SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 30, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Utah has appointed prominent Utahns Senator Steve Urquhart, businessman James Huntsman and one of the organization’s original founders, Michelle Turpin, to its board of directors.
The group said in a news release the soon-to-be retiring state senator, Urquhart (District 29) joins the board after successfully sponsoring the nondiscrimination legislation SB296 in 2015. The bill modifies the Utah Antidiscrimination Act and the Utah Fair Housing Act to address discrimination and religious freedoms.
“As a senator, I have loved working with Equality Utah to promote civil rights for all Utahns” Urquhart said. “We’ve made progress, but the promise of liberty and justice is not yet a reality for LGBTQ Utahns. There is more to do. And I am excited to continue battling as a member of Equality Utah’s board.”
Urquhart has recently relocated to Salt Lake City with his family.
Huntsman, the son of philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr., has built his career as co-founder and partner at Blue Fox Entertainment, a global film sales company. Prior to starting Blue Fox, he spent more than 20 years at Huntsman Corporation. In 2016, he was appointed to the Utah Art and Culture Business Alliance by Governor Gary Herbert.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with an organization who represents the marginalized in our society,” Huntsman said. “We all must work together to bring equal rights and treatment to our entire diverse community.”
Equality Utah also welcomes local tax attorney and Equality Utah co-founder Turpin, who was also instrumental in the founding of the Utah Pride Center, the state’s LGBTQ community center.
Formed in 2001, Equality Utah is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy group in the state. Its mission is to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families.
