Thousands run in underwear to protest Utah laws

Published : Sept. 26, 2011 - 14:46

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) --Thousands of people stripped to their underwear and ran through Salt Lake City to protest what they called the ``uptight'' laws of Utah.

People stand with slogans on their bodies as they wait to run in their underwear from the Gallivan Center to the Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP-Yonhap News)

Undie Run organizer Nate Porter says the goal of the event Saturday was to organize people frustrated by the conservative nature of the state's politics.

Nudity was prohibited by organizers. Participants donned bras, panties, nightgowns, swimwear or colorful boxer shorts _ and some added political messages by expressing support for causes like gay marriage on their chests, backs or legs.

In this photo taken Sept. 24, 2011, people wait for the start of the run at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City. Thousands of people stripped to their underwear and ran through Salt Lake City to protest what they called the "uptight" laws of Utah. (AP-Yonhap News)

Salt Lake City is the home of the Mormon church, which is a vocal opponent of gay marriage.

Porter estimates 3,000 people participated in the run, which began in downtown Salt Lake City and circled past the state Capitol building about a mile away.

Thousands run in underwear to protest Utah laws

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