Overview
Idaho’s state government has been dominated by a Republican supermajority in recent years, which has led to a slew of legislation affecting LGBTQ+ — especially transgender — rights. Since 2016, attempts to expand LGBT protections (such as adding sexual orientation and gender identity to anti-discrimination laws) have repeatedly been blocked, while bills restricting transgender individuals’ rights have gained traction. In the past few years, Idaho enacted multiple laws targeting transgender people’s ability to participate in sports, update identity documents, access healthcare, and even be acknowledged in schools and public spaces (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio) (Idaho House committee passes gender definitions bill | Boise State Public Radio). Many of these measures were supported by the conservative Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), which rates bills and lawmakers on adherence to its ideology. Lawmakers voting in line with IFF have generally opposed LGBT rights expansions and supported restrictions on transgender rights, aligning with IFF’s stated positions (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom) (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom). Below is a comprehensive review of currently serving Idaho state officials’ voting records on key LGBT-related bills since 2016, their alignment with IFF on those votes, and notable anti-transgender rhetoric, culminating in a “threat level” score (1 = low threat to LGBT rights; 10 = extreme threat) for each official based on their record and rhetoric.
Key LGBTQ-Related Legislation (2016–2025)
“Add the Words” (Non-Discrimination Bills): Idaho LGBTQ advocates have for years pushed to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act. Such bills (nicknamed “Add the Words”) were introduced multiple times (e.g. HB 2 in 2016, SB 1226 in 2020, SB 1011 in 2023) but were never passed by the GOP-controlled legislature (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom) (SENATE BILL NO.1030 (2021) – Sexual orientation, gender identity). For instance, 2020’s SB 1226 aimed to protect LGBTQ Idahoans from housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination (2020 – SB 1226 – Add the Words | ACLU of Idaho), but it was denied a full hearing. The Idaho Freedom Foundation vehemently opposed these bills, giving them heavy negative “freedom index” scores (e.g. SB 1004 in 2025 was rated –7 by IFF (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom)), and the Republican majority consistently blocked them. Result: No pro-LGBT nondiscrimination bill has passed; failure was aligned with IFF’s stance against expanding LGBT protections.
2018: Conversion Therapy Funding Ban Attempt: In 2018, a Democratic lawmaker introduced HB 398 to prohibit state funds from being used for conversion therapy. The bill (a response to the harmful practice of trying to change a minor’s sexual orientation/gender identity) did not advance ([PDF] HOUSE BILL NO.398 (2018) – Mental health, conversion therapy). Though not voted on, this effort signaled growing awareness. Most Republicans showed little support, consistent with IFF’s general opposition to such regulations (IFF’s index opposed banning conversion therapy as government overreach). Result: No action taken, not reaching a vote; no official voting record, but lack of support from GOP lawmakers aligned with IFF’s likely stance.
2020: Transgender Sports Ban (HB 500) – “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”. House Bill 500 (2020) made Idaho the first state to ban transgender girls and women from female sports teams at all public schools and colleges (US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters). It also allowed invasive “sex verification” if an athlete’s gender was disputed (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill) (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill). The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R) and strongly backed by IFF and allied groups. Despite emotional testimony against it – opponents argued it “puts discrimination into law” and targets trans girls who just want to play sports (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill) – HB 500 passed the House 52–17–1 on Feb. 26, 2020 (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature) and the Senate 24–11–0 on March 16, 2020 (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature). All Democrats and a handful of moderate Republicans (e.g. Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb (D) and Sen. Jim Guthrie (R)) voted NAY (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature), while every Yes vote came from Republicans. Governor Brad Little signed HB 500 into law in March 2020 (US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters), aligning with IFF (which supported the bill as defending women’s sports). (Federal courts later blocked this law as likely unconstitutional (US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters), and it remains unenforceable pending litigation.)
2020: Transgender Birth Certificate Ban (HB 509) – The legislature also passed House Bill 509 (2020), sponsored by Rep. Julianne Young (R), which barred transgender people from changing the gender marker on their birth certificates beyond one year after birth (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio) (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio). This directly defied an earlier federal court order permitting such changes. HB 509 passed the House 53–16–1 and Senate 27–6–2 (Votes: ID H0509 | 2020 | Regular Session | LegiScan), again with Republicans largely in favor and Democrats opposed. It was signed into law by Gov. Little (2020 – HB 509 – Changes to Gender Marker on Birth Certificate | ACLU of Idaho) (2020 – HB 509 – Changes to Gender Marker on Birth Certificate | ACLU of Idaho). Outcome: A U.S. court struck down this law in 2020 as unconstitutional (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). IFF alignment: IFF supported HB 509’s premise of “maintaining factual records,” so legislators voting Yes (nearly all GOP) aligned with IFF, while those voting No (all Dems and a few moderates) did not.
