BOISE – The ACLU of Idaho condemns the Senate’s decision to pass House Bill 668 by an overwhelming 26-8. HB 668 is a bill that would remove all public funding for gender-affirming health care for adults and minors.
The ACLU of Idaho issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s decision:
“Despite mounting public opposition to HB 668, Idaho’s state senators have once again decided to cave in to the hateful demands of far-right extremists at the expense of the safety, security, and health of Idaho’s transgender community. This is a devastating outcome for the many trans people, their family members, doctors, counselors, advocacy groups, and community members who advocated against this bill during public hearings, as well as those who have advocated in personal meetings with lawmakers.
“As noted in the floor debate today, this bill is clearly unconstitutional, as each law Idaho has passed that discriminates against transgender people before it is still being litigated and remains unenforceable. Idaho’s legislators have chosen to waste taxpayer money funding their efforts to defend state-sanctioned discrimination in the courts rather than simply allowing transgender people in Idaho to make their own medical decisions in peace.
“We also re-affirm to all transgender people living in Idaho that the ACLU of Idaho will not permit such discrimination in our state. You are a valid and beautiful piece of society, and the fight does not end here.”
The ACLU of Idaho is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of Idaho strives to advance civil liberties and civil rights through activities that include litigation, education, and lobbying.