Idaho House passes bill banning affirmative action for state agencies

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho House today voted overwhelmingly (55-15) to pass a proposal banning affirmative action for state agencies, state contracting and public education.

Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) said her bill would prevent discrimination by banning schools, state and local governments from giving discriminatory or preferential treatment to women or minorities based on their race, sex, ethnicity or national origin.

She recounted an incident when she applied for a job and was told she’d probably be hired because they were hoping to hire several women. The comment caused her to withdraw her application.

“I wanted to be hired on my merits and the fact that I was a hard worker. This gentleman just saw me as a woman, and he needed to get five of them to fill the position,” said Scott. "I was offended."

Scott said the bill would prevent discrimination by banning schools, state and local governments from giving discriminatory or preferential treatment to women or minorities based on their race, sex, ethnicity or national origin. And she said the language in the bill has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Speaking in opposition to the bill, Rep. John Gannon (D-Boise) said the bill "allows for discrimination in certain cases" and fails to include religion, sexual orientation, and disability.

The bill now heads to the Senate.