Editor’s Note: The following is an account by Mark Alvarez of the major surprise local story in which the Salt Lake City Council unanimously approved in unexpectedly rapid fashion an anti-discrimination ordinance dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity.

In a 7-0 vote, the Salt Lake City Council enacted ordinances to prohibit discrimination in housing and employment practices based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

A favorable vote and passage was expected but not so quickly. Guarded and unexpected by many was the endorsement of the LDS Church, the first comment at a packed public hearing that filled the City Council Chambers to standing-room-only.

Michael Otterson spoke for the LDS Church and endorsed the ordinance as recognition of “the right of people to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against.” He praised the approach and balance of Mayor Becker with respect to the “vital issues of religious freedom.” Otterson vital words follow:

“The [LDS] Church supports this ordinance because it is fair and reasonable and does not do violence to the institution of marriage. It is also entirely consistent with the Church’s prior position on these matters. The Church remains unequivocally committed to defending the bedrock foundation of marriage between a man and a woman.”

Thirty-one people spoke after Michael Otterson, yet passage plainly was assured from the beginning.

Former City Councilwoman Deeda Seed spoke about a City Council discussion of the issue on a smaller scale 12 years ago. She expressed appreciation for the present City Council’s action and delight in “standing in solidarity with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” Telling words from a grand organizer and the only City Council member to vote against the sale of Main Street to the LDS Church last decade.

Others also expressed appreciation for the stance of the LDS Church albeit in less glowing terms. Honey Graham said, “for once I support the church I was raised in.”

Shawn Stradley said, “I lived in a church that taught me to be terrified of who I am.” He posed the following hypothetical to the City Council: “Imagine what it would be like to be fired for being straight.” Shawn thought this caught the attention of council members. While Shawn opined that the LDS Church had taken a step forward with the statement of support, he characterized it as a tiny step.

Two opponents of the ordinance spoke about the problem of people “acting gay.” One was especially concerned about people “acting gay” in front of children and in public places. Representative Christine Johnson addressed this concern at the end of her comments: “I am acting gay right now.”

Tammy Hinckley, a mother of 2 gay children, drove up from Utah County to say she agreed with the LDS Church position on this issue. She went on to say that the gay people she knew were decent, hard-working and interesting people, maybe moreso than the straight people she knew. She and others would leave City Hall happy after having given the City Council a standing ovation and a minute of applause after the unanimous voice vote.

Throughout the hearing, people from the LGBT community shared their fears concerning potential discrimination in housing and employment practices. In a mostly open society, nobody should have to live with those fears. The passage of the ordinances furthers a Human Rights Commission goal to end discrimination in all forms. A member of the Commission, Walter Jones said, “the ordinances will make us a stronger city.”

Tonight’s vote was a step in the right direction.