At the close of the presentations this morning on amending the Idaho Human Rights Act, before opening it up to questions, Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, told the House and Senate State Affairs committees, “Sometimes these topics are undiscussable. So we appreciate the opportunity to broach the subject.”

Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said, As you know we grew up in the era of segregation… For me that’s a no-brainer, all that was going on was wrong.” But, he said, “I struggle … as I try and weigh my position on ‘Add the Words’ or other issues based on discrimination, I look to the law and I look to try and figure out the impact of that discrimination. So I want you to know that it is a struggle.” He asked Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson about “the facts of discrimination in our community,” saying, “Some of my issues also deal with protection, equal protection, of someone being assaulted – any person should have protection, no matter what.”

Masterson responded, “I really don’t have a lot of data.” He said, “I’ve received complaints from as far away as Boston, from a mother who says, ‘My son’s jaw was broken, you’re not doing anything about it.’ It turned out it hadn’t been reported to the police. … It underscores the under-reporting issue we have.” Masterson said to him, the effectiveness of a new law like Boise’s anti-discrimination ordinance isn’t necessarily measures through the number of complaints. Instead, it’s through fewer complaints and the message getting out that discrimination won’t be tolerated.  He stressed the “importance of a message that you as elected officials send to your constituents and to all Idahoans about what you value in terms of justice and trust.”

Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, thanked the presenters, and said, “If we’re going to cope with this problem in this country, I think we need to be better educated. We need to learn from one another, we need to appreciate one another.” He said, “I think discrimination is much more a matter of the heart than it is of statute. I think we’ve gone a long way for that.” Buckner-Webb responded, “Thank you for these incremental steps.”

Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, Senate state affairs chairman, said, “I understand the passions that people have on this issue. … I appreciate the respect for the process, the respect for the committee. … It’s open dialogue that is important on issues like this.” Buckner-Webb said, “Thank you – we’ll be inviting you for more.”