Pocatello to hold Panel Discussion on Non-Discrimination Ordinance

The Pocatello City Council is set to consider a nondiscrimination ordinance to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in housing, employment and public accommodations for the city.

According to a press release, an upcoming panel discussion will address such questions as,” What is a nondiscrimination ordinance? Is it necessary? Could it change Pocatello and in what ways? How will it impact religious freedom?”

“The NAACP-Pocatello Branch, 2Great4Hate and the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship have gathered a variety of viewpoints from the community to address these important issues.”

Panelists will include:

·Dr. Tracie Hitter, Counselor, ISU Center for Counseling and Testing
·Brenda Stanley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Portneuf Medical
·Dr. H. Wayne Schow, ISU Professor Emeritus, English
·James Rutchi, Attorney at Rutchi and Beck and former state representative
·The Rev. Barbara Condon, Pastor, Emmaus Lutheran Community, Idaho Falls.

The event, which will be moderated by Dr. David Adler, Director of the Andrus Center at Boise State University, is free and open to the public.

According to the release,”An additional goal of this panel is to educate the Pocatello community on issues facing gay and transgender people and how this ordinance could alter the climate of the community and in what ways. This important discussion will also help those who attend understand that nondiscrimination ordinances do not diminish rights, but foster equal rights for all citizens. Religious groups, business leaders and other members of the community want Pocatello to be a welcoming place for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity or expression.”

What: Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion in Pocatello on the Intersection of Religious Liberties, Commerce, and Nondiscrimination Laws

When: Wednesday, March 20^th from 6-7:30pm.

Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 309 N Garfield Ave. in Pocatello.

Who: The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact 2Great4Hate, 2great4hate@gmail.com.