It’s been a big few days at the Capitol for Idaho families!
You’ve probably already seen our email yesterday celebrating the Idaho House passing our Uniformity in Local Ordinances Antidiscrimination Act (H557) with a veto-proof supermajority.
That bill – which was drafted by Idaho Family Policy Center and is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) – would protect religious freedom for small business owners who don’t want to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies, gender transition ceremonies, and other activities that violate their sincerely held beliefs.
And it keeps getting better! Just a few minutes ago, the House State Affairs Committee introduced our new legislation to protect the privacy and safety of every person in all public restrooms and changing areas!
Our new legislation – which was drafted by Idaho Family Policy Center and is sponsored by Rep. Ted Hill (R-Eagle) and Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls) – will build on the progress we’ve made in recent years toward protecting girls and women in private spaces:
- Two years ago, IFPC worked with Rep. Ted Hill and Sen. Ben Adams (R-Nampa) on our school bathroom law (Senate Bill 1100). That law requires public schools to maintain separate bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and changing areas for biological boys and biological girls.
- And just last session, Rep. Barbara Ehardt sponsored House Bill 264, which protects the privacy and safety of girls in public university buildings, state correctional facilities, and domestic violence shelters. The IFPC policy team worked closely with Rep. Ehardt, helping to draft portions of the bill and supporting it throughout the legislative process.
Federal courts upheld both of these new laws in the last several months—and we finally have the opportunity to extend these protections to all public restrooms and changing areas.
The need has never been greater. Just last October, a female lifeguard at the Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint reportedly encountered a biological man in the women’s locker room—allegedly using the shower and getting dressed in an area frequently used by girls of all ages.
Idahoans want more protections for women and girls. According to statewide public opinion polling commissioned by Idaho Family Policy Center, more than 77% of likely Idaho voters believe state law should require separate restrooms and changing facilities in public buildings.
We’ll be assigned a bill number later today—and a full committee hearing will be forthcoming. In the meantime, our team will keep you updated!
P.S. As you can see, Idaho Family Policy Center is leading the charge on the frontlines of the culture wars. But we can’t do it alone.
Please prayerfully consider making a generous gift of $65, $135, or $250 today. Your support will help build an Idaho where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
