HB 69
Idaho House of Representatives
Mat Erpelding, Idaho House Representative from District 19, has introduced House Bil 69, relating to civil rights, amending section 67-5901 of Idaho Code, to add the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the Idaho Human Rights Act.
Currently, the Idaho Human Rights Act bans discrimination in employment and housing accommodations on the basis of race, gender, religion, gender, age, and disability, but does not extend protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the state of Idaho, a person can be fired because of his or her sexual orientation - because he's gay. A couple can be evicted from their home because they are gay. A transgender person could be denied housing because of gender identity.
Members of our LGBTQ community do not want special treatment, but they do want equal treatment. Idaho has positioned itself as a welcoming and family friendly community, and it is time that we add the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to extend that welcome to all members of our community and protect them from discrimination.
Petition by
To:
Idaho House of Representatives
From:
[Your Name]
Members of this community are in favor of adding the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." Year after year, this legislation galvanizes supporters and yet the bill is defeated.
Our LGBTQ friends, family members, teachers, business owners, police officers, fire fighters and even legislators are not asking for special treatment. They are asking - we are asking that they not be subject to discrimination.
Idaho remains insistent on separating itself as a community that proclaims how inclusive it is while simultaneously shoving its LGBTQ members to the side. We won't tolerate it anymore, and we demand that HB 69 be given serious consideration and that Idaho add the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."