The underpinning of this gathering is much like the first: Mormons and non-Mormons (a) don't talk to each other; (b) don't much like each other; and (c) don't understand each other. This much the 30 or so folks brave enough to speak their minds already know. But they also offer suggestions for making life better between two historically oppositional forces: Invite someone outside your comfort zone to dinner. If you are not LDS, resolve to stop your Mormon bashing. And if you are LDS, stop insulting non-church members by proclaiming a lock on the world's only "true" religion.
Many of them showed up last time. A cadre of true believers, led by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, pledges to do the talk and the walk. So earnest. You can hear it in the inflection of their voices, the emphasis on the words "please try," "tolerance" and "love." A man named Steven implores the crowd to exercise "honesty, compassion and caring" in approaching those who are different. A woman named Suzette promises to remind her LDS Relief Society "sisters" that others might just as fervently see their own faith as the road to eternity.
After observing this honest effort for 90 minutes, it seems obvious. It isn't the people here who need an attitude adjustment. They want to do better. But is our state's leadership up to the same challenge? On the eve of the 2005 legislative session, it's worth asking.
I culled through proposed bills last week, read poll results and chatted with pols. The high-profile legislation reveals more of the same: An ingrained intolerance toward the minority, reinforcement of a lopsided power base and a concerted effort to keep the outsiders out.
Try this:
l Tuition tax credits: Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, has overhauled his bill to be more inclusive of lower income families. It's just a coating on a pill. Looking to bridge the religious, racial and cultural divide? This nation's tradition of public education works at it every day. Yes, schools need help. Some underperform; too many test scores lag. But the answer never has been to siphon precious money from a system that, after a century and a half, still welcomes and educates the masses. And for a relative pittance.
l Hate crimes: In a Valley Research Inc. poll for The Tribune, 64 percent of Utahns surveyed support a law that "toughens penalties when a crime is directed at an ethnic, racial or religious minority or at gays."
This is year five for hate crimes legislation. Opponents are buttressing scare tactics that the law is framed only for gays, and will use the LDS Church's official pronouncement against same-sex marriage laws to win their fight.
No one will say that directly. It will filter down in caucus, and in shorthand, and will somehow feel right to a political body that is nearly 90 percent Mormon. This, even though consistent counsel from LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley on down urges tolerance, brotherhood and love for all.
See, the people really have no problem bridging the divide. They are after it. It's their political leaders who have building to do.
hmullen@sltrib.com
