Protests have swept across Utah since the start of the year. From rallies advocating for public lands preservation and LGBTQ+ rights to demonstrations opposing government policies and promoting union rights, the state capitol has been a focal point for activism. This article catalogs key protests from January 1 to the time of publication, offering a snapshot of the public outcry shaping the ongoing legislative session.
January 11 – Public Lands Rally
Protesters gathered in opposition to a lawsuit filed by state leaders seeking to transfer federal public lands to state control. Organized by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, participants emphasized the cultural, environmental, and recreational importance of preserving public lands. They also expressed concerns that state management could lead to privatization and development.
January 18 – SLC People’s March
Casey Moore, an organizer, says, “We march for LGBTQ+ rights, because every woman—whether cisgender or transgender—deserves to live authentically and without fear.” Groups marched from City Creek Park to the south steps of the state capitol.
January 20 – Anti-Trump Protest
In response to Trump taking office, protesters gathered to protest his policies. “We are here to fight for workers’ rights, LGBTQ rights, the rights of immigrant families, the future of our environment,” Devin Martinez (of the Salt Lake City branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which organized the demonstration) told KSL.
January 21 – Walking the Waves
Starting Jan. 21, demonstrators walk through the capital with a long blue piece of fabric representing the Great Salt Lake. They march Monday through Thursday morning until March 6. The wavelike procession raises awareness of the actively collapsing ecosystems of the Great Salt Lake.
January 24 – Rally for Trans Existence
Parents, allies and transgender youth gathered to oppose a bill that would have banned nearly all gender-affirming care for minors. The bill failed in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
January 25 – Fight for Life
Pro-life demonstrators gathered at the capitol and gave speeches and prayers advocating for restricting abortion access at the 10th annual Utah March for Life. Utah’s abortion ban remains in legal limbo due to ongoing litigation. Senator Mike Lee introduced anti-abortion legislation to coincide with the march.
January 25 – Rally to Save Our Great Salt Lake
After the pro-life march, another group of demonstrators arrived to advocate for the Great Salt Lake’s ecosystem. The event website claims, “Our legislature has declared a moratorium on new major water legislation this year as Great Salt Lake has fallen on their list of priorities. Stand with us on Jan 25 and make it clear that Utahns demand a healthy Great Salt Lake.”
January 29 – Anti-fascist Protest
Protesters gathered in opposition to the Trump administration and to bring attention to the possible March 15, 2025 federal government shutdown. Organized by Voices Ignited, SLC was one of many capitals around the US that had anti-fascist protests.
January 30 – Transgender Unity Coalition Rally
Trans-rights supporters gathered in SLC in opposition to HB269. This bill modifies provisions regarding sex-designated privacy spaces in education and government facilities. Supporters and opponents of the bill testified in the senate committee.
January 31 – UEA/Union Supporter Press Conference
Teachers, firefighters and other members of public unions gathered at the Capitol to protest HB267. This bill would eliminate collective bargaining for public sector employees like firefighters and teachers.
February 3 – Day Without Immigrants
Salt Lake City residents and businesses participated in a national Day Without Immigrants protest. Participants refrained from shopping, working, or attending school to emphasize the immigrant community’s impact on the labor force and economy. A permit was obtained for the south steps of the capitol, but it is unclear how many protesters attended.
February 5 – Nationwide Protest of Project 2025
Protesters gathered in opposition to President Trump, Elon Musk and Project 2025. Social media was used to organize 50 protests in 50 states for one day. This protest is known online as 50501. This event is depicted in the article’s accompanying photo.
February 7 – Public Union Rights Protest
After HB267 passed the House and Senate protesters arrived at the capitol to urge Governer Cox to not sign the bill into law. This bill removed the ability for state employees to collectively bargain.
February 8 – March for Our Rights
This protest supported Utah’s immigrant community, LGBTQ+ members and reproductive rights. They marched from the capitol to Washington Square Park. One protester was struck by a car.
Future protests
Numerous protests are scheduled to take place in the near future. Follow social media accounts such as Utah March and the Salt Lake City subreddit to stay up to date. Protests are likely to decrease in frequency when the legislative session ends on March 7.
