As you may know, Merrilee Boyack just announced her candidacy for Utah House, District 56, which covers most of American Fork and northern Lehi.
Boyack is also the executive director of Family Watch International. Family Watch International is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group for its anti-LGBTQ positions.
I expect a candidate for political office to protect the rights, and fight for the rights, of all Utahns, regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of their religion, regardless of their gender, regardless of their sexual orientation.
All Utahns have the right to live in their communities without fear, without condemnation, without ostracism because they may differ from others. All Utahns should be equal, not only under our laws, but in our community.
In light of the recent news in our community, I'm considering the formation of a Facebook group — "Lehi United Against Hate" — with the eventual intent of moving the group beyond Facebook. I don't appreciate individuals — Merrilee Boyack — and organizations — Family World International — using the name of our community, the community where I raise my family, where I've put down roots, and who are associated with, or listed as, a designated hate group.
I have a wonderful son who is gay. He's perfect in every way. I'm so proud of him and my love for him is immeasurable. And I won't just stand by and allow some individual to move to my community and spread a message of hate and intolerance. Individuals and organizations that spread hatred and intolerance toward the LGBTQ community puts my child in danger every day. It is a fear that no parent should have to face.
Hatred thrives in darkness, and somebody needs to shine the light on those individuals and groups the promote an ideology of hate in our community
We have to do better, to be better, for all, to all.
Steve Brown, Lehi
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