The U.S Constitution protects all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. The ACLU of Idaho works statewide to ensure rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members are protected. LGBT community members should enjoy the same constitutional protections afforded to all Americans, among them, the right to equality, privacy and personal autonomy, freedom of expression and association.
AFTER DOMA: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
"After DOMA: What it Means For You" LGBT Organizations Fact Sheet Series details many of the ways federal agencies accord legal respect to married same-sex couples. The guide includes 14 factsheets on various topics pertaining to federal rights of married couples. Read the fact sheet series here.PROGRESS ON NONDISCRIMINATION ORDINANCES IN IDAHO
The ACLU applauds the 12 city councils for their bold stance on protecting their citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in the absence of statewide protections.These cities (Sandpoint, Boise, Ketchum, Moscow, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Victor, Lewiston, Driggs, Hailey and Bellevue) contribute to a wider celebration point: now almost 30% of Idaho’s residents are protected by these types of nondiscrimination laws.
If you feel your city needs a nondiscrimination ordinance, the ACLU of Idaho would like to help in any way the community sees fit. Please contact Jess McCafferty, LGBT Equality Fellow, at 2083449750 x204 or jmccafferty@acluidaho.org
GENDER MARKERS ON IDAHO DRIVER'S LICENSES
On April 23, 2013 the Idaho Transportation Department amended its policy regarding changes to driver’s licenses to allow transgender individuals to correct the gender markers on their licenses without showing proof they have undergone surgery.The Idaho Transportation Department agreed to change its policy after the ACLU of Idaho expressed concern on behalf of two transgender Idahoans who previously updated their driver’s licenses to match their gender identity, but whose licenses the Transportation Department cancelled upon realizing later that they had not submitted proof of surgery.
“We’re glad that the state has recognized the important and legitimate needs of transgender Idahoans,” said Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of Idaho. “All Idahoans should be able to get a driver’s license that correctly reflects who they are without disclosing sensitive personal information completely unrelated to their ability to drive. The state did the right thing in updating its policy.”
Reard the ACLU press statement here.
AMENDING THE IDAHO HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
Idaho has no state or federal protections for people who are fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Idaho must protect every family’s right to have a home and ensure that individuals are judged on their work performance and skills by amending the Idaho Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.The ACLU of Idaho is committed to advancing legislation to address this civil rights issue. All people in our Idaho, including gay and transgender people, should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. When everyone is treated fair, we all prosper.
Want to get involved with the state campaign to amend the Idaho Human Rights Act? Volunteer with the ACLU of Idaho!
We all have a sexual orientation and gender identity, take action to stop discrimination. Sign our petition and tell Idaho lawmakers that it's time to amend the Idaho Human Rights Act.
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