43 protesters for the 2% minority.

Via KTVB

Idaho State Police have arrested 43 gay-rights activists, saying their protest blocked entrances to the Idaho Senate chambers for more than two hours.

They vowed to stay until lawmakers pass a bill adding discrimination protections to the Idaho Human Rights Act. More than three dozen protesters stood shoulder to shoulder just outside the chamber Monday morning.

They wore “Add the Words Idaho” t-shirts and covered their mouths with their hands.

The activists were warned several times then peacefully taken into custody. They have been cited with trespassing, and were later released.

Former state Sen. Nicole LeFavour, a Boise Democrat and the Idaho Legislature’s first openly gay lawmaker, participated in the protest. She had said the group would block the entrances until lawmakers agreed to take up a bill adding protections for gay and transgender people to the Idaho Human Rights Act.

“It is time that the senate said that it is wrong say that it is wrong for people to hurt and be cruel to gay people in the state of Idaho, they’ve never said that,” LeFavour told KTVB. “It’s time for them to say it, because if they don’t say it, they might as well say that it’s fine.”

LeFavour remained in the chamber for about 20 minutes after the others were taken away.

Members of Idaho’s senate actually had suspend the senate rules before LeFavour could be forced to leave.Thats because little-known rule allows former senators like her access to the chamber at any time.

She was eventually also arrested.

Idaho Republicans have blocked passage of such a proposal for eight years, and they have declined to give such a plan a hearing this year.

ht 4MNR