Utah Passes LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill

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The fight for LGBT equality in Utah has not been an easy one. "After seven years of debate and historic compromise," The Salt Lake Tribune reports, "the House on Wednesday voted final passage of a bill to enact Utah's first statewide non-discrimination protections for the gay and transgender community, while providing safeguards for religious liberty."

The House passed the bill in a 65-10 vote and was applauded by the gallery crowd.

Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams stated, "[This was a] monumental day for Utah. This vote proves that protections for gay and transgender people in housing and the workplace can gracefully coexist with the rights of people of faith. One does not exist at the expense of the other."

The bill will now be sent to Republican Gov. Gary Herbert, who's expected to sign it sometime today. If all goes well, the new measure will make it illegal for employers and landlords to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "It will also provide religious organizations with exemptions for the bill's requirements," writes the Daily Beast.

According to national Human Rights Campaign data, Utah will become the 19th state to give legal protection to the LGBT community in housing and employment.