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‘We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard’: Activists rally as Idaho lawmakers seek to challenge same-sex marriage ruling
LGBTQ+ rights advocates protested at the Idaho State Capitol after lawmakers approved a memorial calling for the reversal of federal same-sex marriage protections.
BOISE, Idaho — Dozens of LGBTQ+ rights advocates rallied at the Idaho State Capitol Sunday to protest a legislative petition that calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark same-sex marriage ruling.
The demonstration came four days after the House State Affairs Committee approved a memorial asking the high court to reverse its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
“One day, I want to marry someone that I love just as much as my counterparts,” said one of the rally organizers, Cole Lancaster.
Lancaster said his dreams of marriage feel increasingly threatened in his home state.
State lawmakers backing the memorial argue that marriage regulations should be determined at the state level rather than by federal mandate.
“I don’t think marriage is a fundamental right,” said Heather Scott, the petition’s sponsor. “It’s not the federal government’s job to figure out what’s going on in Idaho.”
Scott said the goal isn’t to take away rights but rather to transfer conversations like same-sex marriage to the state level so Idaho lawmakers can decide for themselves.
“What we’re encouraging is that these discussions happen within the state, with our local people, instead of through the federal government,” Scott said.
But protesters expressed deep skepticism about putting their marriage rights in the hands of state legislators. Many wrote letters to lawmakers explaining what their marriages and equal rights meant to them personally.
“Our marriages don’t affect anyone else,” Lancaster said. “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Protesters vowed to continue fighting against the memorial and any other attempts to roll back marriage equality.
“We’re telling people in the Capitol building that we don’t want this initiative to continue any further,” Lancaster said.
In a recent move that has sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community, lawmakers in Idaho have introduced a bill that aims to challenge the legality of same-sex marriage in the state. In response, activists have come together to rally under the banner of “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard.”The proposed bill, known as HB 396, seeks to nullify the 2014 federal court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in Idaho. This move has been met with fierce opposition from advocates of LGBTQ+ rights, who see it as a blatant attack on the progress that has been made in achieving marriage equality.
“We will not stand idly by while our hard-fought rights are threatened,” said one activist at the rally. “We have come too far to allow discriminatory legislation to turn back the clock on marriage equality.”
The rally, which drew a large crowd of supporters, featured speeches from community leaders, allies, and individuals directly impacted by the potential repeal of same-sex marriage rights. Chants of “Love is love” and “Equality for all” echoed through the streets as demonstrators made their voices heard.
As the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues, activists are determined to stand firm in their commitment to equality and justice. “We will not be silenced,” declared one speaker. “We will continue to fight for our rights, our love, and our families. We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard.”
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Idaho House calls on U.S. Supreme Court to reverse same-sex marriage ruling • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho House of Representatives on Monday called for the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the 2015 ruling that extended the fundamental right of marriage to same-sex couples.
On Monday, the Idaho House voted 46-24 to pass House Joint Memorial 1.
Although it does not carry the force and effect of law, House Joint Memorial 1 says the Idaho Legislature rejects the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges and calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to “restore the natural definition of marriage, a union of one man and one woman.”
Joint Senate and House rules of the Idaho Legislature define a joint memorial as “A petition or representation made by the House of Representatives and concurred in by the Senate, or vice versa, addressed to whoever can effectuate the request of the memorial.”
Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, sponsored the memorial.
“I would ask you to substitute any other issue and ask yourself, ‘Do I want the federal government creating rights for us, for Idahoans,’” Scott said in her floor debate. “So what if the federal government redefined property rights or nationalized water rights? What does that look like if they came up with some new fair use policy or came up with different ways to define property rights? That is not a decision for the judges; it is a decision for the states.”
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During debate on the House floor Monday, Scott repeatedly said marriage is a decision that should be left for the states to decide. But Scott’s memorial actually calls on the U.S. Supreme Court – not the states – to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman.
