BOISE, ID – Some Idaho lawmakers want to evict Occupy Boise protestors off state land. Friday, they heard from the public on a bill that would do just that.
Occupy Boise set up tents three months ago on the grounds of the Old Ada County Courthouse. That land is owned by the state of Idaho. Dana Jablonski from Marsing says she camps there on nights and weekends when she can.
Dana Jablonski: “My tent is representing me, my voice, here in Idaho. I feel that that is outside your window because I can’t occupy your office with a lobbyist.”
More than a dozen others testified before the committee to support Occupy Boise. House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, a Republican from Oakley, is the bill’s sponsor. He says it isn’t about freedom of speech and assembly.
Scott Bedke: “It prohibits camping, as defined, on the malls, on the lawns, on the grounds, on state-owned and leased buildings. That would include the Capitol Mall.”
But Shavone Hasse of Midvale sees it a different way. She was escorted out by Idaho State Police while reading her version of a Langston Hughes poem in support of Occupy Boise.
Shavone Hasse: “Shut up, says Scott Bedke! Shut up, says the Idaho legislature!”
Chairman Thomas Loertscher: “Ma’am, ma’am you are out of order.”
That was Thomas Loertscher, chairman of the House State Affairs Committee. That committee plans to continue public testimony Monday morning.
Copyright 2011 Boise State Public Radio