ACLU of Idaho Statement on the Signing of HB 71 into Law

BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little yesterday signed house bill 71 into law. The bill bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth and makes it a felony for parents and healthcare professionals to provide such care.

Leo Morales, ACLU of Idaho executive director had the following reaction:

“We are extremely disappointed at the signing of HB 71 into law. This discriminatory law criminalizes safe, effective, and necessary healthcare for Idaho youth. Further, for lawmakers to interfere in decisions that ought to be made by families and their healthcare providers is clear government overreach and is unacceptable. For any individuals directly impacted, we seek partnership as we challenge this law in court. We will sue to stop this harmful and unconstitutional law."

Amy Dundon, ACLU of Idaho legislative strategist shared the following reaction:

“Despite passionate and robust testimony in opposition to HB 71 from transgender youth, their families and their medical providers, and the fact that every major medical association in the United States, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, supports gender-affirming care as safe, effective, and necessary, Idaho lawmakers and the governor have decided to intrude on parents’ fundamental right to guide the healthcare of their children by stripping away the only evidence-based means of helping transgender youth experiencing gender dysphoria. Trans youth—like all youth—deserve a chance to thrive and feel safe in our state. HB 71 is wrong for Idaho and will push out families and doctors from the state. We are firmly committed to stopping HB 71.”

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.