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A spectator shouted "Have you no shame?" in Boise Friday morning after Idaho’s Senate State Affairs Committee voted against adding language to the Idaho Human Rights Act that would protect gay, lesbian, and transgender citizens.
The Times-News reports that “shock, anger, and sadness reverberated through the Idaho Senate auditorium Friday morning after” after the legislation was killed by a landslide vote. While no testimony was heard, over 300 spectators — many wearing T-shirts or buttons bearing the phrase “Add the Words” — attended the hearing to show their support for the proposal, including James Tidmarsh, an activist from Twin Falls.
"I think it's important to let them see, no matter how they vote, that there's strong support for the legislation," the activist said.
Sen. Edgar Malepeai, the bill’s sponsor, was reportedly on the verge of tears as he appealed to the committee to print the bill and allow supporters to speak on its behalf.
"Not to afford those tens of thousands of families affected by this legislation with at least a printing of the bill," Malepeai said, would be "profoundly disrespectful.”
While disappointed, supporters vowed to keep fighting for the legislation.
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