[Vision2020] Idaho Senate Nixes Protection for Idaho Gays, Lesbians

[Tom Hansen]

Thank God for those of us here in Moscow who actually GIVE A DAMN ! ! !

http://www.moscowcares.com/moscowhumanrights/SB1033_SupportRally_012911.htm
 
Courtesy of today's (February 11, 2012) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Senate nixes protection for Idaho gays, lesbians

BOISE - Tears of outrage erupted from a near-capacity crowd numbering around 300 in the Capitol auditorium after Senate Republicans rejected even considering updates to Idaho's Human Rights Act to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination.
"That's Idaho," one woman said loudly.

"What's it going to take?" another said.

While Republican Sen. Russ Fulcher said he respected activists' wishes to add protections for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," he opposed allowing the measure to advance to a public hearing because such changes were at odds with his fundamental beliefs. A similar bill got identical treatment in 2009.

"I think what you saw was the conflict of two entirely different world views," Fulcher, R-Meridian.
All session, a low-key "Add the Words" campaign to update the act has been working to win at least an introduction.

The early-morning introduction hearing had to be moved across the hallway in the Capitol basement, to accommodate the large crowd hopeful that the bill would be introduced, allowing them to testify at a future hearing.

Afterward, the scene of sad, angry Idaho residents was a marked contrast to the one earlier in the week in neighboring Washington state, where there were tears of joy from the gay community after representatives in that state's House voted to legalize gay marriage starting later this year.

Maria Minicucci, a Boise resident who backed the changes, said it's ironic that only miles to the west, same-sex couples may soon be able to make a lifelong vow to each other, while just over the border in Idaho those same two people might be fired or denied accommodations - without having the right to ask the state Human Rights Commission to investigate.

"I absolutely think they are behind the curve," Minicucci said of GOP foes of the bill, adding she believes Idaho's reluctance to pass protections for gays and lesbians could hurt its ability to attract progressive companies seeking to relocate.

The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes - just enough time for a tearful plea from the sponsor, Democratic Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai, to give the bill a full public vetting.

"In my opinion, it would be profoundly disrespectful not to afford those tens of thousands of families who would be protected by this legislation at least a printing of this bill," Malepaei, of Pocatello, argued unsuccessfully.

Malepeai and Democratic Sen. Michelle Stennett, of Ketchum, supported the bill.

Following the quick, party-line vote that was without debate, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, declined comment.

So did Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg.

Majority Caucus Chairman John McGee, R-Caldwell, said he believes most Idaho resident abhor discrimination, but he was concerned this bill carved out unnecessary exceptions for a special group, to little effect.

"Where does this stop? Where do these special categories end?" McGee said. "We can write lots of code, for lots of things, and it still doesn't stop it."

Following the vote, a stunned crowd of supporters outside the auditorium first covered their mouths to symbolize feelings they'd been silenced, then sang the spiritual hymn "We Shall Overcome."

Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise and Idaho's only openly gay lawmaker, cried and said she was at a loss of where to turn next.

"I think this is political," LeFavour added. "But to allow politics to intercede when you know something is right or wrong, that is the most sinister statement you can make. Especially when you know people are living in fear."

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Seeya later, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Post Falls, Idaho

"If not us, who?
If not now, when?"

- Unknown


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