300 Mormons March in Utah Gay Pride Parade

A group of Mormons made history yesterday when the largest number ever marched in Salt Lake City's Gay Pride Parade. The 300-strong group, dressed in their conservative Sunday best, are members of Mormons Building Bridges, and participated to "extend a message of love and support to our brothers and sisters" in Utah's LGBT community," states their Facebook page. "I cried as the crowds cheered us and thanked us," said one participant. "It was a spiritual experience to stand with so many. Love is all we need."

Parade Grand Marshal Dustin Lance Black tweeted: "In tears. Over 300 straight, active Mormons showed up to march with me." The Mormon group, whose members stood in sharp contrast to some of the more flamboyant marchers, was begun just weeks ago by a mom of five, to show her support for the community and encourage others in her church to do the same. The Mormon church does not consider same-sex attraction a sin, but sexual relations are only acceptable between a married man and woman, and members who admit to same-sex relations can be excommunicated, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. (More LGBT stories.)