Introduction of domestic terrorism bill should be cause for deep concern for Idaho’s residents

The Idaho State Capitol building on Jan. 11, 2023. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho Legislature recently made the prudent decision to uphold the integrity of our state’s laws by rejecting a bill that would have dangerously redefined domestic terrorism. Idaho Leaders United applauds the legislators who voted against it for their commitment to safeguarding the principles of justice and fairness in our state, but the mere introduction of a bill such as this should be cause for deep concern for Idaho’s residents.

The proposed legislation sought to narrow the scope of Idaho’s Terrorist Control Act, effectively limiting its application to individuals associated with foreign terrorist organizations. Narrowing this definition would render the act ineffective in addressing domestic threats. The Terrorism Control Act was crafted in response to a very real and serious threat posed by white supremacist groups. Redefining domestic terrorism in a way that excludes such threats would undermine the law and compromise public safety. Furthermore, the involvement of known figures associated with militia-movement groups in shaping this legislation raised serious concerns about its intentions.

While we commend our elected officials for their efforts to ensure this bill was not passed into law, the domestic terrorism bill getting as far as it did in the lawmaking process is deeply concerning. In allowing such self-serving and dangerous legislation to even be granted a hearing, it undermines the very essence of the lawmaking process that is supposed to reflect the will and values of the people of Idaho. This attempt to narrow the definition of domestic terrorism not only disregards the legitimate concerns of our communities but also threatens to embolden extremists within our state.

It is imperative that we remain vigilant against any attempts to manipulate our laws for personal or political gain. The involvement of individuals in shaping this legislation with known ties to extremist ideologies and history of lawlessness is deeply troubling and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous oversight over the legislative process. We cannot allow the voices of hate and intolerance to dictate the direction of our state’s laws.

Idaho Leaders United calls on all Idaho residents to hold our elected officials accountable and insist that they act in the best interests of the people they serve. We must continue to champion policies that promote inclusivity, fairness and the safety of all Idahoans, rejecting any measures that seek to divide us or compromise our fundamental rights and freedoms. Together, we can ensure that Idaho remains a beacon of democracy and justice for generations to come.

The Idaho Leaders United leadership team includes Cortney Liddiard, Gary Raney, Bill Shawver, Odette Bolano, Doug Gross and Tommy Ahlquist.

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