Thousands attend march to Utah State Capitol building

SALT LAKE CITY -- Thousands attended a march to the Utah State Capitol building on Monday that was organized by Utah Women Unite, CBS Salt Lake City affiliate KUTV reports. 

It took place on the first day of the Utah State Legislative session and was part of a series of rallies held across the U.S.

Demonstrators met at City Creek Park and marched to the Capitol building, where people gathered in the rotunda.  

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper said capacity at the Capitol’s rotunda was 5,000 -- and the demonstrators exceeded that number inside of the building with more people outside.

The crowd was estimated to be at 6,000, police told KUTV reporter Chris Jones.

Organizers had said they anticipated 3,000-5,000 people would turn out for the march. Rep. Angela Romero, Rep. Sandra Hollins, Navajo women’s rights activist Carol Surveyor and Sen. Jim Dabakis were among the speakers.

A website that appears to be associated with Utah Women Unite said the march on Monday was organized “using the inspiration and momentum of the national Women’s March” -- a reference to global demonstrations that took place on Saturday.

“We will march from City Creek Park to the Capitol Rotunda (inside the capitol building) to show our strength, power, and courage,” the website says. “We will demonstrate our disapproval of Utah politician’s anti-women rhetoric and actions.” 

The website said the march “is only the beginning.”

“Utah Women Unite will be tracking bills that concern all women’s issues and making certain Utah women’s voices are heard and recognized by our representatives,” it says.