Sen. Cheri Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, center, and Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, left, are moved by the testimony of Bill Roden, former state lawmaker who was among the original co-sponsors of Idaho's first civil rights law in 1961. Hundreds of people signed up to testify in front of the House State Affairs Committee on Monday, concerning a bill that adds the words "sexual identity" and "gender identification" to the Human Rights Act. The legislation had been denied a hearing for nine years. (AP/Statesman photo: Katherine Jones)

Discrimination harms society as well as the people victimized by it. We all suffer when people are denied employment, housing, transportation or any other services because of who they are, how they look or act or what they believe. This does not mean that government action can cure the problem. In fact, government action can make things worse. That’s why the attempt to “add the words” “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the state’s human rights law is disheartening and misguided/Wayne Hoffman, Idaho Freedom Foundation. More here.

Question: Do you agree/disagree with Wayne Hoffman re: "Add the Words"?