State of Idaho Archives: on Civil Rights


Ammon Bundy: Black Lives Matter is a wicked, Marxist organization

Bundy wrote: "As you most likely know Black Lives Matter is a wicked, Marxist, communist organization that deceives its members and destroys Black people's lives." The letter seems to contradict his earlier positions supporting the BLM movement. On July 19 in 2020, Bundy had posted a video on YouTube. "You must have a problem in your mind if you think that somehow the Black Lives Matter is more dangerous than the police," said Bundy in the video.
Source: Boise Weekly on 2022 Idaho Gubernatorial race Aug 11, 2021

Brad Little: Voter referendum to define marriage in State Constitution

Legislative Summary:Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Idaho to provide that a marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.Legislative Outcome: Sen. Little voted AYE; passed House 53-17-0, Feb. 6; passed Senate 26-9-0, Feb. 15.
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on HJR 2 Feb 15, 2006

Brad Little: No to gay marriage

I believe that marriage is the union between a man and woman.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial website BradLittleForIdaho.com Sep 1, 2017

Ed Humphreys: Fight for soul of America against Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory and its socialist tenacles have infiltrated every institution of our society. Ironically, CRT is being funded by you, as you pay your taxes, support non-profit organizations, and do business with "woke" companies. Ed has a plan to win the fight for the soul of America.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com Oct 4, 2021

Ed Humphreys: Prohibit teaching US is fundamentally racist or sexist

Source: KTVB on 2022 Idaho Gubernatorial race Apr 19, 2021

Janice McGeachin: Defends traditional marriage as defined in our constitution

I have a long history of standing up for traditional conservativism, even though the media and elites routinely mock and reject our values. Strong families are foundational to our value system. My 100% pro-life voting record, my defense of traditional marriage as defined in our constitution, and my work on implementing the 'Women's Informed Consent' law, which provides women considering abortions with valuable information and resources, speak to my dedication on these issues.
Source: 2021 ID Senate campaign website JaniceForIdaho.com Aug 25, 2021

Janice McGeachin: Voter referendum to define marriage in State Constitution

Legislative Summary: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Idaho to provide that a marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.

Legislative Outcome:Rep. McGeachin voted AYE; passed House 53-17-0, Feb. 6; passed Senate 26-9-0, Feb. 15.

Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on HJR 2 Feb 6, 2006

Jim Risch: States define marriage; Idaho prohibits same-sex

States have typically determined their definitions of marriage. Idaho's law, which I supported, prohibits same-sex unions.

Some years ago, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allows states to refuse to acknowledge the laws of other states regarding same-sex unions and defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman as husband and wife. I oppose efforts to repeal that law.

As other states more liberal than Idaho expand their definitions of marriage to include same-sex unions, some fear courts will force states, like Idaho, to embrace broader definitions of marriage. At different times, a constitutional amendment on the legal definition of marriage has been proposed. Should an amendment defining marriage in the same way as DOMA come before the full Senate, I will support it.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Idaho Senate race Apr 3, 2008

Michael Crapo: Safeguard traditional marriage; let states define

In the 110th Congress, I co-sponsored a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States declaring that marriage is between a man and a woman. I voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. I will continue to work to protect the institution of marriage and will press for policies that safeguard traditional marriages and support the ability of states to determine the definition of marriage within the state.
Source: 2021 Idaho Senate campaign website CrapoForSenate.com Jun 16, 2021

Michael Crapo: Flag is enduring symbol of nation's great history

On Flag Day 2021, Crapo joined Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) in introducing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag. "The American flag is one of the most visible and enduring symbols of our nation's great history, our struggle for independence and the continued belief in liberty and justice for all," said Senator Crapo.
Source: 2021 Idaho Senate campaign website crapo.senate.gov Jun 14, 2021

Nancy Harris: Protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals

Source: 2020 Idaho Senate website NancyHarrisForSenate.com Feb 5, 2020

Paulette Jordan: Formed Idaho Voice, non-partisan voter rights group

She said her priority is "always people over party."

