LGBT anti-discrimination bill passes Utah test
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Republican-controlled Senate committee in the Utah Legislature offered its unanimous and at times emotional support for a proposal to protect gay and transgender individuals as the landmark measure passed its first test.
Todd Weiler, a Republican senator from Woods Cross, said he comes from "a conservative, Mormon background" but he's met many transgender individuals, including one in his neighborhood who grew up with his son.
"I don't understand those things," Weiler said, "I understand that those people are different than I am, and that they have rights, and I am 100 percent convinced that they should be protected."
Weiler, who fought to stay composed, said the bill would send a message to young people struggling with their identity.
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