Laws banning discrimination of gays in housing and the workplace take effect in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, USA - Salt Lake City's landmark ordinances to protect gays from discrimination in housing and employment have taken effect.

Mayor Ralph Becker was joined by gay-rights advocates at a ceremony last week marking enactment of Utah's first such laws.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorsed the ordinances as protecting people's right to work and have a roof over their heads. The laws exempt religious organizations, businesses with 15 or fewer employees and some small landlords. They also create a complaint and investigation process for violations.

Equality Utah is campaigning for 10 more Utah cities or counties to pass similar anti-discrimination ordinances this year. Salt Lake County, Utah's most populous county, has already done so, and Utah's second largest city, West Valley City, and Park City are moving toward passage.