"I think conservatives and Democrats can align on this," Jordan said. "Neither (group) wants to promote corporations over people. It's not about being a Republican or Democrat. It's about being a good Idaho citizen." Following the 2018 election, Jordan has focused on issues and concerns raised during the gubernatorial campaign. She formed Idaho Voice, a nonpartisan organization that supports grassroots civic engagement efforts and voter rights.

Source: The Lewiston Tribune on 2020 Idaho Senate race May 4, 2020

Raul Labrador: Detests white supremacy AND black nationalism

Following urging from Governor Butch Otter earlier in the day, Labrador finally made his own statement about the events in Charlottesville. In the statement, he says, "I detest white supremacy as much as I detest black nationalism and other forms of identity politics." He then says he abhors and condemns the violence, bigotry and racism that were on display.
Source: Boise State Public Radio on 2018 Idaho gubernatorial race Aug 16, 2017

Raul Labrador: 1st Amendment Defense: religious opposition to gay marriage

Q: Where do you stand on enacting legislation protecting citizens from civil action for exercising their religious beliefs?

Labrador: "All people have a fundamental God-given right to worship in accordance with one's own beliefs. Our Constitution is designed to prevent the government from hindering the free exercise of religion. As governor, I will always protect the right of individuals, professionals, and private businesses to be free from government interference with their religious beliefs and will oppose legislation that puts Idahoans at risk of civil action for exercising their religious beliefs."

What you should know: In 2015, Labrador introduced in Congress the First Amendment Defense Act, which would give legal protection to people and entities that oppose gay marriage on religious grounds. As a candidate, President Donald Trump said he would sign the bill if Congress passed it. Congress has not moved on the legislation since Trump took office.

Source: Idaho Statesman on 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial debate Feb 25, 2018

Russ Fulcher: Voter referendum to define marriage in State Constitution

Legislative Summary:Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Idaho to provide that a marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.Legislative Outcome: Sen. Fulcher voted AYE; passed House 53-17-0, Feb. 6; passed Senate 26-9-0, Feb. 15.
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on HJR 2 Feb 15, 2006

Tommy Ahlquist: Opposed gay marriage; will safeguard tradition

Tommy believes that marriage should be the union of a man and a woman. As our governor, he will support policies that promote and safeguard the traditional institution of marriage.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial website TommyForIdaho.com Aug 8, 2017

Ron DeSantis: We've eliminated so-called DEI from our public universities

We reject the modern trend of universities that subordinate high academic standards in favor of promoting an ideological agenda. To this end, we have eliminated so-called DEI from our public universities. DEI is a highly-ideological agenda--in practice it stands for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination--and it has no place in our public universities.

We have also overhauled faculty hiring to avoid ideological litmus tests and required all tenured professors to undergo review every five years so poor performers can be terminated. The reforms instituted have transformed the college from an outpost of ideological indoctrination into an institution rooted in truth. We have ensured that higher education in Florida is affordable--freezing tuition for the past decade. We also have supported Bright Futures scholarships that make it even more affordable for our top students.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature Jan 9, 2024

Brad Little: We eliminated CRT and DEI

Last year, in the Oval Office, I spoke with President Trump about how Idaho exemplifies his vision of America. We're tough on crime. We protect the unborn. We eliminated CRT and DEI, and we led the nation in preventing men from competing in women's sports. We also talked about how Idaho advances his Talent Strategy for America through Idaho LAUNCH. Together, we are putting the American worker first.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature Jan 12, 2026

Jim Risch: Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports

22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."

The NCAA updated its policy in 2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:

  1. Prior to any competition during the regular season;
  2. Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
  3. Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 Idaho Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Jim Risch: Permanently eliminate DEI initiatives in federal workforce

U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho is leading a legislative effort to permanently eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal workforces. Risch's involvement in this legislation highlights his commitment to changing the current DEI framework within federal agencies. His efforts are part of a broader movement to reassess and potentially overhaul existing policies.
Source: KHQ.com, "DEI," on 2026 Idaho Senate race Feb 21, 2025

Terri Pickens: Protect freedom to love and marry whomever we choose

Source: 2026 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website TerriForIdaho.com Dec 5, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Idaho Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Civil Rights:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026