SPLC Statement on Idaho Governor Signing Anti-Transgender Bills into Law

Late yesterday evening, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law two bills that target transgender people. HB 500 discriminates against transgender student athletes by prohibiting them from participating in sports, and HB 509 bars transgender people from changing their gender on birth certificates.
 
Scott McCoy, Southern Poverty Law Center interim deputy legal director of the LGBTQ Rights & Special Litigation project, issued the following statement:
 
“With so many critical issues affecting our nation right now, it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Little decided to sign into law two bills that solely target and discriminate against transgender Idahoans.
 
“Everyone should be able to live as their authentic self, and these laws are another cruel attempt to deny the existence of transgender people and their identities.
 
“Laws that attack and malign the LGBTQ+ community are harmful and unnecessary and the SPLC will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that transgender people are treated with dignity and respect.”