Add The Words Campaign Still Growing
They may be down but don’t count them out.
Even though a state Senate committee rejected the campaign to prohibit employment and housing discrimination against gays, the movement to “Add The Words” is still building steam.
A lot of prominent members in the eastern Idaho community are appalled.
They’re disappointed with the legislature, but they won’t give up hope for the future.
“We pay taxes, we help run organizations, we help raise lots of money for our communities, we are respected people in the community and yet a lot of my friends are not allowed to live where they want to live or work. They can easily be fired or thrown out of their homes, because they have no protection,” said Anne Voilleque of Idaho Falls.
She was not the only one up-in-arms over the Senate State Affairs Committee’s quick decision to throw out the human rights bill.
“I feel like we should add the language to allow anyone to be protected against discrimination,” said Gary Rillema of Idaho Falls.
“It’s actually legal to turn down a gay person for housing or a job because they’re gay. This is 2012. Even a conservative state like Idaho, doesn’t want to be discriminating against its fellow citizens,” said Carrie Scheid of Idaho Falls.
Across the state in Boise, supporters of the movement were picketing at the statehouse hoping to change lawmakers minds.
Their protest specifically focused on Sen. John McGee for remarks the majority caucus chairman made to reporters Friday.
“In one breath they’re saying discrimination does happen and in the next breath they’re saying the only thing to do is educate people. We’re here to educate,” said protestor Mistie Tolman.
“I appreciate their concern and their disappointment, but we’ve got a job to do here and we’re moving forward,” said McGee.
It’s still not certain if the Senate State Affairs Committee will reconsider its vote. As for the House, Linden Batemen of Idaho Falls made this statement, “It will not be brought up; I’m quite certain about that. It’s something that’s just not in the offering for the House this year.”
