More than 300 Mormons join Utah Gay Pride Parade

More than 300 Mormon church members who are not gay drew shouts of approval and tears from spectators while taking part in the Utah Gay Pride Parade in downtown Salt Lake City.

Members of Mormons Building Bridges say they sought to send a message of love to Utah’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by joining the annual parade Sunday. Their participation marked the first time such a large group of Mormons took part in the parade.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the Mormons included parents carrying their children on their shoulders and pushing strollers.

Holly Nelson, a 38-year-old lesbian who lives in Murray, had tears in her eyes.

She says it’s been hard to live in Utah knowing the Mormon church is against the gay community.