Scott went on to say the Obergefell decision poses threats to religious liberty. For example, Scott said cake-makers and photographers were pressured to support marriages they don’t personally agree with.
“Christians across the nation are being targeted,” Scott said.
15 Republicans join all Democrats in the House to vote against same-sex marriage memorial
All House Democrats and 15 House Republicans opposed House Joint Memorial 1, but it still passed with a comfortable 46-24 margin on Monday.
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Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, voted against the memorial after calling it nothing more than a grumpy letter that will be thrown in the trash.
House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down its ruling guaranteeing same-sex couples the right to marry is deeply upsetting to many LGBTQ+ Idahoans. Rubel said one of her sons is gay and when he heard about the House Joint Memorial 1 he expressed concern that he would not be able to marry his longterm partner and still live in Idaho.
“It’s deeply upsetting to some of those folks, and it makes them not want to live here,” Rubel said. “These are good people. These are good, law-abiding people who are feeling like their Legislature doesn’t want them here and doesn’t want them to be able to live the full rights that everybody else can.”
Despite opposition from both parties, House Republicans who control a supermajority were still able to comfortably pass House Joint Memorial 1 by a 46-24 vote.
The Idaho House of Representatives voted 46-24 Monday to pass House Joint Memorial 1. Legislators in green voted to pass the memorial, while legislators in red voted against it. (Courtesy of Idaho in Session) In 2006, Idaho voters passed an amendment to the Idaho Constitution that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
“A marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state,” the Idaho Constitution states.
In 2014 a federal judge ruled the amendment to the Idaho Constitution blocking same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.
Then in 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage in Idaho.
House Joint Memorial 1 heads next to the Idaho Senate for consideration. If the Senate takes the memorial up and passes it, it does not require the signature of the governor, like a new law would.
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The Idaho House recently passed a resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The resolution, which passed with a vote of 49-21, asserts that the court overstepped its bounds and infringed on states’ rights by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015.Supporters of the resolution argue that the decision should be left to individual states to decide, rather than being mandated by the federal government. They believe that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman, and that the Supreme Court’s ruling undermines the traditional definition of marriage.
Opponents of the resolution argue that same-sex couples deserve the same rights and protections as opposite-sex couples, and that denying them the right to marry is discriminatory and unconstitutional. They believe that love is love, regardless of gender, and that the Supreme Court made the right decision in legalizing same-sex marriage.
The resolution is largely symbolic, as the Supreme Court is unlikely to revisit its ruling on same-sex marriage. However, it reflects the ongoing debate and division within Idaho and the country as a whole on the issue of marriage equality.
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Largest earthquake in nearly a year shakes up Idaho on Monday. Where was its epicenter?
CLAYTON (Idaho Statesman) — The largest earthquake the state has experienced in nearly a year shook Central Idaho on Monday morning.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude-4.2 quake at 9:32 a.m., originating near Clayton in Custer County, according to the agency’s website. The reported location was 16 miles west-northwest of Clayton.
It occurred at a depth of about 7 miles, the USGS said.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office told the Idaho Statesman that it received no immediate reports of injuries or damages.
Idaho has not seen an earthquake of that size since February 2024, when a magnitude-4.9 earthquake hit near Smiths Ferry, north of Boise.
The U.S. Geological Survey did not immediately return the Statesman’s request for more information.
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The largest earthquake in nearly a year shook up Idaho on Monday, causing residents to feel the ground rumble beneath their feet. The epicenter of the 4.2 magnitude quake was located near Stanley, Idaho, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. While no major damage was reported, the quake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity that can occur in the region. Stay safe and be prepared for any future earthquakes that may occur.
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4.2 magnitude earthquake strikes central Idaho near Stanley
CLAYTON, Idaho — An estimated 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck central Idaho on Monday morning near Stanley — the epicenter was in Clayton, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Multiple people in the Treasure Valley reported feeling the earthquake. An Idaho News 6 reporter who was near Quinn’s pond in Boise when it struck said that the T.V. on the wall began to shake and ripples formed in the glass of water sitting on the table.
