What's more, Christensen called on campaign opponents Dave Buhler and Nancy Saxton, who serve on the City Council, to advance such a policy right now.
"I don't see any reason to wait," Christensen said. "Those of you in office now, let's get with it."
The statement by Christensen - a business owner who, as a previous City Council member, voted against a nondiscrimination ordinance but now supports the policy - marked one of the few frank moments in a Wednesday candidate forum at Westminster College, sponsored by The National Conference for Community and Justice, where platitudes ruled the day.
In response, Buhler said he doubted the city has the power for such regulation, noting "we are creatures of the state Legislature." But he pointed to the capital's relatively new policy to extend insurance benefits to domestic partners, saying he would continue to support it as mayor.
Saxton, who conceded "my generation is still struggling" with equality issues, said she would be willing to pursue such an ordinance if chosen to run the city.
Two other candidates, House Minority Leader Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson, expressed interest - "I would be pleased to promote this," Becker said - insisting there is no place in society for discrimination.
Wednesday's candidate forum, which also included surgeon J.P. Hughes and Centro Cívico Mexicano Director John Renteria, focused on social justice and environmental questions submitted by a host of nonprofit groups.
For instance, the group mostly vowed to join the Mayors for Peace Project in calling for the abolishment of nuclear weapons. Some pledged to increase hiring opportunities for minorities. And each candidate promised to continue Mayor Rocky Anderson's efforts to bolster Salt Lake City's green image by promoting energy conservation.
Two of the hopefuls, Saxton and Renteria, even agreed to sign a pledge to ride public transit every Wednesday for the rest of the year.
Due to the large field, the forum did not allow each candidate to answer each question. And despite having the queries one day in advance, most offered few specifics.
Asked how they would keep government secular in light of the city's so-called religious divide, Buhler and Wilson offered generalities.
"We need to move beyond the labels and realize that people are people," Buhler said.
Wilson vowed to borrow the NCCJ mission and "break down the barriers of misunderstanding."
Challenged on what to do with the resource gap for victims of domestic abuse, Becker said he would work with businesses and nonprofits to find more facilities.
"As mayor," he said, "it is our responsibility to offer shelter and sanctuary."
djensen@sltrib.com
