SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 28, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced new security measures that will affect those attending LDS General Conference.
Updates also include a road blockage that will affect drivers near the Conference Center before and during sessions.
Changes include the allowable size (smaller) of bags allowed into the Conference Center, the acceptable opacity (clear) of water containers, and the driver access (blocked) to the North Temple roadway in front of the center, which is at 60 North Temple, Salt Lake City.
The changes will be in effect beginning with the 188th Semiannual General Conference, to be held Oct. 6 and 7.
The new rules are:
- The Conference Center will be closed to the public beginning Monday prior to general conference weekend.
- Water bottles must be clear. Metal containers are not allowed inside the Conference Center.
- Attendees can bring small bags and umbrellas with them inside the building. Large bags are not allowed.
- Any personal items such as large purses, backpacks, shopping bags, suitcases and food items will no longer be stored on Church property.
- North Temple will be closed between West Temple and Main Street two hours before each session, allowing pedestrians to cross the street in crosswalks and other designated locations within the restricted area. The street will be blocked off with moveable barriers.
- North Temple will reopen with limited access during each session and each day approximately two hours after general conference sessions end.
- People are encouraged to walk through Temple Square and the Church plaza to get to the Conference Center.
- Conference goers are encouraged to arrive early to provide adequate time to attend the event.
The changes are detailed in an LDS Church news release, which does not offer an explanation for why the changes are coming at this particular time.
As usual, all sessions will be streamed live on the home page of LDS.org. They are also available via the Church satellite system, Mormon Channel, radio, television, satellite and other digital channels.
