Testimony has wrapped up for the morning at today’s public hearing on HB 2, the bill to add discrimination protections for gays and transgender people in housing, employment and public accommodations to Idaho law. So far, 30 people have testified, 13 in favor of the bill and 17 against. People from out of town are being called to testify first, and committee Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said, he’s been trying to “balance” the testimony, by selecting from both advocates and opponents./Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Also:

• Add the Words' hearing split today
• Roden: 'Idaho has a history of tolerance'
• Big crowd awaits 'Add the Words' hearing
• Testimony: 'We learn to hide', 'Sinful liberty'
• Rep. McCrostie: "Are your religious beliefs greater than mine?'
• Testimony: 'No one chooses this life,' 'What's next? Tall people?'
• Testimony: 'No longer live in fear,' 'I was afraid I would lose my job'
• Testimony: 'We are all human', Implies that Idahoans are nasty people'
• Testimony: 'I have been discriminated against in this state', 'Special rights'
• Testimony: 'Marketplace will take care of itself,' 'My son Ryan passed away'
• Testimony: 'I was threatened,' 'Heavy hand of government,' 'Why don't they go elsewhere
• Testimony: 'Help us be proud of living here,' 'Dictating to a private citizen what to believe'

Thoughts?

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