RIGHTS: It's not just four words

Seeking to protect the civil rights of minorities is an admirable, even noble goal. Our forefathers recognized that democracy is not possible without the protection of the rights of the individual. But is it really wise to add “sexual orientation” and “gender equity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act? It brings to mind the tragic death of Leelah Alcorn, the transgender teen from Cincinnati. I can’t imagine the depth of depression she must have felt to take her own life.

What makes this tragedy worse is that she could have been treated for her depression. Doctors successfully treat depression all the time. But because her sexual identity was the cause of her depression she may not have received the medical help desperately needed to prevent her death.

Do we really want to pass a law in Idaho that would prevent parents from being able to seek medical treatment for their children suffering from depression because it was caused by a sexual identity crisis?

GARY de YOUNG

Kingston