bill tracker

A new legislative session is starting up and it is likely to be another rough one for the LGBTQ+ community here in Idaho. This bill tracker will remain current throughout the session so you can keep updated on the bills and what action you can take. Below the information about each bill are talking points and sample emails to send to legislators. As always, please reach out if you have any questions!

Use the sample emails below as a starting point to let the Idaho legislature know your thoughts on these dangerous bills, or copy, paste, and send them just as they are. Contact information for members of the Idaho legislature can be found below. 

Idaho Senators Contact Page: https://legislature.idaho.gov/senate/membership/. 

Idaho House of Representatives Contact Page: https://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membership/. 

Thank you for taking action to protect your LGBTQ+ siblings. 

HB 41 Talking Points

• Undermines both student's and teacher's constitutional right to freedom of expression and freedom of speech.

• Bill is vaguely worded about the definition of a flag/banner.

• Bill would ban pride flags, which are crucial symbols of safety and inclusion for all students regardless of their gender identity and sexuality. 

HB 41 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative Name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose House Bill 41. Not only is this bill vaguely worded with regards to the definition of a flag or banner, but it inhibits the freedoms of speech and expression that are fundamental to our country. Schools should not be a place where speech, in the form of what teachers can display, is monitored and regulated. HB 41 sets a dangerous precedent of taking away one of the most important rights that we as Americans hold. 

Protect the First Amendment rights of Idahoans and vote "no" to HB 41.

Sincerely,

[Insert your name]

HJM 1 Talking Points

• Under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, marriage equality is a fundamental right re-affirmed by the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

• This memorial sends a dangerous message that only the love of cisgender, straight Idahoans is valid. 

• The Obergefell decision has no impact on religious freedom as it does not force institutions to perform ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples.

HJM 1 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative Name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose HJM 1. This memorial sends a very dangerous message to the people of Idaho that only the love between two cisgender, straight people is valid. As the Supreme Court has held, the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection clause ensures the right for Americans to love anyone. This right cannot be taken away by the politics of state governments. 

Sincerely,

[Insert your name]

HCR 2 Talking Points

• This resolution sends a dangerous message about transgender Idahoans that perpetuates judgment, discrimination, and hate.

• Transgender people deserve the right to participate in sports just like any other athlete.

• Transgender athletes dominating sports is not an issue. We should be investing time in creating legislation for the problems we are facing, such as education and infrastructure.

HCR 2 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose HCR 2. This resolution sends a dangerous message to Idaho's transgender community, one that perpetuates judgment, discrimination, and hate. Transgender people deserve the right to participate in sports alongside any other athlete. Their participation in sports is not a major issue facing our country. 

Sincerely, 

[Insert your name]

HB 45 Talking Points

• HB 45 is vaguely worded and provides no definition of what a flag is.

• HB 45 restricts freedom of speech and freedom of expression, two fundamental rights all Americans hold. 

HB 45 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose HB 45. Not only is this bill vaguely worded with regards to the definition of a flag, but it inhibits the freedoms of speech and expression that are fundamental to our country. HB 45 sets a dangerous precedent of restricting one of the most important rights that we as Americans hold. 

Protect the First Amendment rights of Idahoans and vote "no" to HB 45. 

Sincerely, 

[Insert your name]

HB 49 Talking Points

• HB 49 would force transgender people to use a bathroom that does not align with their gender. Everyone deserves a safe place to use the bathroom, including transgender Idahoans.

• HB 49 seeks to address an issue that does not exist. Transgender women are not causing harm in bathrooms. 

• HB 49 would force transgender individuals well into their transition to use a bathroom that does not align with their gender or they way they present. This bill would force masculine men to use the women's restroom and feminine women to use the men's. 

HB 49 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose HB 49. Everyone deserves the right to use a bathroom in an environment they feel safe in. This includes transgender people. The presence of transgender people in bathrooms does not cause harm to other users. In fact, HB 49 has the capacity to cause more discomfort because it would force individuals well into their transition to use a bathroom that does not align with their gender. This means masculine men would be forced to use the women's bathroom, while feminine women would have to use the men's. 

I urge you to vote "no" to HB 49 to ensure that all Idahoans, regardless of gender, can safely use the bathroom. 

Sincerely, 

[Insert your name]

HB 162 Talking Points

• HB 162 violates division of church and state, a key principle America is built on.

• The bible contains many topics inappropriate for school, such as excessive violence and sex. 

HB 162 Sample Email

Dear [Insert Senator/Representative name]

I am writing to you today to urge you to oppose HB 162. This bill violates the division of church and state, a key founding principle of our country. Mandatory bible readings infringes on the religious freedom of students and teachers who are not Christian. It is dangerous to impose a single religious doctrine, especially in schools. 

Please stand up for religious freedom of all Idahoans and vote "no" on HB 162. 

Sincerely, 

[Insert your name]