Legislative Roundup - Week 7

HELENA - The Montana Legislature heard emotional testimony a bill last week that would include gender identity and sexual orientation in the state’s non-discrimination laws.

Introduced by Rep. Kelly McCarthy, D-Billings, House Bill 417 would add LGBTQ-identifying individuals to a list of classes protected by the Montana Human Rights Act, meaning it would prevent them from being discriminated against when seeking housing, employment, and when using public accommodations.

“I don’t know that discrimination is a privilege that’s worth defending with this body,” McCarthy said.

The bill attracted 27...