Idaho Senate suspends rules to arrest ex-member protesting inaction on gay rights
Source: Idaho Statesman
Frustrated after eight years of rejection, a group of Add the Words supporters is blocking the entrance to the Idaho State Senate chamber at the Capitol in Boise this morning. The group members, standing in silence and wearing matching black T-shirts, have said they are prepared to be arrested.
“We are here to insist the Idaho Legislature finally add four words, “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” to Idaho’s Human Rights Act to prevent the suicides, beatings, loss of jobs, evictions and the fear that too many gay and transgender Idahoans live with every day," the group said in a news release. "We do this for those who live in fear and those who may despair this year if no one speaks for them."
... The last of 43 protesters was arrested after 11 a.m., when former state Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, was taken into custody after the Senate voted to suspend its rule that allows former members to be on the Senate floor. The rules also prohibit former members from lobbying. Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, made the motion to suspend the rules; Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, seconded the motion. Both said they respected the protesters' right to speak out, but the Senate had to move ahead to conduct the people's business.
LeFavour stood in the doorway to the Senate, hands over her mouth, refusing to move or to talk. The Senate called the roll, had its opening prayer and pledge, then voted to suspend for the day the rule that allows former members floor access. Monday's protest targeted the fact that nothing in Idaho statutes prevents a citizen from being fired or blocked from buying or renting a home based on his or her sexual orientation. There's no federal law offering specific workplace protections based on sexual orientation, either.
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/02/03/3006687/add-the-words-protestors-blocking.html
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