This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Organizers of the Days of '47 Parade have officially responded to the Salt Lake City Council, saying they will not reconsider a request by the gay-friendly Mormons Building Bridges to participate in the July 24 procession.
Citing inclusiveness, the council last week asked the parade committee to reconsider its decision.
Parade organizers said they feared the entry would be too controversial for an event that honors Utah statehood as well as the Mormon pioneers.
"After thoughtful consideration and discussion, the parade committee has decided to stand by its original decision," the letter said.
The letter quoted from its regulations citing unacceptable entries, such as those "advocating for legislative or other public policy matters, subject matter relating to sexuality, including polygamy and abortion, controversial religious matters and gun rights."
The ACLU of Utah had criticized the City Council for weighing in on what it called the parade committee's First Amendment freedom to organize without government interference.
Erika Munson, the co-founder of Mormons Building Bridges, said the group will continue to seek entrance into the parade in coming years.