Legalizing LGBTQIA discrimination in the US of A one state at a time.
In Idaho, a bill – Senate File 8 – was filed to allow what is considered as “state-sanctioned bullying” by preventing schools from disciplining students and staff who disrespect LGBTQIA (particularly transgender and non-conforming) students by refusing to address them using their preferred names or pronouns.
If passed, this legislation will, prohibit school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against staff members or other students who use the names assigned at birth of any student, and as listed on the school records, or for using incorrect pronouns when addressing any student. One can no longer be sanctioned, including termination of their employment, detention or expulsion, or be given written or verbal reprimands.
Idaho actually already has an anti-LGBTQIA law that was signed by right-wing governor Kim Reynolds in 2023 to require schools to notify parents if a child requests to use a different name or pronouns than they were assigned with at birth. There are, however, no policies offering protection to those whose parents do not accept or even harm their LGBTQIA children because of their SOGIESC.
The bill already passed the subcommittee level with 2-1 support. A House subcommittee already advanced the companion to this legislation, House File 80.
