Quips & Quotes

“It is disheartening to me that there is such a discrepancy between what is not even an issue anymore in the scientific community and this obvious ambiguity in public opinion.”

– University of Utah psychology professor Lisa Diamond, talking to The Salt Lake Tribune about the newspaper’s poll that found 44 percent of Utahns believe sexual orientation can be changed.

“[T]his is too controversial of an issue, and we should focus on education, not experimenting with social policy just because the city and county are.”

– Salt Lake City School Board member Alma Uluave, on adding gender identity to the district’s anti-discrimination policy in a Nov. 3 meeting, as quoted by PRIDE in Utah.

“Research shows gender nonconforming or social nonconforming children are most at risk. School should be a safe place for all children. These steps must begin at the district level, which provides foundational steps which are age appropriate and can be continued through school education. This is not only good business, but establishes a situation where all are safe and welcome.”

– Salt Lake PFLAG President Kathy Godwin at the same meeting.

“I think it’s outside the bounds of our community. I think somebody has to have the guts to stand up and say no.”

– Unsuccessful Washington County School District Board of Education candidate Larry LeBaron, talking to The Spectrum about the district’s new gay-straight alliances.

“There is no excuse for this barbaric behavior; bullying has no place in Utah schools.”

– Salt Lake Tribune editorial against bullying.

“We will now fight for a vote on a constitutional amendment and a repeal of same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. And we look forward to the legislature overriding any veto that [state Gov.] John Lynch might attempt.”

– Brian Brown, president of Mormon-owned anti-gay group the National Organization for Marriage, in a blog post.