Washington – Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin is calling on Utah lawmakers and leaders within the Church of Latter-day Saints to support federal workplace protections that would ensure no American could be fired simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Griffin made the remarks in Salt Lake City last night: 

“Despite the recent setback in the push for a statewide nondiscrimination law, we have a real chance to make progress at the federal level. HRC is leading an aggressive new campaign for a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)—a law that would finally bring workplace protections to this state and to every other state in the country. 

“I’m going to be honest with you. It’s not going to be easy, and we need a coalition to do it. That coalition includes not just Democrats, but Republicans, business leaders and faith leaders alike.

“Here in Utah, the LDS Church has a powerful voice in this debate. But after supporting a non-discrimination ordinance in Salt Lake City, the Church has gone silent on sharing those protections with everyone else. That’s wrong, and I know I’m not alone in that belief. 

“You know, as a kid growing up in southern Arkansas, I went to church with my Southern Baptist family every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, too. And I’ve never forgotten what I learned, seated in those church pews, about the Golden Rule—treating others like you would like to be treated, loving your neighbor as yourself.

“So tonight, I’ve got a firm, yet respectful, message for the leaders of the LDS Church. If the Golden Rule was good enough for Salt Lake City, then it ought to be good enough for everyone. If you really do oppose discrimination, it’s time to stand up and say so. It’s time to help pass nondiscrimination laws right here in this state and across the country, starting today. 

“Because in the end, we are all judged by our actions, not by our words. ENDA is the right thing to do. It’s time to get it passed. It’s time to get it signed. And this state and that church can lead the way in getting it done.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.