Montana Republicans Kill LGBT Anti-Discrimination Bill
Montana House Republicans have killed a bill outlawing discrimination against LGBT people.
House Bill 417 had been tabled on Monday by GOP members of the House Judiciary Committee. Supporters asked the full House to override the panels decision and bring the measure to the floor for debate and possible passage.
KTVQ reports:
But the move failed 43-55, falling 17 votes short of the needed 60-vote super-majority to blast a bill from committee, as all but two Republicans voted against the move. The GOP holds a 59-41 majority in the Montana House.
Openly gay Rep. Kim Abbott (above) said prior to the vote:
On a road trip, thinking about these things that seem minor: Should we both go to check in at the hotel? Is it going to cause an issue? Will we have to lie? Will we be humiliated?
Ill tell you what it takes a cumulative toll on your spirit. [This bill] will give an expectation that I shouldnt be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation. It will change behavior laws do that.
Read more:
http://www.towleroad.com/2017/02/montana-lgbt/