SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Sandpoint City Council voted 4-3 Wednesday night to repeal a non-discrimination ordinance after a controversy at the local YMCA.
YMCA lifeguard Jenni Hook said she saw a man partially dressed as a woman in the women’s locker room a month ago.
“I was shocked, to say the least,” Hook said. “I found out that I couldn’t get him removed because of the city ordinance or the policies of the YMCA, it was all kind of very convoluted, but there was nothing I could do that day.”
Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm proposed changes to a non-discrimination ordinance after this incident. The 2011 ordinance protected people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public places.
Wednesday’s council meeting was packed. The parking lot was full and some people had to join by Zoom to give public comments.
Tess Howell from the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force opposed the repeal.
“I just feel a lot of compassion and empathy for those who don’t feel safe anymore,” Howell said. “It gave people, safety and housing safety in public spaces and just being able to live in a community as they are without harm.”
Scott Herndon supported the decision.
“It’s a good step in the sense that the YMCA can now not point to Sandpoint city code and use it as an excuse for their policy,” Herndon said. “However, it’s not going to solve the problem. We’re going to need to pass laws in the state of Idaho to prohibit this activity and protect women.”
The council vote repeals the current ordinance to align provisions with existing federal and state civil rights law. You can read the revised ordinance here.
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