Is there really no common ground to be found between the push for full equality for gay and transgender individuals, and respecting the beliefs of religious people and churches that don't approve of non-traditional sexual orientations? Is there a way for all of Utah's different traditions, belief systems and lifestyles to co-exist...or are we resigned to a future of Post-Prop-8 anger and Main Street Plaza confrontations?
We don't believe so. More importantly, we believe that finding this common ground is absolutely imperative, if we wish to protect the rights of all people - regardless of their religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
To protect and expand the common ground that does exist between Utahns, we must push ourselves to see beyond the false divisions that are often perpetuated by the media and by extremists of all stripes.
To that end, the ACLU of Utah and Utah Valley University's Gender Studies Program are proud to present "Beyond the Division: How Religious Liberty and Equality for Gay and Transgender People Can - and Must - Be Balanced in Our State and Nation," a gathering of various representatives, experts and advocates (see right).
Our goal is a balanced discussion of the various rights and interests at play in the movement for equality for gay and transgender people in Utah and around the country.
We will discuss how this movement for equality does and does not impact the freedom of religious people to practice their religious traditions, and their right to be involved in political movements.
Special thanks to ACLU volunteer Eric Ethington of PRIDE in Your Community for coordinating this event, and to our friends at Utah Valley University (Laurie Wood, Lisa Williamson, Shannon Mussett, Robert Robbins and Cynthia Hamman) for helping to make it happen!
This event is free and open to the public.
Please contact Anna Brower at the ACLU of Utah (801-521-9862 ext. 100 or abrower@acluutah.org) for more information.
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required.
To the ACLU of Utah Homepage >> |
Featured Moderator:
Bill Allred
Host - Radio from Hell, X96
Stand-In Host - RadioWest, KUER
Featured Panelists:
Fred Gedicks
Guy Anderson Chair & Professor of Law
Brigham Young University Law School
Clifford Rosky
Associate Professor of Law
University of Utah
S.J. Quinney College of Law
Christine Johnson
Utah State Representative
D - District 25 (Salt Lake City)
David Knowlton
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Behavioral Science Program
Utah Valley University
This Event is Sponsored by:
PRIDE in Your Community
Equality Utah
The Inclusion Center
The Utah Pride Center
|
