Idaho State Capitol – On Tuesday, Senator Maryanne Jordan/ (D-Boise) introduced Add the Words legislation as a personal bill in the Senate. Senate Bill 1226 seeks to add “sexual orientation” and “gender discrimination” to Idaho’s Human Rights Act to protect those of the LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation. Sen. Jordan brought this bill as a personal bill during the 2019 session in an attempt to Add the Words to protect the groups under Idaho’s anti-discrimination laws. She is honored to have all Senate and House Democrats as co-sponsors.
“Idahoans and their families are desperate for the legislature to Add the Words. Protection from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation for all is a human right.” Jordan explained. “While several cities across Idaho that have ordinances prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, all citizens should be protected from being kicked out of their home or being fired from their job regardless of their gender or who they love.”
“The pleas of LGBTQ Idahoans have been ignored by the legislature for too many years. I am committed to protecting the lives and rights of all people and in order to do so, Idaho’s Human Rights Act needs to be updated. Adding this language to Idaho’s anti-discrimination laws would help to eliminate the fear of retribution in the workplace or sudden, unexpected homelessness. I will continue to support Add the Words legislation until all members of the LGBTQ community in Idaho are protected by our state laws.”