Idaho House committee draws scrutiny
David Pettinger testified before the House Business Committee on Monday wearing brownface, a wig, a mustache and a rainbow poncho. His appearance was condemned by local civil rights organizations, who described the display as "overtly racis
Photo credit: Idaho Public Television
BOISE — What was scheduled to be a routine meeting for the House Business Committee ended up bringing condemnation from civil rights groups after a man wearing brownface was allowed to testify on a bill pertaining to the employment of immigrants lacking permanent legal status.
David Pettinger, a known local far-right activist, has sparked outcry after his appearance Monday at a hearing for House Bill 704, a new bill requiring all private and public employers to use E-Verify to determine whether an individual has been authorized for employment in the United States. During the public hearing, Pettinger arrived in brownface, a rainbow-colored poncho, a brown wig and a mustache and was joined by a man he described as his “interpreter."
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