This region is prone to earthquakes as it sits near the Sawtooth fault in central Idaho. Idaho News 6 reported a 6.5 quake struck the area in March 2020. The earthquake was felt across several western states.
RELATED: People react to historic Idaho quake
This is a developing story and we will continue to update here as new information is released.
On March 31, 2022, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck central Idaho near Stanley. The earthquake was felt throughout the region, with reports of shaking and rattling coming in from various parts of the state.The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, was centered near the Sawtooth Fault. While there have been no reports of major damage or injuries so far, residents are urged to stay prepared and vigilant in case of any aftershocks.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess any potential risks. In the meantime, it is important for residents in the area to stay informed and follow any safety recommendations provided by local officials.
We will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available. Stay safe, Idaho.
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#magnitude #earthquake #strikes #central #Idaho #StanleyHow Many Earthquakes Took Place in Idaho in 2024?
When you think of Idaho, you probably don’t immediately think of a place where earthquakes regularly occur. Many people often associate Idaho with its unpredictable wildfire season and forget that earthquakes occur more frequently than we realize.
How Many Earthquakes Happened In Idaho 2024?
Luckily for the Boise area, we didn’t seem to encounter any serious earthquakes but that doesn’t mean they could be any less dangerous. Falling debris of any sort can be dangerous and we can all imagine what would happen if we were to be trapped in a building during a massive earthquake.
ALSO READ: New To Idaho? Here’s How To Survive The Freezing Winter Season
So, how many earthquakes did Idaho experience in 2024? According to AllQuakes.com, Idaho experienced 1,455 earthquakes up to a 4.9 magnitude in 2024, down from 1,641 earthquakes with a 4.2 magnitude in 2023.
That’s quite a bit considering we don’t hear about them all too often… at least in Idaho or the Treasure Valley.
In December of 2024 alone, Idaho reportedly had 143 earthquakes with a magnitude up to 3.9, up from 111 in 2023 with magnitudes up to 3.6 according to AllQuakes.com.
What’s The Most Recent Earthquake Info In Idaho?
Thanks to this useful source at AllQuakes.com, we learned that at the time of writing this, there had been 21 earthquakes with magnitudes up to 2.6 in the last seven days. Again – this could change at any moment and at the rate we’re seeing, it most likely will.
Now, what are you supposed to do if you find yourself in an earthquake in Idaho?
Tips For Staying Safe During An Earthquake in Idaho
Here are some tips on how to stay safe during an earthquake according to the CDC.
Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas
Idaho has had its fair share of deadly earthquakes. The strongest earthquake to ever take place in Idaho had a magnitude of 6.9.
Here are the top nine strongest earthquakes to ever strike Idaho. Were you present for any of them? If you have a story or photos, we would love to know about them here.
The 9 Strongest Earthquakes To Ever Strike Idaho
Let’s take a look at some of the strongest earthquakes ever to strike Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas
Idaho’s Top 10 Leading Causes of Death
This is according to the CDC
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews
In 2024, Idaho experienced a total of 127 earthquakes. Let’s dive into the seismic activity in the Gem State and explore what these earthquakes mean for residents and the region as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Idaho’s earthquake activity in the coming year. #IdahoEarthquakes2024 #SeismicActivity #GemStateSafety
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#Earthquakes #Place #IdahoJudge weighs tossing critical DNA evidence in U of Idaho murder case | News
BOISE, Idaho — A judge will now consider whether critical DNA evidence will be thrown out in the murder case of four University of Idaho students.
Of the thousands of pieces of evidence presented in this case, seemingly none are more crucial than the way police tested and tracked Kohberger’s whereabouts the night of the murders.
In a hearing that stretched two days, defense attorneys pressed the judge to suppress critical evidence that prosecutors say ties Kohberger to these murders.
