New law may be bad for business

My wife and I attended the Coeur d'Alene City Council meeting when the anti-discrimination ordinance was adopted earlier this month. We arrived about 5 p.m. and were there until after 11 p.m. I learned some things I didn't know before.

According to Councilwoman Goodlander, I learned that because I was opposed to the ordinance based on the burden it puts on businesses, I am full of "hate" and am the moral equivalent to a member of the "Ku Klux Klan"!

The council approved the measure by a margin of 5 to 1. One of the councilmen was so excited when it looked like it was going to pass, he moved to give full rights to all domestic partners of employees that work for the city, but had to be told "we have to vote on the ordinance first."

Listening to the debate for over five hours I learned how the ordinance will be enforced and have come up with the following Hypothetical to explain the new law.

Hypothetical:

I work for a contractor based in another city in Idaho. We are a service-oriented business and need to hire a new service technician for the Coeur d'Alene area. This new technician will be expected to go to private residences, meet with customers, sell and install goods and services. I placed an ad in the Coeur d'Alene Press and received a pile of resumes. Two of the resumes worked their way to the top. Dave, who I assume is a male, based on his name, and Robyn, who I assume is a female, are the two interviews I schedule.

Dave comes in; his hair is spiked like a Mohawk sticking up about 5 inches above his head. He has multiple face piercings including a large tongue piercing that causes his speech to be somewhat impaired. His appearance is so gross; I am unable to make eye contact with him. I tell Dave "based on your resume, you have all the qualifications for the position we are offering, but I have to inform you we have a strict dress code. You will have to remove all visible body piercing, including the one on your tongue, and wear a company uniform which includes a baseball cap." Dave replies, "The way I dress and the body art I wear is who I am. It is not fair for you to make a condition of my employment based on how I look." I reply, "Well, if you are not willing to comply with our dress code we cannot consider you for the job."

My next interview is with Robyn. Robyn is obviously a man dressed like a woman. Full makeup, wearing a dress and high heel shoes. I tell Robyn, "Based on your resume, you have all the qualifications for the position we are offering, but I have to inform you we have a strict dress code. You will have to remove the wig, wear a company uniform and come to work without the makeup." Robyn replies, "I am a homosexual, and the way I dress is part of my identity. It is not fair for you to make a condition of my employment based on how I look." I reply, "Well, if you are not willing to comply with our dress code we cannot consider you for the job."

Robyn and Dave meet in the outer office and compare notes. They both feel they have been unfairly discriminated against. Robyn points out that there is a new ordinance in Coeur d'Alene prohibiting discrimination and they decide to go downtown and file a complaint. They both present their cases before the city. The city official tells Dave, "There is nothing against any city ordinances with regard to discriminating against you based on body piercing. Maybe you should consider losing the jewelry and take the job."

On the other hand, the city official inquires of Robyn, "You informed the interviewer you were a homosexual?" "Yes," he replies. "You probably have a case against that company. We will start an investigation and if we find you were discriminated against based on your homosexuality, the company will face a $100-$1,000 fine and either the interviewer or the owner of the company may have to spend up to 6 months in jail."

God bless America.

Rick Hansen is a Coeur d'Alene resident.