Idaho bans public funds for gender treatments

Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little this week signed legislation barring the use of public funds for an array of gender-related treatments.

The legislation would prevent public programs such as Medicaid from covering or subsidizing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, or gender surgeries for persons of any age, The Hill reported. It is set to take effect July 1 and will impose a financial penalty of at least $300 and up to $10,000, as well as a prison sentence ranging from one to 14 years in duration.

The state legislature approved the measure last week, according to the Associated Press. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho condemned the move at the time, saying "Idaho’s state senators have once again decided to cave in to the hateful demands of far-right extremists at the expense of the safety, security, and health of Idaho’s transgender community."

The state previously enacted a ban on "gender-affirming" care for minors, though that law has been subject to a judicial stay since December.

Nine states have banned their Medicaid programs from covering transgender-related treatments for persons of all ages while a further three have done so only for minors, according to the pro-LGBT Movement Advancement Project. Under the law, Idaho would become the tenth to bar coverage for persons of all ages.

Republican-leaning states are further along in passing laws addressing transgender issues, such as the receipt of treatments by minors and transgender participation in sports. Twenty-three states have banned many gender-related medical treatments, including surgeries, for minors. Arizona has banned only surgeries.

Twenty-four meanwhile, have passed laws banning transgender students from participating on sports teams that do not align with their sex. Alaska has done so via state regulation.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.