On Friday, Kohberger’s team challenged the way police acquired his cell phone data the night of the murders and the weeks leading up to it.
The defense argued that several search warrants police used to access this data was too broad, unspecific and should be tossed from the case.
“A search warrant must be particular enough so that as to what is taken, nothing is left to the discretion of the officer executing the warrant,” Kohberger’s defense attorney argued. “The government cannot seize the haystack to search for a needle.”
The state pushed back on the defense’s claims.
“Each one of them listed that they were specific to the type of crime, the location, and all but one of them had temporal limitations.”
The defense is hopeful to force a Franks hearing; a proceeding where the judge will decide if search warrants are dismissed from the case. If that happens, everything discovered through those warrants would not be admissible in this case.
Friday’s arguments came after a lengthy hearing on Thursday discussing DNA.
In the days following the murders, police tested a piece of DNA on the button snap of a knife sheath left behind at the murder scene. They first submitted it through CODIS, a database made up of DNA comprised of missing persons, cold cases and convicted criminals. No matches came from that search.
According to the defense, the FBI then submitted it to a public genealogy database without a search warrant, which they claim violates Kohberger’s constitutional right to privacy.
“The court should suppress the IGG identification and everything that flows from that,” said Kohberger’s attorney Anne Taylor.
The state said there’s no case law to suggest that there is a reasonable expectation of privacy when DNA is found at a crime scene.
If the defense is successful, this would deal a major blow to the prosecution less than eight months away from when the trial is set to begin.
Judge Hippler has yet to make a decision on whether to throw out the DNA testing.
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In a recent development in the University of Idaho murder case, the judge is considering tossing out critical DNA evidence that could potentially impact the outcome of the trial. The evidence in question is said to be crucial in linking the suspect to the crime scene.The defense team argues that the DNA evidence was mishandled and may have been contaminated, which raises doubts about its reliability. On the other hand, the prosecution maintains that the evidence is solid and admissible in court.
The judge’s decision on whether to exclude the DNA evidence could be a turning point in the case, as it could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against the suspect. The defense is hopeful that without this evidence, the charges against their client may be dropped.
As the trial continues, all eyes are on the judge’s ruling regarding the DNA evidence and its potential impact on the outcome of the case. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Bryan Kohberger’s defense grills lead Moscow PD detective in Idaho student murders
Two days of hearings on defense motions in the quadruple murder case against University of Idaho student stabbings suspect Bryan Kohberger ended without any official decisions but revealed new details ahead of his highly anticipated trial later this year.
The defense appeared to confirm early reports that Kohberger was spotted wearing rubber gloves in his parents’ kitchen when tactical officers burst in to arrest him. A key eyewitness was accused of having memory problems, drinking and telling a conflicting story.
The defense confirmed that Kohberger arrived at school in Pullman, Washington, in June 2022. And the judge issued a stern warning to both sides about what he expects out of their expert disclosures moving forward.
Judge Steven Hippler said he would take the arguments under advisement and issue his decisions later. Here are some key developments from the two-day hearing.
BRYAN KOHBERGER LOOKS TO DODGE DEATH PENALTY WITH PAGE FROM ‘CULT MOM’ LORI VALLOW’S PLAYBOOK
Bryan Kohberger arrives at the Monroe County Courthouse in Pennsylvania in advance of an extradition hearing. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)
Is there an expectation of privacy regarding DNA left at a crime scene?
Kohberger’s defense wants investigative genetic genealogy evidence suppressed. Their arguments, however, did not appear to move the judge.
“I struggle with the idea that DNA left at a crime scene, that there’s any expectation of privacy,” Judge Steven Hippler told Kohberger’s lead defense attorney, Anne Taylor.
Later, as she tried to attack other elements of a probable cause affidavit, he returned to DNA as the apparent deciding factor.
Hippler asked if DNA itself found on a knife sheath under a victim’s body isn’t enough to support probable cause on its own.
Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)
IDAHO MURDERS: BRYAN KOHBERGER DEFENSE SLAMS CREDIBILITY OF EYEWITNESS, MEMORY ISSUES
“Isn’t that probable cause every day and twice on Sunday?” he asked.
She said not in this case, but experts say the DNA evidence is likely Kohberger’s greatest threat.
“The cellphone records certainly make him look bad, although the fact that the phone was turned off at the time of the murders helps him,” said Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago attorney who has been following the case. “But I think the DNA sinks his Bismarck.”
Trouble with the eyewitness?
Taylor called into question the credibility of an eyewitness, a surviving housemate who police said saw a masked man leaving after overhearing sounds of a struggle.
BRYAN KOHBERGER DEFENSE WANTS PROSECUTION PUNISHED OVER DELAYS
Attorney Anne Taylor, center, visits the location of the crimes on King Road with defense investigators Jan. 3, 2023. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Despite the massacre, she went to bed. Police weren’t contacted until hours later, when a friend called 911 from one of the survivors’ phones late in the morning.
In one of her statements to police, as read by Taylor in court, she said the following:
“I don’t know if this was real or if my mind was just, like, playing with me,” Taylor said. “But, from what I think I heard, someone was crying in the bathroom.”
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The witness also said she heard a specific victim running up and down the stairs. But, according to Taylor, she couldn’t have, because that victim was killed in an upstairs bed.
And a footprint outside the witness’s bedroom door, Taylor said, was not repeated anywhere else in the home. She questioned why it was even included in the police affidavit.
Latah County Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Jennings defended the eyewitness, telling the court the most important thing that came from her in the probable cause affidavit was her description of the suspect as a White male, slender and tall. And that part of her story never changed.
DNA from two unknown males
Taylor told the court police recovered two other DNA samples from unknown males, one on a handrail and one on a glove outside.
With the source of the DNA in question, she said it could mean Kohberger is not related to the crime at all.
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Hippler seemed unconvinced as Taylor tried to argue this invalidated the probable cause used to arrest her client.
Bryan Kohberger enters a courtroom for a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse June 27, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (August Frank/Pool/Getty Images)
“His DNA is still on the knife sheath though. That’s the problem, counsel,” he said.
Countdown to Kohberger’s arrest
Prior to Kohberger’s arrest at his parents’ house in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, the FBI arranged to have a local trash collector snag his family’s garbage and deliver it to them for testing, the court heard.
Lead detectives in the case were in Pennsylvania at the time but watched local authorities conduct the tactical raid via a video feed broadcast from a drone, Payne testified.
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Jay Logsdon, one of Kohberger’s defense attorneys, questioned the legitimacy of a SWAT raid on the home and said police “snipers” had been watching Kohberger walking around inside the house. He brought up the arrest of White supremacist mass shooter Dylann Roof, but Hippler cut him off before he could illustrate a point.
“As they explained in their own affidavit, they’re essentially watching Mr. Kohberger as he moves around his house, via snipers,” Logsdon said. “They were quite safe, and there was simply no reason to bash the doors in momentarily after yelling from their BearCat.”
Brian Kohberger’s former apartment at Washington State University pictured May 21, 2023. It is located about 10 miles from the crime scene. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
“There’s two issues,” Judge Hippler interjected. “There’s officer safety. There’s also destruction of evidence concerns.”
Logsdon downplayed concerns that law enforcement thought Kohberger would have destroyed any evidence.
“The only thing they knew is that he’s walking around room to room and that he’s got kitchen gloves on,” Logsdon said.
“That’s not all they knew,” Hippler said, adding he would not go into further detail in the open court session.
The house at 1122 King Road, where four University of Idaho students were killed Nov. 13, 2022, sits boarded up in Moscow, Idaho Dec. 27, 2023. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson said there were additional details known to law enforcement that were “quite incriminating” and justified the rapid entry.
