Salt Lake County issues resolution saying it values diversity
Hate-crimes activist sees declaration as positive step forward
"The mayor and County Council steadfastly reaffirm that Salt Lake County is a place of appreciation, civility and respect for all citizens living and traveling within our boundaries," the resolution states.
Sonia James, a Sandy resident who testified before the state House and Senate during the past legislative session in favor of a failed hate-crimes bill, had been talking to the county and municipalities about such a resolution. She said the resolution, presented Tuesday, "shows an understanding of what we're trying to achieve."
State lawmakers have repeatedly killed the bill, which would enhance penalties for crimes motivated by bias or hate against a person belonging to a protected category, including race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age or gender.
Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan — chairman of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, which killed the bill — said enhanced penalties aren't needed because judges can use their own discretion in "judging a crime as heinous."
The resolution does not specifically list people belonging to a protected category. It instead recognizes the "inherent value of diversity . . . regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or any other differentiating factor."
It also notes the Beehive State was founded by people fleeing intolerance and that, "It is important for us to foster a culture of understanding."
"We feel it is important to recognize there are some injustices, and we want to make sure government and citizens foster a culture of understanding," Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said.
While the resolution has no tie to any bill, Corroon said he personally "would support that hate-crimes legislation."
James believes the resolution may "make a valid point to lawmakers."
"The people, as well as the people who represent us in the cities and counties, don't want persecution and hate, whether it's religious or ethnic or otherwise," she said. "They don't want Utah to be looked at as a place where hatred and fear fester. Our representatives had better start thinking about that."
The Sandy City Council issued a similar resolution earlier this year after James' neighborhood was blanketed with white supremacist fliers. James said she's talking with Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and leaders of other cities in the county about issuing resolutions.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com; jtcook@desnews.com
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