The tide is turning for LGBTQ equality in Idaho.
On Monday night in Moscow, the city council unanimously passed a citywide non-discrimination ordinance that includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The city clerk has confirmed the ordinance will go into effect later this month.
Moscow follows the lead of Sandpoint, Boise, and Ketchum in extending protections to its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer citizens, and city leaders are being applauded for their actions.
“I am ecstatic,” said Jim Huggins, a Moscow resident and Pride Foundation donor and volunteer, who was one of nearly 60 people who attended in support of the ordinance at the April 1 meeting. “This is so unbelievable and it’s so great to see this ordinance pass. At first when it happened, it didn’t sink in, but that feeling was followed by a collective sense of elation. I’m proud of the people of Moscow and the city council.”
Next up is Pocatello, whose city council is hearing a first reading of its non-discrimination ordinance this Thursday at 6:00 PM at Pocatello City Hall, 911 N. 7th Ave.
In communities small and large, transformative change is taking place throughout Idaho, the Northwest, and across the nation. Thank you to all of the community members who have attended and/or testified at ordinance meetings. Together, we are moving our community forward toward full equality for all.