The state of Idaho is expected to pass a bill this week that would ban public funds from providing gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapy treatments for transgender people on federal land.
The bill text also says state property, facilities and buildings would be prohibited from being used for surgical procedures related to “gender reassignment.”
House Bill 668, which passed the state House of Representatives on a 58-11 vote last week, states that public funds “shall not be used for the purpose of altering an individual’s physical appearance in order to affirm that individual’s identity of his or her gender.” It stipulates that Except for exempt surgical procedures or medical interventions, the surgical procedure or medical intervention does not correspond to the biological sex of the individual, regardless of whether the surgical procedure or medical intervention is performed on a minor or an adult. ”
Brian Koberger asks court for change of venue after trial delays in Idaho student murder case
A panoramic view of the Idaho State Capitol on May 23, 2021 in Boise, Idaho. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC image)
The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate. If passed, Republican Gov. Brad Little would have to approve it. In recent years, few people have signed legislation opposing similar issues affecting transgender people. Last year, he signed a bill criminalizing gender reassignment surgery for minors. He also signed a bill banning transgender students from using public restrooms that do not match their biological sex.
The public funding will specifically target Medicaid, the nation’s main federal health insurance program.
invoice It also states that physicians and other medical professionals “may provide surgical procedures and medical interventions within the course and scope of employment by a state, county, or local government.”
Idaho murder case: Judge to consider attorney Brian Koberger’s request for summer 2025 trial start date
Transgender activists clash at a women’s rally in Texas. (Fox News Digital)
If the bill passes, Idaho would become the 10th state to ban federal funding for transgender surgeries and treatments.
According to the Associated Press, the state of Idaho has had to defend itself from multiple lawsuits over denial of gender reassignment treatments and surgeries. In one case, the state was ordered to perform sex reassignment surgery on a transgender inmate, and the inmate was later awarded nearly $2.5 million in damages.
“In my opinion, this is a taxpayer protection bill,” one of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Idaho), said at a hearing last week.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Idaho has banned transgender gender reassignment for minors. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
If the bill becomes law, penalties for violations could include fines ranging from $300 to $10,000 and up to 14 years in prison.
At least 23 states, including Idaho, have passed laws banning gender reassignment and hormone treatment for minors. This month, the American Psychological Association, the nation’s leading scientific organization, has more than 150,000 members. Certified psychologist, announced a new policy requiring clinics to provide “unimpeded access” to gender reassignment treatment for children.
