Local businesses
defy Utah city council's antigay proclamation

Facing a threatened boycott by LGBT tourists, dozens of local businesses in a Utah community are fighting back against what they're calling a discriminatory city council. In January the city council of Kanab, Utah, formally proclaimed that Kanab supports the "natural family"--made up of a working husband, a stay-at-home wife, and what the council referred to as a "full quiver of children." The proclamation was brought to light by syndicated travel columnist Arthur Frommer, who wrote, "I think they know perfectly well this is a smoke screen for discriminating against gays." The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a number of gay rights groups began considering a boycott. But local businesses have decided to distance themselves from the proclamation. Earlier this week signs began appearing in shop windows that read, "Everyone Welcome Here!" The signs feature a string of rainbow-colored people and are being distributed by the local business owners' group Kanab Boosters. As one shop owner told the Tribune, "It's not just about tolerance but acceptance of those different from you." (Sirius OutQ News)