BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Gay-rights activists were stymied again this year in their bid for a hearing to add discrimination protections to the Idaho Human Rights Act.

But they say a separate bill in the Legislature seeking to do what they call the opposite - bolster religious professionals' rights to deny gays service - could provide a powerful venue to testify on this issue.
   
Former Boise Democratic state Sen. Nicole LeFavour, Idaho's first openly gay lawmaker, said Wednesday she'd prefer a bona fide hearing on enshrining protections for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals in Idaho code.
   
Short of that, however, LeFavour contends Rep. Lynn Luker's proposal to shield religious doctors, nurses, police and other professionals from threat of license revocation raises the very same issues that are important to "Add the Words" activists.