Hayden Lake woman keeps Human Rights post
85-year-old said it should be OK to fire cross-dressers
BOISE – A Human Rights Commission member who opposes job protection for cross-dressers won reconfirmation to the state board Thursday despite an attempt by Senate Democrats to block it.
Ruthie Johnson, an 85-year-old Republican from Hayden Lake, drew attention to herself during a confirmation hearing last Friday in which she suggested employers should be able to fire workers who wear clothing meant for the opposite sex.
The comments came after she was asked if gays should be protected from workplace discrimination. According to records of the hearing, Johnson replied: “If someone comes to work dressed in drag, they should be able to fire them.”
She also stated that it would “change our culture” if sexual orientation were added to Idaho’s Human Rights Act and that she objects to such a change. The commission has supported making the change in the past, but this year voted narrowly to oppose it.
During floor debate Thursday, seven Democrats opposed Johnson’s reconfirmation, with 28 Republicans favoring her reappointment. The debate lasted about an hour.
The state Human Rights Commission protects people in Idaho from illegal discrimination and handles federal complaints. Johnson was first appointed in 2001.
Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly, D-Boise, argued that Johnson’s views aren’t expansive enough to merit another three-year term.