Moscow Ponders Expanding Nondiscrimination Policy

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — City officials in Moscow are considering a new policy that would give transgendered people protection under the city’s nondiscrimination policy.

The city’s existing policy protects against discrimination for employment based on sexual orientation.

But Tim Gresback, a member of the Moscow Human Rights Council, says that language doesn’t go far enough to protect transgenders, people who identify themselves as the opposite gender. Gresback says about 1 percent to 3 percent of the population is transgendered.

Mayor Nancy Chaney says the city council could begin considering expanding the city’s nondiscrimination policy as early as next week.

City council member Wayne Krauss expressed some concerns. He says the city should be careful about identifying specific groups or organizations of people for protection.