Add the Words is a political action committee in Idaho focused on adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act (IHRA). Recently, the additions were printed for introduction in the Idaho Senate after several years of protests and activism in Idaho.

This amendment to the IHRA will allow for protections in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender, which previously has not been enforced in Idaho.

Some Sandpoint High School students were a part of the protests in favor of this amendment at the girls’ basketball state games last year.

Junior Logan Finney  stood with supporters where they could potentially be arrested at the Idaho State Senate Chamber.

“There was a protest actively going on in front of the Senate Chamber, and one of the band students went over and stood with the protesters, and we stood to the side, supporting,”

Finney said.

Eric Heil, also a junior, was a part of the protest as well.

“I was in the protest, in fact I actually started it. I was in Boise for the state game, and I saw the protesters standing outside the doors…I asked if I could stand to the side [and not get arrested],” Heil said.

Even though these protests happened in the past, Finney and Heil (among many other Idahoans) are still passionate about this issue.

“It will definitely guarantee that more people will have equal opportunities and rights in Idaho. I hope [the bill will pass],” said Finney.

While this bill is only beginning its journey through the Idaho state legislature, it has made it through the first step of being introduced before the Senate.

Both the Human Rights Club at Sandpoint High School and the students interviewed in this article have shown their support for this legislature. It will still be awhile before this bill makes  an impact on Idaho legislation.