Month's creation is a new low, even for Idaho

The Idaho House on Tuesday approved the establishment of Traditional Family Values Month, in a similar resolution to one passed in the Senate in February.

Rep. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur d’Alene, sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 18, which designates Mother’s Day through Father’s Day as Traditional Families Month — highlighting two-parent households with a mother, father and biological children.

“It’s simply another celebration of an aspect of society that really should be honored on a more consistent basis,” Alfieri said.

I am appalled by this language. There is nothing "simple" about it. "Biological children." Really? So, a married couple who adopted their children couldn't celebrate this? What about the couple who used a surrogate to carry their child? And let's not forget the same sex marriages with children or the single mother who didn't want the biological father involved so she chose to raise the child by herself? No man in the house.

And what's next? Bi-racial couples or couples with bi-racial children won't be allowed to "celebrate" this month because theirs isn't a "traditional" family?

Good Heavens. Only the most outrageously judgmental people would feel entitled to decide what a "traditional" family is.

I am truly appalled — but when I think about it, this is Idaho after all, so I shouldn't be surprised after 80 some years. But, oh, dear, this truly is a new low, even for Idaho.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint