Government and Politics

Idaho's Gay Rights Shift

As gay Idahoans entered 2015 with the legal right to marry they also brace for that right to be undermined at the nation's highest court. Meanwhile LGBTQ people sought the Idaho legislature's protection from discrimination. The so-called "add the words" movement did not win at the state level, but a larger legal victory sealed the right for all Idahoans--and all Americans--to marry in 2015. LGBTQ people and their supporters prepared to capitalize on that victory in Idaho in 2016.

Northwest Statehouses Celebrate, Rue Gay Marriage

NWNews

Published June 26, 2015 at 11:49 AM PDT

A couple holds hands at a gay pride rally in Portland June 14, 2015.

Northwest politicians reacted Friday to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) was among the celebrants. In 2014 she declined to defend an Oregon gay marriage ban in federal court. The overturn of that ban legalized gay marriage in Oregon last May.

'This is a great day for love, family, equality and justice in Oregon and America!' --AG Rosenblum on the #MarriageEquality ruling
— Ellen Rosenblum (@ORDOJ) June 26, 2015

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) asked Oregonians to celebrate, and opened her statement with the popular marriage rights phrase, "love wins."

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) saw Washingtonians approve gay marriage on the same ballot that elected him to the governor's office in 2012.

Ruling in marriage is a big step in America’s long road to equality for all. Let us all celebrate with LGBT couples. Love won today!
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) June 26, 2015

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter (R) fought for Idaho's voter-approved gay marriage ban even after federal court rulings blocked it in October 2014. Friday the U.S. Supreme Court opinion ended that battle, and Otter called it "truly disappointing."

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter called Friday's U.S. Supreme Court opinion legalizing gay marriage "truly disappointing."

Friday's ruling doesn’t directly address Idaho, but justices decided states cannot deny same-sex couples the right to marry. The Idaho attorney general's office says it's reviewing the high court opinion.