utah legislature has passed a bill - SB 296  - which will provide some protections for LGBT folks in the areas of employment and housing.

Last week, Utah’s Senate passed the measure by a vote of 23-5, and last night's vote in the House was a huge victory at 65-10.

Via Gay Star News:

The so-called ‘Utah compromise’ protects LGBT people when it comes to employment and housing. However, religious organizations are exempt. This means that they could still fire someone for being gay or transgender. If they operate housing schemes – through colleges, charities or other affiliates – they could also deny them accommodation.

Gov. Gary Herbert is expected to sign the bill tonight.

The legislation does not cover goods and services. Another bill, HB322, is headed to the state Senate where it looks to face an uphill battle as it basically outlines a "license to discriminate" that we've seen in other states in regard to public accommodations. That bill passed in the House 54-21.

Also, the House voted on SB 297 which would allow employees in county offices to "opt-out" of performing same-sex marriages, but would require that another employee would be available to officiate the wedding. That measure passed also, by a vote of 66-9.