Representative Henry Kulczyk of Eagle (pictured right) is sponsoring a homophobic amendment to Idaho’s state constitution that will alter the state’s constitution and affect not only same-sex relationships (which are already currently illegal under Idaho code) but will prevent ANY non-marriage relationship from being recognized by the state. 

"This constitutional amendment against gay marriage in Idaho is not about hate," said Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Debbie Field, Republican Representative from Boise (pictured bottom right) interrupted whenever one of those testifying started talking about it in yesterday's preliminary hearing on the subject.

“Sir, it's not about hate,” Field told Robert McDiarmid, a board member on Your Family, Friends and Neighbors, which supports gay rights issues.

“I respectively disagree,” he said.

McDiarmid said this change would look like the anti-Mormon and anti-Chinese parts of the original Idaho Constitution.

“We´ll have to come back years from now to take this hateful language out,” McDiarmid said.

Then, he said, lawmakers would have to explain that it wasn´t about hate.

“No one will believe you,” he said. “Neither should they.”

Voting 10-6, the House Judiciary and Rules Committee voted to send the bill to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote. This is the first step, of many, that bill proponents need to overcome in order to bring this to the voters in November.

Read the entire text of The Idaho Statesman's coverage of this hearing

Read the entire text of YFFN board member's testimony to the House Judiciary and Rules Committee

Email Representative
Debbie Field
(Republican Representative from DISTRICT 18 - Boise):
Ask her to explain how a bill designed to openly discriminate against gays and lesbians is not about hate
 

What Can You Do To Help YFFN Stop This Legislation?

• Read Kulczyk's Misguided Legislation For Yourself
  Click here to read the proposed amendment
   

• Democracy In Action:
  Contact Your State Senator and Representative - Urge them to stop this legislation in it's tracks
   

• Educate Yourself: 
  How a Marriage Amendment Could Harm Unmarried Couples in Committed Relationships
   

• Educate Yourself: 
  Why The Idaho Constitution Should Not Be Amended

Downloadable Resources

• Download "Idaho is Too Great for Hate" Window Card

TALKING POINTS
Educate yourself and learn to educate others on the following topics:
Click on the topic for talking points

Here are some handouts that you can download and use:
You will need Adobe Acrobat to view these files. Get your copy HERE

• Employment Issues

• Hate Crimes/Harassment

• Personal Privacy

• Safe Schools

Countering Right Wing Rhetoric
Click here to learn how to respond to Anti-Gay Bigotry

Civil Rights or Special Rights?
Click here to learn the difference.  

CHALLENGING RACISM, HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND OTHER OPPRESSIVE MOMENTS
A "How To" for Those Working to End Oppression By Nicole LeFavour  click here

GET BUSY.  GET EQUAL

"The Supreme Court struck down Texas' law against intimacy between gay people. It's a huge victory. By saying our relationships are entitled to dignity and respect, the decision makes it far easier to get full equality.  We can't let this opportunity pass.  Push now - for civil rights, recognition of same-sex couples and save schools. "

Click here for more at the ACLU's GET EQUAL website.