“They had a no-knock warrant, signed by a judge, that allowed them to enter Kohberger’s residence using means they deemed reasonably construed to ensure both the integrity of evidence and officer safety,” said Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector who has been closely following the case.
“Whether they were watching him with snipers or not has no legal bearing. These strike me as collateral, dilatory tactics by the defense.
“Get on with it.”
Kohberger’s shopping list
The defense argued that investigators improperly obtained Kohberger’s Amazon history without a warrant. Prosecutors countered that a business record with a third party is not protected by an expectation of privacy.
Logsdon called the U.S. a “panopticon,” essentially a large prison with few guards, and a surveillance state and warned that privacy rights needed to be protected.
Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorneys, Anne Taylor, left; Elisa Massoth, center; and Jay Logsdon arrive at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho, June 27, 2023. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Experts say Amazon is allowed to voluntarily provide the records as part of established case law.
“That’s an uphill climb for the defense,” Stoltmann told Fox News Digital.
The results
Hippler said he had not yet decided whether the defense will receive a Franks hearing but told both sides to send him a list of available dates within the next three weeks.
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His decisions on most of the other motions are expected to be announced in the near future. In response to a defense request that the court either order prosecutors to hand over additional expert witness disclosures or face sanctions, Hippler said both sides should “over-disclose.”
“A word of caution,” he said. “Sometimes there’s dissonance between what an expert thinks they’re gonna talk about and what the lawyer understands from that expert.”
The King Road home before its demolition. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Kohberger is scheduled for trial later this year in the home invasion murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.
At the time of the murders, Kohberger was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at nearby Washington State University, about 10 miles across the state line. The victims were all undergrad students at the University of Idaho.
Latah County Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger’s behalf at his arraignment in May 2023. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
In a recent development in the case of the Idaho student murders, Bryan Kohberger’s defense team made a bold move by grilling the lead Moscow PD detective during a cross-examination in court.The detective, who has been at the forefront of the investigation into the brutal murders of two college students, faced tough questions from Kohberger’s defense team as they sought to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Throughout the intense cross-examination, the defense team pressed the detective on the reliability of the evidence, the handling of the crime scene, and the methods used in the investigation. They raised doubts about the detective’s conclusions and painted a picture of a rushed, flawed investigation.
The defense’s aggressive questioning left the detective visibly flustered at times, as he struggled to provide satisfactory answers to their probing inquiries. The courtroom was filled with tension as the defense team relentlessly challenged the detective’s testimony.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how this aggressive defense strategy will impact the case. Will the doubts raised by Kohberger’s defense be enough to cast reasonable doubt on his guilt, or will the prosecution’s evidence ultimately prove to be too strong?
One thing is for certain – the courtroom drama surrounding the Idaho student murders is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile case.
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Memorial targeting same-sex marriage in Idaho heads to House floor after passing committee • Idaho Capital Sun
A legislative petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage is heading to the Idaho House floor.
After nearly two hours of testimony, House Joint Memorial 1 passed the Idaho House State Affairs Committee in a 13-2 vote on Wednesday, receiving support from all the Republicans on the committee and opposing votes from its two Democrats. The memorial is addressed to the U.S. Supreme Court and pushes to restore the authority of defining marriage to the states. It asks the court to reconsider its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.
Sponsor Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, said its purpose is to restore states’ rights.
“We’re sending this clear message from Idaho,” Scott told the committee. “We don’t want our laws and our constitution trampled on, and it should be our decision what we want to do in a state.”
A memorial is not a bill, and its passage in both chambers would not carry the weight of the law.
Supporters of memorial discuss faith, states’ rights
Four people testified in favor of the legislation, citing their Christian faith and belief that Obergefell v. Hodges undermines states’ rights.
“Defining marriage is a state issue as it is not enumerated in our federal constitution,” Katherine Hartley said, an attorney the Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit legal group focused on defending faith and family issues.
