Idaho Duds
February 11, 2006: Idaho adds to the lists of states fighting to keep discrimination alive and well. This is from 365gay.com:
Boise, Idaho) The Idaho Senate will vote Monday on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.
The amendment says that “a marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized” in Idaho.
In addition to banning gay marriage and civil unions opponents say it could be used to nullify domestic partner benefits and health insurance for gay families.
Rep. Nicole LeFavour (D-Boise), the only openly gay elected official in Idaho, said if the matter goes to voters she fears it will be approved. LeFavour said that supporters of the amendment are hiding all of the implications of the measure, telling voters it only would ban same-sex marriage.
LeFavour said that the state does not need the amendment. If people want to ban gay marriage, she said, there already is a law doing that.
But supporters of the amendment say that if the courts in Massachusetts could overturn a ban on same-sex marriage it could happen just as easily in Idaho.
This is the third time the legislature has taken up a proposed constitutional amendment. A similar proposal passed a Senate committee last year but failed to win the two-thirds majority in the full Senate. The year before, the measure died in a Senate committee after it passed the House.
It’s great to see the good people of Idaho fighting domestic partner benefits and health insurance! Way to go, folks! According to Idaho’s official tourism page “Your vacation in Idaho awaits! Our door is always open to adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts and those just looking to get out and play. Learn about Idaho’s scenic beauty, western history and diverse culture.” They left out the part about “Unless you’re LGBT, in which case you have no rights and we hate you.” ” I guess “the door” ISN’T always open to everyone, huh?