Sen. Jim Dabakis (D)

SB 99 (Public Accommodation Fairness Act)

Libertas Institute opposes this bill.

Utah law currently provides for "equal accommodations… in all business establishments and in all places of public accommodation… without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin." This bill seeks to add "sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression" to that list, prohibiting businesses from discriminating against potential customers on this additional basis.

Libertas Institute opposes this bill. Free association implies the freedom of disassociation; a business owner cannot be legitimately compelled to offer his/her products or services to any person who wants it. We oppose this bill, but also support repealing the underlying statute.