Jackie Biskupski, Utah’s first openly gay legislator, remembers the impact on the state of Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage.
"There was real division here after Prop 8," said Biskupski, who served in the House for 12 years starting in 1999. "We’re at a very significant turning point in civil rights. ... We’re the state to watch from both sides."
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Two Utah vigils are planned for Monday on the eve of arguments Tuesday and Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court on key cases involving same-sex marriage: California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Both the LDS Church and the Utah Pride Center have filed legal briefs in the cases.
In Salt Lake City, gay civil-rights advocates will hold a candlelight vigil Monday at 6 p.m. in the Salt Lake City Library amphitheater.
Speakers are expected to include Biskupski; Jesse Nix, Utah Pride Center board member; married couple Russ and Joe Baker-Gorringe; and Rev. Erin Gillmore, Holladay United Church of Christ.
"We’re going to come together and celebrate the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] community and progress," said Valerie A. Larabee, executive director of Utah Pride Center.
In Provo, Brigham Young University students and Utah County residents will rally for marriage equality on Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Utah County Historical Courthouse. The event will feature speakers, singing and a candlelight vigil.
"We want to add our voices to the many around the nation that recognize marriage as a beautiful thing," said organizer Curtis Penfold.
Vigils around the country are being held as part of an effort by the United for Marriage: Light the Way to Justice coalition.
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Prop 8 passed with 52 percent of the vote in California, but it was overturned in 2010 by a federal judge, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that decision.
The Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent $189,004 on the "Yes on 8" campaign, while businesses and individuals from Utah contributed $3.8 million to the campaign, more than 70 percent of it in support of Prop 8.
rparker@sltrib.comTwitter: @rayutah
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