Richert: No Polite Word For Prejudice

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

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