Desperate and Indecent

[Content Note: Homophobia.]

Idaho Senate, we see you:

Frustrated after eight years of rejection, a group of Add the Words supporters blocked the entrance to the Idaho State Senate chamber at the Capitol in Boise Monday morning. The group members, standing in silence and wearing matching black T-shirts, said they were prepared to be arrested.

“We are here to insist the Idaho Legislature finally add four words, 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity,' to Idaho’s Human Rights Act to prevent the suicides, beatings, loss of jobs, evictions and the fear that too many gay and transgender Idahoans live with every day," the group said in a news release. "We do this for those who live in fear and those who may despair this year if no one speaks for them."

The last of the 43 protesters was arrested after 11 a.m., when former state Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, was taken into custody after the Senate voted to suspend its rule that allows former members to be on the Senate floor. The rules also prohibit former members from lobbying. Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, made the motion to suspend the rules; Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, seconded the motion. Both said they respected the protesters' right to speak out, but the Senate had to move ahead to conduct the people's business.

LeFavour stood in the doorway to the Senate, hands over her mouth, refusing to move or to talk. The Senate called the roll, had its opening prayer and pledge, then voted to suspend for the day the rule that allows former members floor access.

They can't win without breaking the rules. Assholes.

[H/T to Shaker Talonas.]