An effort to repeal a
non-discrimination ordinance in the town of Pocatello, Idaho was
defeated on Tuesday.
Voters narrowly voted to keep the
ordinance, approved by city leaders last year. According to NBC
affiliate KPVI, supporters eked out a victory with 50.4 percent
of the vote.
The ordinance prohibits discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of
employment and housing.
While state laws do not protect LGBT
people, seven cities – Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Ketchum, Moscow,
Sandpoint, Idaho Falls and Pocatello – have approved such laws.
Pocatello approved the measure in June
after a contentious debate.
Opponents collected over 1,600
signatures to put the law up for a vote.
MSNBC
called the tactics used by the opposition website
StandUpPocatello.com “underhanded.”
The group's website emphasizes that
opponents “do not condone any mistreatment of the LGBT community,”
while suggesting the ordinance harms women and children, is bad for
families and business and hampers religious freedom.