Gender issues were the talk of the House State Affairs Committee this morning, as Reps. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, and Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello, proposed legislation calling for gender-neutral language in new state laws and rules. After much discussion, the bill was introduced, but seven committee members voted “no,” with some of them saying they’ve seen no signs that women suffer any gender-based discrimination.

The “no” votes came from Reps. Batt, McMillan, Holtzclaw, Cheatham, Sims, Nielsen and Palmer.

 “We know that language affects perception, and that perception affects behavior,” Wintrow told the committee. Among those raising concerns were Rep. Pete Nielsen, R-Mountain Home, who said, “To me if we go too far this way we’re lowering the status of a girl, a woman, a lady ... and I don’t want to see that happen.” Rep. Linden Bateman, R-Idaho Falls, said, "Some things coming out of the feminist movement are over the top. I don't think it's necessary."

Sims said she’s never suffered discrimination, though her work as owner of a car dealership puts her in a male-dominated industry. “I’m so happy that Rep. Sims has not experienced the discrimination that I have experienced,” Wintrow responded. “I don’t want to take away from any of the etiquette you practice in your personal life – I’m just talking about the law.”

The bill is scheduled for a full hearing next week. It says, “It is the intent of the Legislature that, on and after the effective date of this section, any new or amended section of the Idaho Code should contain language that is gender neutral.” It also adds a similar section regarding administrative rules.