Gays see billboards as signs of change in Mormon Utah

[Quetzal]

Gays see billboards as signs of change in Mormon Utah

SALT LAKE CITY -- Even without the beauty of the Wasatch Range, with its chiseled slopes and snow-capped peaks, visitors traveling Interstate Highway 15 would know instinctively that they're in Utah.

In a state where 70 percent of the population is Mormon, the billboards that line the main artery reflect the unique needs of the majority: Knee-length shorts for missionaries, "modest" bridal gowns, church Web sites and--gay pride?

But right there--in blazing yellow, red and black--are signs that seem as out of place here as a pork chop at a kosher banquet. They use the slogan "Equal rights. No more. No less."

The 10 billboards tout "Utah Pride 2005," a five-day celebration that kicked off Wednesday with a gay film festival and culminates Sunday with a parade and party in the shadow of Temple Square, the epicenter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"We are excited because these billboards help strengthen those who may feel like they are alone in a part of our state where so many messages come out saying `being gay is immoral,'" said Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Utah in Salt Lake City. "It was quite a thrill when they went up."

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