More testimony:

Linda Brown, who spoke at length in opposition to HB 2, said she was born in Tunisia, but can’t check the box saying she’s African-American. “They want to claim that what is inside their head is their true sexuality. It’s not logical,” she said. “Observable facts reveal that I am Caucasian. Screaming that I am African-American at the top of my lungs will not change that fact.”

Kati Durkin, a high school senior, told the committee: “By not having these four words in the Idaho Human Rights Act, we’re explicitly telling people they don’t matter. … This message is the same one that African-Americans heard in the 1950s. … I feel that there’s absolutely no reason to deny anyone in Idaho the ability to feel safe and secure in their day-to-day life.”

Kelly Miller, executive director of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, spoke in favor of HB 2. “What we know is true is that if anyone’s rights are diminished, all are diminished,” she said. “We envision a world where all people have ability to thrive and fulfill their real potential. … We need to respond to everyone who is a victim of sexual violence, and without HB 2, that can’t happen in our state.”