On Tuesday night, a City Council of six did something a Legislature of 105 hasn’t managed to do. The Boise City Council voted unanimously to stand up for their constituents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
This ban on discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation goes into effect on Jan. 1 — which, if sorry tradition holds, will be just about the time the Legislature returns to town with no intention of entertaining a statewide anti-discrimination law.
In a perfect world, Boise’s principled and practical ordinance would inspire (or shame) legislators into action. More likely, it will instead provide a template for other Idaho cities to follow.
Whatever it takes. On this issue, we’ll celebrate our victories where we can find them. And we await the day when such legislation is commonplace.
Our society isn’t quite there yet. So Tuesday was an evening of significance and emotion.
Collectively, Boise’s City Council spoke with one voice, on the side of human dignity.
An overflow audience rose to give the council a well-deserved standing ovation.
How much longer will the Legislature turn a deaf ear?
“Our View” is the editorial position of the Idaho Statesman. It is an unsigned opinion expressing the consensus of the Statesman’s editorial board. To comment on an editorial or suggest a topic, email editorial@idahostatesman.com.
