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Sam Penrod reporting Today was the day to trumpet 'Gay Pride' in Utah. That brought thousands of people to downtown Salt Lake City.
A parade and rally were a definite attraction. But this year, politics is a big part of the celebration.
That's because this November, the issue of gay marriage will be on the ballot here in Utah. The state legislature passed a bill to put the issue to a vote of considering a change to the state constitution to ban same sex marriage.
That has sparked a campaign against the amendment, feeding a large turnout for today's parade and Gay Pride rally.
The event is always a day for the gay and lesbian community to gather in a public event. But with gay marriage being legalized in Massachusetts within the last month, and with a referendum banning gay marriage in Utah set to go to the voters in November, much of today's event was geared towards rallying support against amending the state constitution to define a 'traditional marriage' which opponents argue would take away their basic rights.
"Scott McCoy, Don't Amend Alliance: "Part two is about actually denying the basic rights to gay and lesbian families in Utah like hospital visitation rights domestic partner health benefit rights or even end of life decisions."
There were some protestors at today's rally. The same street preachers that have become familiar at LDS General Conference were speaking out against gay pride day.
However, there was support from Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, who made an appearance during the parade today.
The topic of gay marriage attracts some very strong opinions for those who are in favor and those who oppose it.
