New legislation is nothing but hate

The Idaho House recently approved a resolution declaring the month between Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day as "Traditional Family Values Month." This is apparently meant to celebrate households with "one mother, one father, and their biological children."

As a public educator, I can tell you this excludes the majority of the children I see on a daily basis who are successful, well-adjusted, happy kids. It also excludes me. My mom died when I was 10, and I was raised by a single father. My four older siblings (one of whom is adopted) were already grown by then. So, my family doesn't count. I've chosen to not have children of my own for a variety of personal reasons. My current family doesn't count. Long-term partnerships where people choose to not get married don't count. Those who divorce and remarry don't count. 

Beyond the pithy reasons above, though, this bill is a thinly veiled response meant to express a bigoted view toward those who are LGBTQ+ rather than a "celebration" of family. Anyone who has had hardship, abuse, or rejection in their family knows that family is ultimately what you make it, not the Republicans' narrow view of tradition. Open your minds and your hearts. Love is love. This bill is only hate.

REBECCA PALMER

Sandpoint