Sexual Orientation Bill Won’t Get Vote, but Will Get Discussion by Idaho Lawmakers

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Adding protections for gays and lesbians to Idaho's Human Rights Act won't get a vote this year. But it is due be discussed, at least informally. On Wednesday, the joint House and Senate State Affairs committees are set to hear presentations spearheaded by Democratic Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb of Boise.

Sen. Curt McKenzie, a Nampa Republican and Senate State Affairs Committee chairman, said Monday Buckner-Webb requested a forum to keep discussion of the issue alive, so proponents of adding workplace and housing discrimination protections for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender individuals can be heard.

Last year, a bill was killed in McKenzie's Senate panel, with GOP lawmakers refusing to introduce it for a hearing. McKenzie says he's convinced the vote hasn't changed, so he doesn't want to schedule a formal hearing.