Idahoans have been working for nine years — 3,285 days — just to get a hearing to add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act.
A 2011 poll by the ACLU found 78% of Idahoans would accept legal recognition for gay and transgender people that would protect them from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
Ten Idaho cities already protect their citizens from discrimination.
Twenty-one states protect their citizens from discrimination.
“(In 2012), a near-capacity crowd numbering around 300 in (the Lincoln) auditorium erupted in tears and disbelief after Senate Republicans rejected even considering the Human Rights Act changes.”
— Associated Press
Six to one, the vote in the House Ways and Means Committee approving a full hearing of House Bill 2, to Add the Words. House Speaker Scott Bedke (R-Oakley) monitored the proceedings. The State Affairs Committee listened to nearly 21 hours of testimony.
The time the State Affairs Committee reconvenes on Thursday, Jan 29 for debate and a vote.
