Equality is Essential

No one should have a poorer life, be discriminated against or be abused because of where they were born, what their race is, what religion they are, what their sexual identity or gender is or whether or not they have a disability. We need to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.

In 2021, Utah was again ranked 50th in the U.S. for gender equality including last in pay equality, education, workplace and political representation.

The LGBTQ community continues to be attacked. As expected, the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature voted to override Gov. Spencer Cox’s veto of H.B. 11 targeting and banning transgender girls from participating in female school sports by singling out transgender girls and barring them from competing on girls’ teams regardless of their individual circumstances. The bill originally passed during the final hours of the 2022 general session after Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, proposed the all-out ban.

Let's take active steps to:

• Ensure individual rights are respected.

• Valued inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

• Identify and address issues of discrimination and ensure equality for all Utahns.

• Eliminate institutionalized racism.

• Prevent harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in employment, housing, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs and jury service.

• Address digital literacy and internet access including providing refugees, immigrants and people with disabilities access to workshops designed to provide digital skills and financial skills.