First, the remaining Common Ground Initiative bills were shot down (and if you ask Senator Chris Buttars he "killed every one of them"). The bills didn't even get out of committee despite the LDS Church's post-Prop 8 statement supporting legal protections for GLBT people, the backing of a popular Republican governor, and polls showing that the majority of Utahns agree that GLBT people should receive some legal protection. Thanks to the Eagle Forum and the Sutherland Institute, the debate centered on marriage -- even though these bills had nothing to do with marriage. Even with the faulty logic, the bills died and the sanctity of marriage is protected. But don't worry -- even in 2009 someone in Utah can still be fired for being gay.
Then, to cap of the week, and to no one's surprise, Senator Buttars made inane, inflammatory, and insulting remarks about pretty much anyone who isn't a white heterosexual. The comments were absolutely repulsive for an elected official. As a result, he lost his position on the Senate Judiciary Committee and several organizations are calling for his resignation, and yet he refuses to apologize.
This week's events just prove how much work needs to be done and what a difference we can make as Young Democrats. I think I speak for many young people when I say that President Obama reinvigorated my passion for politics. He has shown how once person can impact the world. Through of his inspiring nature, he mobilized millions of people. Millions calling for change. During the next four years I am confident that we will see that dramatic change -- even here in Utah. However, we cannot stand idly by. As corny as it sounds, we must make our voices heard, and not just during the legislative session and the campaign season, but every single day, because together we can change Utah... and maybe even the world.
