A Salt Lake City police officer has been placed on leave after refusing an assignment to work at a gay pride parade Sunday.
Department spokeswoman Lara Jones says the officer was among about 30 officers assigned to provide traffic control and security for the annual Utah Pride Parade in Salt Lake City.
She says the department does not tolerate bias and bigotry, and it does not allow personal beliefs to enter into whether an officer will accept an assignment.
She declined to comment on the officer's reason for refusing the assignment.
The officer, whose name wasn't released, is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.
Utah Pride Center officials say they are pleased with the department's stance and think officers should undergo sensitivity training before joining the force.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.