Idaho Governor Brad Little Signs Bill Criminalizing Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender Minors

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a bill into law that criminalizes gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. The bill, which was passed by the state legislature, prevents minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormone treatment, or gender-affirming surgeries.

In a transmittal letter to state lawmakers, Governor Little said the bill is intended to protect minors from surgeries or treatments that can irreversibly damage their healthy bodies. He also noted that while the government should take caution when interfering with parents’ decisions about what is best for their children, the bill is necessary to protect minors from making serious health decisions before they are mature enough to do so.

Opponents of the bill argue that there is no evidence to suggest minors are getting transition-related surgery in Idaho, and that the bill is an unnecessary and harmful restriction on the rights of transgender minors. Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is necessary to protect minors from making irreversible decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Idaho is now the twelfth state to ban or restrict transition-related care for minors. The bill is set to go into effect on July 1, 2021.