I.C.A.N. UPDATE

Dear I.C.A.N. members, 

There are two proposed pieces of legislation that need our attention.    

There is an opportunity to testify in person or virtually if needed for bill (H557) at 1:30pm this coming Monday (Feb. 2). The bill protects the religious rights of Idaho business owners.  The purpose behind the is to prevent local municipalities from enforcing ordinances that exceed state law and require business owners to provide services that are at odds with their sincerely held religious beliefs.  For example: A bakery, or flower shop, should not be forced into providing services for a same sex couple.  

Representative Bruce Skaug is asking for prayer and support of a bill which has yet to be given a number.  Details are below.

In 2023 the Idaho legislature passed H71 banning pediatric gender mutilation. This legislation, the "Pediatric Transitions Parental Rights Act" seeks to expand upon those protections and reinforce the fundamental right of parents and guardians t o oversee the medical and social upbringing of their children. 

The bill prohibits "covered entities" including healthcare providers, educational institutions, and mandated reporters o f child abuse from facilitating a minor's medical sex transition or "social transition" (the adoption of new names, pronouns, or appearances) without the express written informed consent o f the child's parent or guardian. It prevents these entities from withholding information from parents regarding a child's expressed interest in or desire for such transitions. The act establishes a civil cause of action for aggrieved parents, providing for statutory damages and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations, and levy civil penalties.

Feel free to contact your representative to encourage them to support these pieces of legislation as the move through the process.

Blessings, 

John