We, the undersigned, endorse passage of legislation to add the words "sexual orientation, gender identity" to Idaho's Human & Civil Rights law.

We support passage of legislation, like S1033 introduced but never passed in 2011. We support legislation to add four words to Idaho's Civil Rights Act, non-discrimination statutes and to the Human Rights Act to secure for individuals within the state of Idaho freedom from discrimination in connection with employment, public accommodations, real property transactions, or education because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As with existing protections for individuals based on race, creed, religion, sex, age and national origin, the legislation will authorize the Idaho Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints of such unlawful discrimination, make findings, act upon its findings, and endeavor to mediate or eliminate by informal means such discrimination, if it exists.

The legislation includes religious exemption language from the successful Salt Lake City ordinance which also included sexual orientation and gender identity.

Enactment of this legislation will protect the individual interest in personal dignity and make available to the state its full productive capacities. Through utilization of the Human Rights Commission, all parties involved in complaints of unlawful discrimination will be afforded a neutral and cost effective administrative forum to aid in determining issues of alleged discrimination.           

Nationally, other states have recognized the need for such legislation. Over 100 cities, including Pocatello, Boise, Caldwell, Sandpoint and Salt Lake City, have now made it their policy.