Listen to this articleThe Utah chapter of the Stonewall Democrats has elected a new board chair. Todd Bennett took over the helm in January as the organization helped to push for pro-gay rights legislation, and tried to stop some of the anti-gay bills in the Utah Legislature.
The Stonewall Democrats is a political caucus of the state and county Democratic Party.
“We are an all-volunteer organization to get fair-minded candidates elected,” Bennett said. “We work with other political action groups, such as Equality Utah, to help advance gay rights.”
The Stonewall Democrats will be hosting an event to sum up all the events from the Utah Legislature on Saturday, March 26 at 4 p.m. at the Cottonwood Market Street Grill. The event will run for about two hours and appetizers and drinks will be served. Four Democratic legislators will attend as well as the Stonewall Democrat leadership. Everyone is invited to attend. You do not have to be involved with the caucus. The event is being called, “Oh no they didn’t!” While the event is free, there is a suggested $20 donation.
“This is a great opportunity to catch up on all the issues, not just LGBT issues,” Bennett said. “People should go to socialize and learn how to get involved with politics.”
The Stonewall Democrats meet three or four times a year to keep the members informed and help plan some of the actions the caucus plans to take. And every second Saturday of the month the caucus meets at 10 a.m. at the Utah Pride Center. However, this location will change when the new Utah Democratic Party Headquarters are finished. The group also participates in state and county delegate meetings to help keep fair-minded candidates on the ballot, Bennett said.
Bennett has been a volunteer for the Stonewall Democrats for about three years. Before serving as the board chair, he also served for a time on the Utah Pride Center board.
“I plan to keep the legacy of Nikki Boyer, our previous chair,” Bennett said. “She did such a great job and we hope to keep it going.”
If you go…
What: Oh no they didn’t! A legislative wrap-up with leading Democrat legislators.
When: March 26, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cottonwood Market Street Grill – 6580 S. 2985 East, Salt Lake City
