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Anti-affirmative action bill passes Idaho House

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that affirmative action bans like Scott’s proposal are legal, according to the Associated Press.

BOISE, Idaho — Rep. Heather Scott’s bill to outlaw any preferences for women or minorities in state or local government hiring, contracting or public education in Idaho passed the Idaho House Monday on a near party-line vote of 55-15, according to the Idaho Press.

“We should refuse to reduce people down to the color of their skin or some other trait,” Scott, R-Blanchard, told the House. “Frankly, it’s offensive.”

Rep. Muffy Davis, D-Ketchum, who uses a wheelchair, asked Scott, “I just am inquiring as to why disability was not included on your list.”

Scott responded, “That is protected in other parts of the code.” She said her bill includes only “immutable traits — these are traits that you cannot hide. In some people you can see disability as you look at them, and in some people you cannot, and that is not considered an immutable trait.”

Credit: Idaho Press
Idaho State Rep. Muffy Davis, D-Ketchum, at work in the House chamber at the Idaho State Capitol, Tuesday, Jan.8, 2019.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that affirmative action bans like Scott’s proposal are legal, according to the Associated Press, and nine states — Texas, Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Michigan, Nebraska, Washington, New Hampshire and Florida — have enacted such bans, though Texas’ ban was later reversed after a legal challenge.

Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, said the bill “is about inequality,” saying, “It abolishes affirmative action for some, and affirms discrimination for others.”

All House Democrats plus Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley, opposed the bill, HB 440; all other House Republicans voted in favor of it. To become law, it still would need to pass the Senate and receive the governor’s signature.

More from our partner Idaho Press: Canyon County recruiting poll workers to work with new elections equipment 

RELATED: Lawmakers advance bill to ban affirmative action in Idaho

RELATED: Boise Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb will not run for re-election

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