David Nielson Kiss-In
Affirmation Conference Chair David Nielson (left) gives a kiss to a friend during today’s event at Temple Square

Demonstrators Hold Kiss-In at Temple Square
“We’re giving a visual demonstration of the power of love and saying that it should be OK for people to show affections regardless of their sexual orientation or age”

July 12, 2009

About 100 people, both gay and straight, gathered this morning at Temple Square for a kiss-in. The event was meant to express solidarity with Matt Aune and Derek Jones, a gay couple who were arrested last Thursday by LDS security after Aune kissed Jones on the cheek.

Dozens of gay and straight couples and friends kissed, posed for photos, and talked with reporters under the disapproving eye of church security personnel. When some protesters crossed onto LDS church property and walked around the reflecting pond, LDS security called the police. The demonstrators complied with directives from police, and no citations were issued.

Former Salt Lake City Councilwoman Deeda Seed launched the idea from her Facebook page after two gay men, Derek Jones and Matthew Aune, were arrested for holding hands and kissing. Seed said the idea behind the gathering was to illustrate the innocence of a simple display of affection, no matter where it occurs.

“We’re giving a visual demonstration of the power of love,” Seed said. “And, saying that it should be OK for people to show affections regardless of their sexual orientation or age.”

“This is another instance of indignity being visited on gays and lesbians,” said Salt Lake City Councilman Luke Garrott. “I knew this couple personally, they’re friends of mine, so it hits close to home.”

Garrott said the way church security officers handled the situation with Jones and Aune was reflective of a pattern of intolerance.

“The big picture seems still to be lost on the church leadership,” Garrott said. “The church is coming across not as defending traditional marriage but as being cruel to gay and lesbian couples. … I represent downtown Salt Lake City, and it’s unacceptable to me.”

Another kiss-in is being planned for next Sunday, July 19, 12:00 - 12:30 pm.


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