Friday, February 14, 2025
10.0°F

MARRIAGE EQUALITY: The right to marry and live freely

| January 26, 2025 1:00 AM

As a parent of a pansexual daughter, this issue is deeply personal for me. I want my daughter and all children to grow up in a world where they are accepted, loved and free to be themselves, without fear of their rights being stripped away. House Joint Memorial 01 (HJM 01) threatens the rights of same-sex couples in Idaho, dismantling critical protections like marriage equality, tax benefits, inheritance rights, health care coverage and adoption rights. These are not abstract concepts — they are the foundation of stable, loving families.

This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about real people — our friends, neighbors and loved ones — who deserve the same rights and respect as anyone else. Passing HJM 01 risks turning back the clock on progress, leaving families vulnerable and uncertain. We must ask: **Do we believe all Idahoans should have the right to marry and live freely with the person they love?**

As a community, we must stand firm for fairness, equality and human dignity. We cannot allow discrimination to take root in our state. I urge all Idahoans to oppose HJM 01 and protect the rights of same-sex couples and families like mine. Contact your legislators, raise your voice, and share this message with others. The future of Idaho’s families depends on it.

Let’s ensure Idaho remains a place where love and equality are celebrated. Together, we can continue moving forward, not backward, in our commitment to fairness for all.

SHANELOL HUGGINS

Post Falls