Salt Lake City celebrated a landmark moment when Jackie Biskupski was sworn into office as the first openly gay mayor.
The 49 year-old Democrat was sworn into office on Monday, as the 35th mayor of Salt Lake City. Salt Lake County presiding judge, Shaune Graves-Robertson, swore her in, in front of the steps of Salt Lake City county building. The event was met with a warm reception by a crowd of 500, including Becky Ivers, Biskupski's fiancée, who stood by her side. Yahoo News reports that on the historic event, Biskupski acknowledges the notable contributions made for the welfare of the LGBT community in Utah. She told reporters that although there's still much work to be done, she believes that people must want true equality for everyone for it to exist in the future.
Biskupski was first elected into the Utah state House of Representatives in 1998 and became the first openly gay member of the state legislature. She was re-elected for six subsequent terms and served until 2011. Since then, Biskupski has worked with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's office. She and Iverson were engaged shortly after the 2015 mayoral election.
Biskupski won the mayoral seat back in November, after gaining 52% of the vote. According to Huffington Post, after winning the election, Biskupski said, "Today is not just about making history. It is about people. It is about effecting change." Salt Lake City is relatively liberal, but it's the capital of a generally conservative state with influential ties to an anti-gay Mormon Church. Her induction into office follows the announcement of a new rule set by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that target gay members of the religious group and their children. The new policy bans baptisms for children of gay parents until they reach 18 and decide to renounce same-sex relationships. The policy prompted backlash from critics and the LGBT community.
According to KSL.com, Biskupski is committed to "building an inclusive and welcoming" Salt Lake City by improving the air quality and focusing on economic development. Her office aims to do this by welcoming new businesses, rooting out crime and homelessness, and helping create opportunities for people from all walks of life. In her speech after being sworn in, Biskupski told the public they were the reason why she ran in the first place, and why she was able to get to where she is now. She adds, "It is for you that I will work every day to build a city for everyone." Biskupski also adds, "I have the honor to serve the people of Salt Lake City, to listen to your concerns, put your interests first and to always lead from a place of integrity."
On the same day, members of the Salt Lake City Council Andrew Johnston and Derek Kitchen were also sworn in for the first time, while Charlie Luke was sworn in for the beginning of his second term in office.
