Idaho Passes Bill Requiring Teachers and Doctors To Notify Parents If Their Children Identify as a Different Gender

Medical professionals and teachers in Idaho could soon face hefty fines for failing to notify parents if their children begin to identify as a different gender. The Idaho Senate voted 27-8 on Monday to advance House Bill 22, which would require schools, childcare providers, and healthcare providers to notify parents within three days of receiving a request “by the minor student to participate in or facilitate the social transition of the minor student.” Such requests include the student using a different name from their legal name or pronouns that do not align with their biological sex, or asking to use restrooms or locker rooms that are designated for the other biological sex.HB 22 also prevents those institutions from helping a minor with their social transition unless they receive written consent from the child’s parents. The state’s attorney general could seek up to $100,000 in civil fines for institutions that violate the bill. Parents could also sue healthcare providers, childcare providers, and schools that are accused of violating the law. The ACLU of Idaho labeled the bill “extreme and unconstitutional.”A state senator who supported the bill, Ben Toews, said during debate that the legislation addresses a “loophole” in a law that bans so-called gender-affirming care for minors.“A loophole was left in the law, and it did not mention social transitions, the process by which vulnerable children are led into the pipeline,” Mr. Toews said. “This legislation upholds parental rights through transparency.”Last month, the Idaho House overwhelmingly passed the bill.There are several pending lawsuits in other states over whether or not teachers should notify parents when their children start to identify as a different gender. California is facing an ongoing federal lawsuit over its policies that prevent schools from notifying parents without the student’s approval. This week, Idaho’s governor, Brad Little, signed another bill related to transgender issues, one that criminalizes individuals who “knowingly and willfully” use the bathrooms that align with their gender identity. That bill applies to government buildings and private businesses. A first-time offense carries a misdemeanor penalty with up to a year in prison. A second offense could lead to a felony charge and up to five years in prison.Mr. Little also signed a bill this week that would fine cities that fly the “Pride flag” on government property.

Idaho Passes Bill Requiring Teachers and Doctors To Notify Parents If Their Children Identify as a Different Gender

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