Former Rep. Julianne Young, R-Blackfoot, also testified in support of the memorial. She said she was testifying on behalf of her faith and herself as a woman, wife and mother.
“I believe that the state of Idaho should have the opportunity to choose to align their policy with these timeless truths,” Young told the committee.
Others who testified included representatives from anti-LGBTQ+ organization Mass Resistance and conservative Christian Idaho Family Policy Center.
Support outnumbered by opposition, LGBTQ+ community
Upon Scott’s introduction of the memorial, dozens of individuals walked out of the committee room in protest of the legislation, and 17 people testified against the legislation— including individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, health care providers, students and religious leaders.
Dozens of individuals walked out of the Idaho House State Affairs Committee in protest of House Joint Memorial 1 on Jan. 22, 2025, at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun) Opponents and the two Democrats on the committee pushed back against Scott’s idea that the memorial is focused on states’ rights.
“During the Jim Crow era, segregation was justified based on states’ rights,” Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, told Scott. “And as a nation, we addressed those discriminatory state laws in the wake of the Civil War with the 14th Amendment … Where do we draw the line? If we can justify in Idaho that we can discriminate against a same-sex couple, then who else is open to discrimination?”
The Rev. Josh Lee, a pastor at Boise First United Church of Christ, opposed the legislation, sharing his experience as a Christian and gay man.
“I knew growing up that I loved Jesus, I loved being a pastor, and I loved men, and I had no idea how these three things could ever coexist in the world,” Lee said. “It took me many years to figure that out.”
Lee said he went to conversion therapy three different times in high school, and had contemplated his own suicide before meeting other Christians who supported the LGBTQ+ community, he said. Coming from New York, he said he moved to Idaho with his husband to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
“Instead of taking the rights away from people, I urge this Legislature this morning to focus on the issues that truly impact Idahoans, like education, health care and infrastructure,” he said.
Koii Lauritsen, a Hailey resident, also testified in opposition to the legislation, sharing with the committee that he was raised by a lesbian couple.
“My mothers sat through every terrible school play and elementary Christmas concert,” he said. “They taught me how to ride a bike, they taught me how to throw a ball, how to drive stick and how to shave.”
Lauritsen asked the committee to set aside its concerns over state rights’ and think of his family.
“I will not ask that you understand, embrace or even accept my family, but I will ask that you show it and others like it the respect they deserve, because my lesbian parents deserve as much respect as any other two people who are trying to live the American dream,” he said.
The memorial now heads to the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives for consideration. If the House votes to pass the memorial, it would be sent next to the Idaho Senate for consideration.
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In a recent development in Idaho, a memorial targeting same-sex marriage has passed through the committee and is now headed to the House floor for further consideration. The memorial, which aims to express support for traditional marriage and oppose same-sex marriage, has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers and the public.Many proponents of the memorial argue that it is important to uphold the sanctity of marriage as between a man and a woman, citing religious and moral beliefs. However, opponents argue that this memorial is discriminatory and goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity.
As the memorial moves to the House floor, it will be crucial for lawmakers to carefully consider the implications and potential consequences of passing such a measure. The outcome of this debate will not only impact the LGBTQ+ community in Idaho but also set a precedent for how the state views and treats same-sex marriage moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the Idaho State House.
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Idaho Lawmakers Want Supreme Court to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Decision
Since 1793, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined a request by President George Washington to offer legal guidance on foreign relations, the court’s justices have steered away from weighing in outside the context of a formal lawsuit.
That has not deterred lawmakers in Idaho, however. This week, a State House committee overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling on the Supreme Court to undo Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 decision that gave same-sex couples the right to marry, and to hand the power to regulate marriage back to the states.
The resolution would still need approval by the full House and the Idaho Senate before any request could be sent to the Supreme Court. Both chambers in Idaho are controlled by Republicans.
“Since court rulings are not laws and only legislatures elected by the people may pass laws, Obergefell is an illegitimate overreach,” the resolution reads. It continues: “The Idaho Legislature calls upon the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse Obergefell and restore the natural definition of marriage, a union of one man and one woman.’’
