This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After Wednesday's Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage, the relief and excitement over these important steps toward equality are tangible in the 13 states and the District of Columbia where same-sex marriage is legal. But just because the court stopped short of rulings that would be more widely applicable, states that continue to limit marriage equality would be naive to think they have escaped unaffected.
As young and highly educated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns enter the workforce every day, the lure of full and unimpeded marital benefits in nearby states will likely be hard to ignore. Although Utah has a strong LGBT community, those of us young enough and eligible enough to move where we like will not choose to remain here.
Moreover, allied individuals and businesses will follow our lead, choosing more inclusive states over bigotry. In the end, as a result of Utah's continuing legacy of discrimination promoted in the name of protecting families from unfounded and irrational concerns for morality, Utah will face real consequences.
So, as I pack up my belongings and wave goodbye to the state in which I was born and raised, I leave you with one question: Is it worth it?
Kristin Dobbin
Salt Lake City