Human Rights Campaign Statement on Idaho Senate Republicans Deciding Not to Move Forward on Gender Affirming Medical Care Ban

BOISE - March 16, 2022 - Idaho Senate Republicans announced late last night that they will not move forward on HB 675, a House-passed bill that would have made it a felony for medical professionals to provide age-appropriate, medically necessary, best practice gender-affirming care for transgender children.

Human Rights Campaign state legislative director and senior counsel Cathryn Oakley issued the statement below in response to today's news:

"Last night, Idaho's Senate Majority Caucus stated that 'the best decisions regarding medical treatment options for children are made by parents, with the benefit of their physician's advice and expertise.' On this point, we agree. We are pleased that President Pro Tempore Winder and Majority Leader Anthon have decided not to pursue this vicious, unnecessary legislation a single step further."

"This legislation is a mean-spirited attack on transgender children, contrary to what medical experts advise, and an unprecedented government intrusion in the lives of Idahoans. The decision not to advance it is a welcome source of relief for parents across Idaho. It should also serve as a wake-up call to other states considering such legislation that this is not, and should not, be the government's role to decide what best-practice healthcare should be available to youth."

"We will continue fighting these attacks wherever and whenever they occur. There is much more work that remains to be done to ensure that every single American, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has an equal opportunity to realize their full potential."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.