Freedom infringed

Sun., Feb. 8, 2015

One of the things I love most about Idaho is living in a culture that values individual liberty. That’s the idea that as long as I don’t hurt anyone else, I can do what I want and be who I am. In one word: “freedom.”

Unfortunately, the Idaho Legislature hamstrung freedom recently by failing to allow a bill that would “Add the Words” “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act. This means that gay and transgender Idahoans can be refused service at restaurants, denied housing and even legally discriminated against in the workplace.

That’s not what I consider individual liberty, and it’s certainly not being free. To the members of the Legislature who failed to allow the “Add the Words” bill out of committee: Shame on you.

Michael Lucid

Bonners Ferry

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