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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.

Idaho Bill Would Ask Congress To Impeach Judges Over Gay Marriage

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
A resolution in the Idaho legislature would would ask Congress to impeach 'activist judges.'

Idaho lawmakers unhappy with the legalization of gay marriage in the state are calling on Congress to do something about “activist judges.”

The resolution would ask Congress to impeach judges who don’t uphold the “original intent” of the Constitution. Bill sponsor Rep. Paul Shepherd said states need to act before the Supreme Court makes an irrevocable decision on same-sex marriage.

“Marriage is too important to the future of our society to just roll over and let this go,” he said.

Fellow Republican Linden Bateman warned court approval of gay marriage threatens states’ rights.

“It’s putting power into the hands of a tiny group of people in Washington: the Supreme Court,” he said.

But Democrat John McCrostie talked about his marriage to his husband and said the resolution against activist judges would put Idaho on the wrong side of history.

“Just because someone has a different point of view doesn’t make them an activist,” McCrostie said.

Rep. Melissa Wintrow, also a Democrat, argued the resolution would further divide the state.

“It feels embarrassing to me,” she said.

The resolution passed the committee on a party line vote and heads to the House floor.