LGBT rights in Utah
The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Utah have significantly evolved in the 21st century. Protective laws have become increasingly enacted since 2014, despite the state's reputation as socially conservative and highly religious. Same-sex marriage has been legal since the state's ban was ruled unconstitutional by federal courts in 2014. In addition, statewide anti-discrimination laws now cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and housing, and the use of conversion therapy on minors is prohibited. In spite of this, there are still a few differences between the treatment of LGBT people and the rest of the population, and the rights of transgender youth are restricted.
LGBT rights in Utah | |
|---|---|
Utah (US) | |
| Status | Legal since 2003 (Lawrence v. Texas) Legislative repeal in 2019 |
| Gender identity | Transgender people can change their legal gender without surgery. However healthcare is much harder to access due to legal restrictions than in other states |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity protections (employment and housing only, public accommodations not included; religious organizations, groups, and individuals exempt) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Same-sex marriage since 2014 |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples permitted to adopt |
Opinion polling has shown an increase in support for LGBT rights in the state. A 2017 Public Religion Research Institute poll showed that 44% of Utah residents supported same-sex marriage, a significant increase from the early 2000s. A 2019 survey by the same pollster showed that 74% of Utahns supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBT people.