SALT LAKE CITY, (ABC 4 News) - A new report says prejudice is a growing concern in Utah, and the new report tells us how we can eliminate it.
The Salt Lake City Human Rights commission released a report saying prejudice persists and is common in the Utah’s capital and how we can stomp it out.
“I not only accept this report, I endorse it and embrace it,” said Becker. “I am committed to eradicating discrimination in our city. I’m committed to promoting equality and achieving the ideals of our Constitution – that no state shall deny any person equal protection by the laws.”
According to the report, a hearing impaired man went to a public theater but was unable to hear the movie and there were no accommodations for him.
The report also tells of a family that was living in a rental property without a working stove and oven for three months. The property owner refused to replace it “because he said that the family couldn’t speak English.”
The commission gives an example of a man was evicted from his rental home when the homeowner learned that he was gay.
This report comes as Utah once again was forced into the spotlight after claims of discrimination were brought against the LDS Church Headquarters after handcuffing and allegedly roughing up two gay men who shared a late night kiss on the easement that was formerly Main Street, which now connects Temple Square with the Church administration offices.
The commission recommends four fixes to the City Council and Mayor Becker:
- Pass a non-discrimination ordinance
- Create a system to collect and respond to residents’ discrimination claims
- Cooperate with international human-rights project.
- Boost funds for the Office of Diversity and Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission
This new ordinance would prohibit housing and employment discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, source of income, age, gender and sexual orientation.
To view a copy of the entire report, you can download it using the link at the top of the story here at ABC4.com
