I say this often, this is not something that is happening somewhere else.
On Friday, March 6, 2020 at 8 a.m. the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee will pick up the issue that passed through the House last week, HB500.
This bill (HB500), introduced to the House State Affairs Committee by Representative Barbara Ehardt from Eastern Idaho, if made into a law would forbid biological boys from competing as “girls”. “This bill will ensure that opportunities continue for girls and women competing in athletics. Boys and men will not (emphasis mine) be allowed to participate on girls or women’s teams, as defined by their inherent differences that are physiological, chromosomal, and hormonal.”
I’m sure you see the illogical argument and wonder, “why is this even a bill that needs to be introduced?” This bill was introduced because society is no longer navigating off of the north star.
Yesterday, HB500 received a lot of press as major corporations who have moved to Idaho over the years, mainly due to the low taxes, home town morals, and family friendliness are showing they don’t value the same values as Idahoans used to. Two of the four major corporations are located in Twin Falls, Chobani and Clif Bar. Newsradio 1310KLIX posted an opinion piece this morning about the pressure from corporate Idaho as four corporations hope to persuade or buy your legislature. The Governor has already expressed that it may make Idaho appear backwards when talking about birth certificates.
The concern here for me is less about sports and more about morality and specifically related to the glory of God.
God created them “male and female”. Men are not women , boys are not girls. No matter how one feels nothing changes the facts. Corporate Idaho is trying to convince the world that facts don’t matter here. I say, if facts don’t matter on this issue how can I trust your science in other areas? Your attempt to appear “inclusive” on this issue should cause the general public to question what other areas of ethics are you willing to use smoke and mirrors on? Feel free to have an opinion on this as you feel, but know that your opinion is opposed to the glory of God.
(See full joint letter below)
What can you do? As always, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone or write a letter. The speed of today’s legislature requires a phone call or email this time. A handwritten letter will not have enough time to reach the Senators before they begin the discussion in the Senate State Affairs Committee. The committee will meet on Friday at 8 a.m. in Boise. Let them know you are in favor of HB500.
Here is a list of the Senate State Affairs Committee with phone numbers and email addresses. They need to be contacted today (March 5, 2020). This committee will be meeting at 8 a.m. on March 6, 2020.
Write the full committee at this email: Email: sstaf@senate.idaho.gov
Call the committee at this number: 332-1326
Chair Patti Anne Lodge
Vice Chair Mark Harris
Brent Hill
Chuck Winder
Steve Vick
Kelly Arthur Anthon
Mary Souza
Michelle Stennett
Cherie Buckner-Webb
Full text of the joint letter:
Original article from the Post Register:
“Dear Senators Lodge and Harris:
We write to share our concerns regarding legislation that recently passed the House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate. Specifically, this includes House Bills 500 and 509.
As businesses, we’re committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and we are very proud to call Idaho home. It’s a privilege and honor to be ambassadors for the state in our daily interactions with customers, communities, and companies across the nation and around the world. We proudly talk about its strong and growing economy, and how it’s one of the best places in the nation to do business and live. Most important, we talk about the welcoming, big-hearted spirit of its people, and why our employees are so grateful to live and raise their families here.
This is a well-earned reputation and these bills targeting transgender Idahoans puts that reputation at risk and goes against creating a workforce that welcomes all. Passage of these bills could hurt our ability to attract and retain top talent to Idaho, and it could damage Idaho’s ability to attract new businesses and create new jobs.
With respect, we ask you to support all of Idaho’s diverse communities and reject these measures.
Sincerely,
Chobani
Clif Bar & Company
HP
Micron”
