Boise, Idaho (AP) – Gay rights activists once again returned to the Idaho Capitol to protest lawmakers’ refusal to pass anti-discrimination protections, this time by refusing to leave the state’s bill-drafting offices.
Idaho State Police made 25 arrests, including six people who were arrested twice, March 16 for trespassing in the Statehouse. Protesters staged three different demonstrations March 16.
Activists taking part in the protest warned in a statement that they would not voluntarily leave until legislators consider adding four words – sexual orientation and gender identity – to the Idaho Human Rights Act.
Republican lawmakers killed legislation earlier this year that would have amended the state’s Human Rights Act, which currently bans workplace and housing discrimination based on race, gender or religion.
Shortly after, police arrested 23 gay rights protesters for trespassing on the House and Senate floors.
