More Same-Sex Couples in Utah

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Census estimates suggest the number of same-sex couples in Utah has increased 28 percent since the year 2000. Utah Pride Center spokesperson Jennifer Nuttall says the number is most likely a result of more people "coming out":

"I don't think it's relaly that the numbers of gay and lesbian people have increased," says Nuttall. "I think it's just that they have become more comfortable with identifying themselves as such."

The same-sex census data was analyzed by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation, Law and Public Policy at UCLA. Nuttall notes that over the last five years, the passage of Amendment Three banning gay marriage and a handful of proposals on Utah's Capitol Hill "do fire people up."

"And make them realize that staying in the closet isn't doing anyone any good," adds Nuttall. "And in fact, they would like to come out and say 'There are same-sex couples here in Utah and we need to recognize that reality.'"

The data also shows a 7 and a half percent increase in the gay, lesbian and bisexual population in Salt Lake City since 2000.

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