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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' backing of Proposition 8 in California is bringing a lot more attention to Utah, and not all of it is positive. The measure eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.
The Church has been singled out in election coverage, including on CNN. And the day before the election, Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" took this shot. He said, "Did you know their church had to found its own state because America refused to tolerate the way that Mormons got married? That's how America got stuck with Utah."
So far, there have been few complaints registered with the state because of the LDS Church's stance. At the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, Director of Communications Shawn Stinson said nobody was losing business. "Personally I am a bit surprised," Stinson said. "So far we've not heard anything. We've not seen any decline in bookings or phone calls."
Stinson said with other politically-charged issues, the bureau had received feedback. This case may be a bit trickier. Stinson said while Salt Lake's reputation as a gay-friendly city has grown, the LDS Church is a prime backer and source of tourism, and the family image helps foster interest.
Political experts tell KSL there likely will be fallout from the Prop 8 battle. At the University of Utah, Hinckley Institute of Politics, director Kirk Jowers said there will be a far-left element, which may not distinguish between the LDS Church and the state of Utah and may cite this as an example of Utahns being an insular community that has far too much influence in stunting progressive causes.
University of Utah professor Tim Chambless said he anticipates there will be a negative economic impact on the state.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
