Arrogance Untethered: Idaho House Speaker Isn’t Planning on “Add the Words” Hearing

Despite having support from thousands of voters across the state, House Speaker Lawerence Denney indicated to a group of reporters on Tuesday that he doesn’t intend to give a bill that would help curb discrimination against gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals a hearing.

Supporters are hoping to have the bill introduced in the House after a Senate committee voted not to print the bill last month.

The Boise Weekly reported last Friday that,”Boise Democratic Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb and Twin Falls Republican Rep. Leon Smith are poised to submit a new version of the proposed legislation, presumably this time in the Idaho House.”

According to the Spokesman-Review’s Betsy Russell, during a press conference on Tuesday Denney said, “I have not seen a bill, and I don’t think that there is any change in support on the House side.” Asked what he meant by that – a change from what – Denney said, “From  not hearing it. I think that was always the position on the House side.”

Denney also told reporters that he had not yet seen the bill.

Despite Denney’s comments, organizers continue to point to the dire need for the legislation in Idaho. They are asking supporters from across the state to respectfully contact key Representatives and request that the bill be heard.

There will also be a comedy show on Tuesday, March 13th in Boise to benefit the Add the Words effort. According to a Facebook event page the night of comedy will be”Hosted by Matt Bragg with performances from Jen Adams, Mundek Clement-Stein, Dylan Hughes, Olek Szewczyk, Josh Adams, Ryan Noack and Mikey Pullman.”

The event will be held at Liquid, located at 405 S. 8th Street in Boise from 8-11 pm.

The cost is $5.00.

The key house lawmakers are as follows:

Representative Thomas F. Loertscher, TLoertsc@house.idaho.gov
Representative Max C. Black, MBlack@house.idaho.gov
Representative Eric Anderson, EAnderson@house.idaho.gov
Representative Ken Andrus, KAndrus@house.idaho.gov
Representative Carlos Bilbao, CBilbao@house.idaho.gov
Representative Lynn M. Luker, LLuker@house.idaho.gov
Representative Erik Simpson, ESimpson@house.idaho.gov
Representative Frank N. Henderson, FHenderson@house.idaho.gov
Representative Jim Guthrie, http://legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=1179