More Thoughts on Issues

Gay and Lesbian Rights

Gay and Lesbian rights continue to be a very contentious social issue. Several Idaho cities have passed ordinances to prevent discrimination. A voter attempt to overturn Pocatello’s ordinance failed by a narrow margin. If the rural community, which tends to be more conservative, had been included in the vote, the ordinance would surely have been overturned.

Each year there is an attempt to have gay and lesbian rights included in the Idaho Human Rights Act by the Legislature. In the last 5 years, society, including myself, have come a long way in accepting that attraction to the same sex is in many instances a genetic characteristic and not just a deviation from traditional.

Regardless of our genetic make up, all citizens are responsible to act publicly in ways that promotes moral decency and values. In enacting laws to guarantee more services to the gay and lesbian community, how far should we go in forcing private property owners and private businesses to provide service against their will. They have constitutionally guaranteed rights as well.

Compassion, tolerance and consideration are important in reducing controversy. I have friends who are gay and lesbian. We accept and understand each other.