American Fork residents voice opposition of non-discrimination law for gays | News

Since Salt Lake City adopted an ordinance that protects gays and transgendered people from being discriminated in the workplace and in housing, American Fork city leaders have proposed such legislation. But on Tuesday night, many residents who showed up at the city hall public meeting said they do not want that.

Supporters of the non-discrimination ordinances say that everyone deserves a roof over their head and the right to work without being discriminated against.

"I would just simply ask the council to vote in the favor of, not gay rights, but human rights and my rights as an individual," said Briann Huntsman, an ordinance supporter.

When Salt Lake City passed an anti-discrimination ordinance in 2009, the LDS Church endorsed the new law. That persuaded some American Fork council members to push similar legislation. But if passed, there are exceptions for non-profit groups, charities and religious organizations.

The conservative Sutherland Institute opposes the proposed laws.

"The proposed non-discrimination ordinances create an unnecessary imbalance of rights among residents of American Fork," said Sutherland Institute's Stan Rasmussen to the council. "Exempting various institutions from threatened claims of discrimination on one hand, while not exempting individual people of conscious in their sincerely held religious beliefs on the other."

Some feel the ordinances infringe on the property owner's rights. Others say the law is unnecessary and would hurt small businesses, who would have to spend money on addressing complaints.

The mayor received more than 100 letters on the issue, mostly from opponents.

Residents were in the end expecting a vote. However, the city council in the final hour decided to table the matter.

With new council members expected in 2012, discussions on the issue are expected to continue.