A city in the heart of Idaho's Mormon country held a four-hour public hearing Thursday night on whether to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. A growing number of cities in Idaho are adopting local rules that protect sexual orientation and gender identity.
Parents and grandparents spoke about the fears they have for their gay or lesbian family members. Gloria Mayer said she's been hiding her identity for years.
“I am 63 years old ... and I'm gay," she said. "That is the first time I have said that publicly.”
People speaking in favor of Pocatello's ordinance far out-numbered those speaking against it at the meeting. But many of the opponents, like Heidi Barlow, worried the rule goes too far in its criminal sanctions for employers and landlords.
“I don't think that people who want to stand up for their beliefs are haters,” she said.
Mike Scott was among those who urged the council to pass the law. Scott moved to Pocatello after 34 years in the Navy.
“When the services finally decided it was okay to serve as a gay person, I was really proud," Scott said. "I'd like to be proud when you guys vote yes on this.”
Others worried a provision about public accommodations would allow men to use women's bathrooms.
The city council plans to make a decision on the ordinance at their meeting in two weeks.
Copyright 2013 Northwest News Network
