22 gay rights activists protesting in Idaho House and Senate

| March 2, 2015 5:15 AM

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — More than 20 gay rights activists are protesting in the Idaho House and Senate chambers in an attempt to pressure lawmakers into passing anti-discrimination protections.

Activists taking part in the protest that started Monday morning say they will not voluntarily leave until legislators consider adding four words — sexual orientation and gender identity — to the Idaho Human Rights Act.

Protesters risk arrest if they don't leave before the House and Senate convenes

Republican lawmakers earlier this year rejected legislation that would have amended the state's Human Rights Act, which currently bans workplace and housing discrimination based on race, gender or religion.

Monday's actions follow similar demonstrations conducted during the 2014 legislative session, when more than a 100 protesters were arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing.