Human Rights: Column

In Idaho, a Senate Committee Coldly Rejects Equality

By Jill Kuraitis, 2-21-09

	Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise

Those of us who have known Senator Nicole LeFavour since long before she was elected to office know that her persistent advocacy for human rights comes not just from her fine sense of justice, but also from her gentle heart and soul.

Still the only openly gay legislator in the history of Idaho, Boise’s LeFavour again this year tried to introduce a bill in a senate committee which would have granted anti-discrimination provisions on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under the Idaho Human Rights Act.

The room in tense silence, without a single question, call for discussion, or hearing of any kind, the committee denied the bill even the dignity of being printed.

In her typical dignified fashion, LeFavour remarked afterward, “I know better of them, and I know in their hearts they know better. That’s the hardest part.”

LeFavour’s blog post after the meeting, called “Losing Ground in Silence,” reveals her sadness, pain and fatigue.

On a simple print hearing vote this morning where seven committee members heard from Senator Coiner first and then from me on why more than 42,000 people deserve to be able to work at their jobs, go to school and live in a house or apartment without fear, the senate state affairs committee voted five to two not to introduce the proposal as a bill.

Not to even give it the courtesy of print. Not to acknowledge that discrimination against gay people might be a problem worth discussing inside the state’s law making body.
Clearly we have far far to go and need many more voices in there with ours because people all over this state live quietly in fear every day. In school rooms, in board rooms, at desks, in processing plants and apartment complexes. What are the values of a state which, by omission, condones discrimination year after year, whose lawmakers know better, but refuse to stand up and act.

The committee members asked not a single question. Senator Steger, always valiant, made the motion to approve the introduction of the bill. Senator Kelly seconded. The committee was silent but for their brief voice vote. Five to two. No.

Before the disappointment of last week, LeFavour poured out her heart and hopes with this:

I see the looks on other Senator’s faces when I mention gays and lesbians. Do they think I love reminding them that I belong to a sub class of Idahoans that does not have the right to work at a job, attend a school in peace, hold a family gym membership or health insurance policy as they do? Do I love reminding them I belong to the group of people that can be forced to die alone in a hospital room; whose possessions at death can be distributed to estranged family members over the wishes of the immediate family because that family is not of the right gender.

Please tell me this all makes sense to someone.... outside religion, beyond what one person believes verses what another believes through their religious faith. Please tell me we have a legal and constitutional reason why I deserve less than those men and women I serve with every day. I am, in the words of others, a good person, a good Senator, a good hard working American, someone who has given of myself to my country and community. But I’m not good enough for equality for one small reason. A reason that affects no one in the whole world in a way that is not positive. My partner who served her country in the Air Force, is she less worthy of love or happiness? Of equality? Fairness? Respect? Humanity?

So yes to my colleagues, I am coming back this year to bother you, because you have not yet stood up again. So many of you are willing if only others will just be brave. This is the time to be brave. There is harm being done to good people every day we delay, every single day that we remain one of the few states that does not allow gay people the simple right to be employed, to go to school, to live somewhere regardless of who we love, who we have spent our lives with.

Where is the time for bravery? For justice? For eloquence? I can’t do this alone. Believe me. Can we not be brave enough to make some step forward this year?

More than two years ago, my heart wrote For Idaho, a Wish for Gay Rights.

When you love someone and they’re gay, the idea that others would hate them for no good reason is incomprehensible and bewildering, especially for children. Make no mistake: there are plenty of anti-gay folks who really do hate them.  Some may hide behind religious piety, but there is a percentage who tremble with anger at the idea that gay people are free to just run around being gay. I’ve tried to understand. But I don’t.

I understand that some people believe homosexuality is forbidden by the Bible, and it is certainly their right to believe that.  But again, the answer is simple: just as I sincerely respect your right to believe your way, extend to me the same courtesy, please. And a quick reminder: the law guarantees my right not to have to believe in any religion at all. Arguing Biblical reasons for opposing gay rights is arguing from an immaterial platform.  Argue United States law, and I’ll listen.

I also understand that some people fear that homosexuals will be a bad influence on their children.  But it’s a silly thing to fear. It’s much smarter to be concerned about violent video games, sleazy television, exposed cleavage on 13-year-olds and the shockingly high divorce rate.  It’s far more protective to make sure your kids are in proper car seats, eat a low-fat diet, and get enough exercise.

The gay people in my children’s lives certainly did influence them:  they taught them acceptance, equality, and love.

Senator LeFavour, through her consistent, persistent, ladylike and loving outreach, has turned many a person around to the principle of equality for all people. But still too threatened by the idea that their worldview isn’t shared by all, Senators Denton Darrington, R-Declo, Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, and Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, voted their fear and disapproval of tens of thousands of Idahoans.

But thousands of others believe in the gift of Nicole LeFavour.  With her leadership, someday Idaho will be a place where the mantra of “private property rights for all” will come after “equal rights for all.”

And then we’ll be a great state.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.