March 9 2019

Dear Governor Herbert and Lieutenant Governor Cox,

I would like to formally ask that you condemn pro-conversion therapy and anti-LGBTQ+
rhetoric from Utah’s elected officials. Most importantly, the words from Representative Karen
Lisonbee’s now deleted Facebook posts (see attached photos below).

To not condemn anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, regardless of source, is quite simply a tacit approval of
that rhetoric. There is no room for neutrality on this issue -- you either support the rights and
humanity of LGBTQ+ Utahns, or you do not.

When those with power do not speak out against this type of discriminatory behavior, it implies
that regardless of their personal stance on homophobia, they accept its existence enough to stay
silent. Silence on homophobia from all of us, but especially those in high levels of governance,
implies that these behaviors are not worth a response, and that the targeted individuals are not
worthy of enough respect to defend.

One cannot be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community in their private life but not their public life.
There is no secretive way to support justice. An elected official bears the responsibility of not
just personally demonstrating respect to the oppressed, but leading the way for our society by
publicly calling for others to do likewise. If one is a friend of the community and cares for their
needs, they will demand that others, most especially those holding public office, treat all people
with respect.

One cannot be neutral on matters of human rights. In these circumstances, silence is complicity.

Sincerely,

Amelia Damarjian @PresidentAmelia, Isaac Reese @isaacslcreese

 March 9 2019

Attached photos from Representative Lisonbee’s Facebook. Source: Robert Gehrke

@RobertGehrke
March 9 2019