Equality ordinance proposed in Driggs

There’s a new equality ordinance on the table in Driggs.

The city is looking to become the second in Idaho to pass a measure that will ensure equal treatment for gender identity and sexual orientation when it comes to matters of housing and employment.

The ordinance was proposed by new city councilman Ralph Mossman.

Mossman said the council, besides addressing discrimination, wanted to appeal to creative, progressive individuals who may want to move to a community like Driggs.

If passed, a three-member panel would be created to make sure the ordinance is enforced.

“We’ve had a lot of bullying, suicides and episodes where people are really affected by feeling like outsiders,” said Mossman.

The equality ordinance has undergone one reading and will be up for a vote by the council on Oct. 2.

Sandpoint is the first city in Idaho to pass an equality ordinance.