Urgent: Print Hearing on Human Rights Act
Friday, February 10 at 8:00 am
Senate State Affairs, WW55, Garden Level, Idaho State Capitol |
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Greetings!
Did you know it is legal in the state of Idaho to deny someone housing or fire them from employment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity?
For the past six years, the ACLU of Idaho has been trying to amend the Idaho Human Rights Act. Amending the Human Rights Act, our state's version of the Civil Rights Act, by simply adding the words "sexual orientation and gender identity" would make it illegal to fire someone or deny them housing for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Lawmakers in Idaho have not only denied the request to amend the Act, but also refused to give the bill a hearing.
Many committed individuals have been working diligently to make their voices heard on this issue. The ACLU of Idaho applauds Senator Curt McKenzie, Senate State Affairs Chairman, for agreeing to have a print hearing for a bill that would amend the Idaho Human Rights Act to include protections against discrimination for people that are LGBT.
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| PRINT HEARING: IDAHO HUMAN RIGHTS ACT | |  Stand Up for Human Rights
Join us in the Senate State Affairs Committee (Room WW55, Garden Level) at the Idaho State Capitol Building on Friday, February 10 at 8:00 am for the print hearing.
What is a "print hearing"? A print hearing is the first step to getting a public hearing. No public testimony will be taken, but it is important to fill the room to show support for such an important civil rights bill.
It is EXTREMELY important that those in attendance remain respectful and abide by the ground rules. This means: no signs, no interrupting and no food or beverage. If the Senators on the Committee see a large number of people that are supportive, it may influence their decision.
For more information about this bill, or how you can get involved contact our office via email or call (208) 344-9750 x 201.
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| TALKING POINTS | | |
What Would Amending the Idaho Human Rights Act Do?
Include the terms "sexual orientation and gender identity" in Idaho's Human Rights Act empowering the Idaho Human Rights Commission to investigate, mediate and seek resolution to complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodation.
The Idaho Human Rights Act was passed in 1969 protecting Idahoans from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, and age. Protections on the basis of disability
were added in 2007.
Employers with five or more employees would be prohibited from using an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing,
promotion, or compensation.
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| CONTACT LEGISLATORS | |  Ask for a public hearing
BEFORE FRIDAY: Contact the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee and ask them to vote to print the bill amending the Idaho Human Rights Act.
Senate State Affairs Members: Chair (208) 332-1326
Vice Chair (208) 332-1340
(208) 332-1300
(208) 332-1305
(208) 332-1319
(208) 332-1304
(208) 332-1308
(208) 332-1353
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With your support, we will ensure that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, can fully participate in civil society.
Sincerely,
The ACLU of Idaho |
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