Lawmakers consider introduction of ‘Add the Words’ bill
After nine consecutive sessions activist protests, the Idaho’s Legislature House Ways and Means Committee considers introducing the “Add the Words” bill. The bill would include sexual orientation and gender identity protections in the state’s Human Rights Act.
The House Ways and Means Committee, made up of Republican legislative leadership, voted 6-1 to bring the proposed legislation to a full hearing.
Before this consideration was announced, Idaho Falls activists met at the Broadway bridge to demonstrate their support for the Add the Words campaign and to urge state leaders to act.
“We just keep carrying on; we know we have to be patient and eventually we feel we’ll be heard,” said human rights activist Elizabeth Cogliati. “There are people here (in Idaho Falls) who care too. It’s often considered to be very conservative here, but we want to say there’re some people who care about this issue.”
Last legislative session, protests came in swarms as demonstrators not only protested in front of the state Capitol, but also organized inside. Many protesters were forced out of the building, and some were even arrested. But Cogliati said demonstrations and rallies weren’t the organization’s first actions toward change.
“We sent letters and organized smaller demonstrations, but it was the eighth year last year and it wasn’t working. So people in Boise felt that they needed something that was more impactful,” said Cogliati.
Activist said they have been successful in getting local communities to pass anti-discrimination ordinances, but many feel anti-discrimination for the LGBT community needs to be addressed on a state level.
“Local ordinances don’t cover everyone. People need to be able to feel like they can be who they are without getting fired or denied a home,” said demonstrator Cherie Stevens.
Idaho Falls Add the Words demonstrators said they plan to meet ever Wednesday at noon until the Legislature adjourns or there is meaningful movement on the Add the Words bill.
