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Bigots find friends in Boise

The Spokesman-Review

The Spokesman-Review is so right in its editorial condemnation (Feb. 26) of Idaho’s state Senate for its “shameful bias” in failing to add sexual orientation to Idaho’s anti-discrimination laws.

Not only did our Republican-dominated Senate deny equal rights to a group of its law-abiding citizens, it refused to even discuss the issue. So fearful of a reprimand from the powerful Idaho Values Alliance and its leader, the Rev. Bryan Fischer – who handed out a letter prior to the vote – they even disregarded the advice of one of their own, Sen. Chuck Coiner (R-Twin Falls), who urged the same rights for gay and lesbian residents as now afforded to women, racial minorities and the mentally disabled.

And this despite a recent Idaho survey showing that 64 percent of respondents thought it illegal to fire workers for their sexual orientation (current Idaho law makes this firing legal).

In their actions, those Idaho senators have supported the bigots. And along with others who support their views, they will have to live with this shame.

James W. Ramsey

Kootenai, Idaho

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