Coeur d’Alene adopts anti-discrimination ordinance

Coeur d’Alene has become the fifth city in Idaho to pass a law that bans discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The City Council late Tuesday approved an anti-discrimination law by a 5-1 vote.

The ordinance protects people in areas of employment and public accommodations, such as restaurants and housing, by preventing discrimination solely based on “sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.”

Opponents contended the rule discriminates against those with religious beliefs by forcing them to go against their conscience for the benefit of a select few.

Boise, Sandpoint, Ketchum and Moscow have already adopted similar rules. Pocatello is considering a similar ordinance after voting a previous version down.

The rule does not apply to churches or religious organizations or people who are renting a room in their home.

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Information from: Coeur d’Alene Press, http://www.cdapress.com