WASHINGTON - March 22 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force applauds Equality Utah, a grassroots, statewide political advocacy organization that promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality, for its work to successfully turn back several anti-LGBT bills introduced in the 2006 Utah Legislature.

Only one of the five bills opposed by Equality Utah was passed by the Legislature, and that measure — which would have blocked courts from granting caretaking rights to non-biological parents (in turn hurting many nontraditional families, including LGBT families) — was vetoed late last night by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"The dogged determination of our grassroots ally Equality Utah, its executive director Mike Thompson, and all Utahans who took action against the discriminatory, anti-LGBT bills put forth in the Utah Legislature is extraordinary, and serves as a model to us all. Congratulations on this amazing success. This is a tremendous day for all Utahans — and all Americans — who support fairness and equality."

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