Panel to discuss gay rights ordinance

COEUR d'ALENE - The Hayden Chamber of Commerce is hosting a panel discussion on the impact local anti-discrimination ordinances will have on businesses.

The topic will be the focus of the chamber's monthly membership breakfast meeting at 7 a.m. June 27 at the Kroc Community Center, 1765 Golf Course Road.

Panelists include Tony Stewart, human rights activist; Mike Kennedy and Dan Gookin, city of Coeur d'Alene council members; and Dalton Gardens Republican Sen. Steve Vick, the chamber announced on its website.

"Recently the city of Coeur d'Alene passed a controversial ordinance aimed at protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in areas of employment and public accommodations, such as restaurants and housing, by preventing people from discriminating against them solely based on 'sexual orientation, gender identity and expression,'" the notice stated on the website. "Since there are ongoing efforts to bring similar ordinances to the surrounding communities, there is a potential for this legislation to affect businesses in the Hayden Chamber."

Coeur d'Alene is one of six Idaho cities who have passed an anti-discrimination ordinance. Sandpoint was the first. Recently, the Idaho GOP Central Committee crafted a new resolution in response to the municipalities actions calling on the Legislature to overturn their ordinances.

The breakfast meeting is informational only. RSVP to [email protected] or call the Hayden chamber at 762-1185. Breakfast costs $12, or coffee service is $5.