7 Gay Rights Activists Arrested During Idaho Capitol Protest

Idaho State Police arrested six people for trespassing and another for misdemeanor battery after three dozen gay rights protesters blocked entrances to the Idaho Senate in a renewed effort to convince majority Republican lawmakers to consider a bill promoting anti-discrimination protections.

Thursday's demonstration comes after 44 protesters were arrested Feb. 3 in a similar action and charged with misdemeanor trespassing.

Idaho State Police spokeswoman Teresa Baker confirmed the arrests, saying the battery charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Senate Sergeant at Arms Sarah Jane McDonald. McDonald was not injured.
McDonald didn't immediately return a call.

Senators entered the chamber Thursday and voted on bills, but visitors were barred from leaving the front entrances on the Capitol's third and fourth floors.

Some were ushered to a back exit by lawmakers.