Salt Lake City gets gay protection law

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- An ordinance protecting gays against discrimination in housing and employment has been approved by the Salt Lake City Council, officials said.

The council voted unanimously in favor of the law Tuesday night after hearing from a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, reported.

"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree -- in fact, especially when we disagree," said church spokesman Michael Otterson.

However, Otterson made it clear that while the church supports the anti-discrimination ordinance, it has not changed its position against same-sex marriage.

"The Church supports this ordinance because it is fair and reasonable and does not do violence to the institution of marriage," Otterson said.