Press: Add The Words, Idaho

Invoking the wisdom of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while encouraging the Idaho Legislature to “add the words” won’t win praise from everybody. We can live with that. Adding four words — “sexual orientation” and “gender equity” — to the Idaho Human Rights Act isn’t a question of political correctness dwarfing common sense or existing civil rights. With the exception of 10 Idaho cities, including Coeur d’Alene, that have taken the legal steps necessary for all citizens to be treated equally, the state of Idaho remains fertile ground for discrimination based on individuals’ real or perceived sexuality. It’s fitting that shortly after celebrating Dr. King’s birthday as a legal holiday, the Idaho Legislature is poised to consider adding the words to the human rights act. We hope the debate is vigorous and enlightening, because on this topic of sexual orientation and gender equity, a great deal of misunderstanding prevails. We know because we count ourselves among the generally ignorant/ Coeur d’Alene Press Editorial Board . More here.