An organization based in Massachusetts called MassResistance has pressed for the resolution, The Idaho Statesman reported. The group describes itself as a “pro-family activist organization” and traces its roots to marriage equality battles in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage became legal as a result of a 2003 decision by the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.
At the hearing in Idaho, the sponsor of the measure, Representative Heather Scott, a Republican, said it was important to make a statement about states’ rights.
“If we start down this road where the federal government or the judiciary decides that they’re going to create rights for us, then they can take rights away,” she said.
Several dozen demonstrators filled the committee room on Wednesday before walking out together as Ms. Scott introduced the proposal, local news reports said.
“What is the purpose of this exercise?” said Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman, the Idaho director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, who lives with her wife not far from Boise. “It really feels like a value statement being sent to the L.G.B.T.Q. community in Idaho that they are not welcome.’’
Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, legal scholars have said that the same-sex marriage ruling may also be vulnerable. Two of the court’s conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, have suggested that it should be reconsidered.
Still, legal scholars said that Idaho’s approach — with a letter of request, instead of an active legal suit — seemed unlikely to carry weight.
“This is just theater,’’ said Tobias Wolff, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “I will leave it to others to judge what impact it might have as a political matter, but the Supreme Court will no more respond to a letter from the Idaho Legislature than they would a letter from me.’’
But advocates for the resolution said their efforts reflected the views of many residents of their state. In 2006, Idaho voters passed an amendment to the State Constitution limiting marriage to between men and women.
Idaho Lawmakers are pushing for the Supreme Court to overturn the decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. This move comes after a recent ruling by a federal court judge that struck down Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriage, citing it as unconstitutional.The lawmakers argue that the decision to legalize same-sex marriage should be left up to the states, and not decided by the federal government. They believe that marriage should be defined as between one man and one woman, and that the Supreme Court should uphold this traditional definition.
Supporters of same-sex marriage, on the other hand, argue that love is love, and that everyone should have the right to marry the person they love, regardless of gender. They believe that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination and goes against the principles of equality and fairness.
It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on this controversial issue, but one thing is for certain: the debate over same-sex marriage in Idaho is far from over. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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Idaho woman involved in Capitol riot expresses dismay over Trump’s pardon
Pamela Hemphill, an Idaho woman who participated in the January 6 Capitol riots in 2021, was pardoned on Monday by President Trump.
RELATED: President Trump pardons about 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants, commutes sentences for 14 others
Hemphill had served two months in prison for her involvement in the riots and has expressed regret for her actions.
“I broke the law. I pleaded guilty because I was guilty,” Hemphill said, acknowledging her role in the events. “I’m still in shock. I’m not surprised because Trump is sending a message to the DOJ that the lie he had been putting out there, that the DOJ was weaponized against him and the J-Sixers, which we know is not true. This is a sad day … The ramifications of this is going to be horrifying.”
Jan. 6 participant speaks out after Trump pardon
Hemphill also praised the heroism of Capitol Police officers, stating, “They were doing all they could that day to save everyone, even me… I wasn’t breathing, but the Capitol Police officers took time to help me.”
An Idaho woman who was involved in the Capitol riot on January 6th has expressed dismay over former President Trump’s pardon of her and other rioters. The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, said she was shocked and disappointed by the pardon, as she believes she should be held accountable for her actions.In a statement released through her lawyer, the woman stated, “I take full responsibility for my actions on that day and believe that I should face the consequences for participating in the riot. I am deeply disappointed that former President Trump chose to pardon me and others who were involved in this violent attack on our democracy.”
The woman went on to say that she is committed to moving forward in a peaceful and lawful manner, and hopes to use her experience to educate others about the dangers of extremism and political violence.
This latest development highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s pardons of individuals involved in the Capitol riot, with many critics arguing that it sends the wrong message and undermines the rule of law.
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