Why does Chairman Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) want small business owners to face jail time simply for operating according to their biblical values?
It’s a good question.
Here’s what’s happened: House Bill 557—which was drafted by Idaho Family Policy Center—is still sitting on Chairman Guthrie’s desk, waiting for a Senate State Affairs committee hearing.
The bill would protect cake artists, event planners, and photographers who don’t want to participate in same-sex weddings.
The Idaho House of Representatives voted 53-16 to pass our bill on February 5, 2026—sending it to the Senate with supermajority support. That was more than 54 days ago!
Last month, Chairman Guthrie promised he’d give the bill a committee hearing. But yesterday morning—with just days left in session—Chairman Guthrie told us that he had changed his mind and would not allow House Bill 557 to move forward after all.
Idaho Representatives overwhelmingly supported House Bill 557. Most Idaho Senators support it. And more than 71% of likely Idaho voters support it. So why doesn’t Sen. Guthrie?
Let’s be honest: Chairman Jim Guthrie seems more interested in kowtowing to Planned Parenthood than representing his own constituents.
But here’s the good news: Legislative session isn’t over yet!
You still have time to let Chairman Guthrie know that he doesn’t get to play games with your livelihood, your faith, or your freedom.
Send your message to inform Chairman Guthrie that he needs to give House Bill 557 a hearing before the session ends.
Chairman Guthrie needs to know that he cannot ignore this opportunity to protect religious freedom—so send your message now!
P.S. This isn’t the first bill that Chairman Guthrie has single-handedly blocked in recent years. Just this year Chairman Guthrie also unilaterally killed our bill to protect the privacy and safety of girls in public restrooms (House Bill 607). And last year Chairman Guthrie acted alone to stop our bill to protect children from indecent drag shows (House Bill 230). Both of these bills passed the House of Representatives with broad supermajorities and enjoyed widespread support among likely Idaho voters.
