Following is Kevin Richert's editorial for Sunday: “The campaign to expand Idaho’s Human Rights Act centered on a straightforward slogan: 'Add The Words.' So now, what words can we add to our description of the 2012 Legislature? How about callous? Or dismissive? Or embarrassing? All of these words fairly describe the actions of the Senate State Affairs Committee Friday. On a party-line decision, and without much second thought, the committee rejected a proposal to extend human rights protections to gays, lesbians and transgender Idahoans. This basic, fair step to prevent discrimination in the workplace and the housing market didn’t get a hearing. In the committee’s narrow view, this proposal didn’t even merit any real consideration”/Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman. More here. (Idaho Statesman/AP photo by Chris Butler: A group expresses their disbelieve with a silent protest outside the Senate State Affair Committee meeting today)

• Also: Painful day in the Idaho Senate as “Add the Words” gay-rights bill killed/Dan Popkey, Statesman

Reaction?

The Senate is beginning its annual Lincoln Day commemorative program, but before it started, Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, rose to introduce guests in the gallery, as is the custom, including her partner, Carol Grohoski, and a large group of folks “who have worked with the Add The Words campaign for the last several months” to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Idaho's Human Rights Act. LeFavour reeled off names of those in the gallery, adding, “and all the amazing people who have worked so hard and who I love dearly. So please give them a warm welcome.” The Senate responded with a vigorous round of applause/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

Betsy Russell posts on “Add the Words” discussion:

• 'Add the Words' print hearing moved to capitol auditorium
• 'Add the Words' bill rejected on party-line vote
• Crowd places sticky notes, sings 'We shall overcome'
• Human rights bill backers 'astounded,' say, 'This is 2012, it's time
• Senate GOP leadership on 'Add the Words': 'We don't think that bill is the right thing to do'

Question: Isn't this odd behavior by the Senate after the action against “Add the Words” in committee?

Item: Senate panel rejects human rights protections for gays/Betsy Russell, SR Eye On Boise

More Info: The Senate State Affairs Committee just voted down a motion to introduce legislation to extend the Idaho Human Rights Act’s anti-discrimination provisions to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, gave a heartfelt pitch to her fellow senators to introduce the measure, which she said has an array of legislative co-sponsors. “At least 20 members of our Legislature have members of their families that are gay or lesbian and directly affected by these issues,” she told the committee.

Question: Do you support Sen. LeFavour’s bill to add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity to the Human Rights Act?