2022: Felony Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Youth (HB 675) – In 2022, Idaho’s House passed HB 675, which would have made it a felony for doctors to provide puberty blockers, hormones, or gender-affirming surgery to transgender minors, and even threatened to punish parents for seeking such care out of state (Idaho’s Senate Republicans Shelve a Bill that Would Criminalize Gender-Affirming Treatment | GLAAD). The bill (sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R) was approved in the House 55–13 (2 absent) (Votes: ID H0675 | 2022 | Regular Session | LegiScan). Every Democrat (12) plus one Republican voted NAY (Roll Call: ID H0675 | 2022 | Regular Session | LegiScan), while 55 Republicans voted AYE – demonstrating a near party-line split (Roll Call: ID H0675 | 2022 | Regular Session | LegiScan). (One GOP “no” vote came from a moderate concerned with criminalizing medical decisions.) The Idaho Freedom Foundation cheered this bill, viewing it as protecting children (an earlier version even sought life imprisonment for doctors). However, the Republican-led Senate killed HB 675 by refusing to give it a hearing, citing its extreme provisions (e.g. life sentences) and national outcry (Idaho’s Senate Republicans Shelve a Bill that Would Criminalize Gender-Affirming Treatment | GLAAD). Result: Failed in Senate (no vote). IFF alignment: House Republicans voting yes aligned with IFF’s support for banning gender care for youth, whereas the Senate GOP leadership’s decision to shelve it diverged slightly from IFF (this is one of the rare instances of top Republicans tapping the brakes on an anti-trans bill).
2023: “Vulnerable Child Protection Act” – Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors (HB 71) – Lawmakers reintroduced the youth medical ban in 2023 with some tweaks (e.g. reducing penalties). House Bill 71 (2023) prohibits all gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth under 18 – including puberty blockers and hormone therapy – with felony penalties (up to 10 years prison for doctors) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports). This time, the bill sailed through: it passed the House (with only minority Democrats objecting; vote roughly in the mid-50s to mid-teens similar to 2022) and the Senate 22–12 on March 27, 2023 (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports). All Democratic senators (6) and a handful of Republicans (e.g. Sen. Linda Wright Hartgen (R-Twin Falls), Sen. Treg Bernt (R-Meridian), Sen. Abby Lee (R-Fruitland)) voted against HB 71 (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports), while the remaining GOP senators voted for it. Gov. Little signed HB 71 into law in April 2023 (2023 – H.B. 71 – Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | ACLU of Idaho) (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). (A federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking HB 71 in Aug. 2023, finding the challengers likely to succeed on constitutional grounds (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union). Idaho’s Attorney General Raúl Labrador has aggressively fought to enforce this ban – asking even the U.S. Supreme Court to allow it to take effect pending appeal (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union) (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union).) IFF alignment: The IFF strongly backed HB 71, giving it a +3 “freedom” rating (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom) and arguing it “protects children” from “predatory…practices” by doctors (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom). Lawmakers voting yes (nearly all Republicans) were in full alignment with IFF, whereas the few GOP dissenters and all Democrats opposed IFF on this issue.
2023–2024: Defining Legal “Sex” and Curtailing Trans Visibility (HB 421 & HB 538, 2024) – In 2023–24, Idaho legislators advanced bills to enshrine binary gender definitions in law and to permit misgendering. House Bill 421 (2024) redefined “male” and “female” in Idaho code strictly by sex assigned at birth – legally erasing any recognition of transgender or nonbinary identities (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). It allowed no exceptions even for intersex individuals (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). HB 421 passed on party lines: House 54–14–2 (all 14 NAY votes were Democrats, except for 1–2 moderate GOP like Rep. Mark Sauter) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Senate 26–8–1 (the 8 NAY votes were the 6 Democrats plus moderate Republicans Sen. Abby Lee and Sen. James Just (D)*) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature). Gov. Little signed it into law in April 2024 (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature). The companion House Bill 538 (2024), dubbed the “pronoun bill,” protects public employees (teachers, etc.) who refuse to use a transgender individual’s preferred pronouns (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio) (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). It passed the House 58–11–1 (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature) and Senate 25–9–1 (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature), again largely partisan. A handful of Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition — notably Rep. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston) in the House, and Sens. Lee, Hartgen, and Just in the Senate voted NAY (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature). Both bills were strongly supported by IFF (which views acknowledging gender identity as “special privileges” or compelled speech (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom) (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio)). Result: Both signed into law (effective July 2024). IFF: Lawmakers voting yes aligned with IFF’s anti-trans stance, while those voting no broke with IFF. (Democrat Maryanne Jordan, who noted such laws “ban discrimination based on gender identity” per Supreme Court precedent, warned HB 421 would invite lawsuits (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio) – indeed, legal challenges are expected.)
2024: “No Public Funds for Gender Transition” (HB 668) – Another 2024 law, HB 668, prohibits any public money (including Medicaid or state insurance) from being used for gender-affirming care, even for adults (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). This broad measure passed the House 58–11–1 and Senate 26–8–1, mirroring the pronoun bill’s vote splits (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). All Democrats opposed, joined by the same small circle of GOP moderates (e.g. Sens. Lee and Just) (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). Gov. Little signed HB 668 in March 2024 (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). IFF supported this ban as a fiscally and morally “conservative” stance, so nearly all Republicans (voting yes) again aligned with IFF’s position.
2025: Anti-LGBTQ+ Resolutions and “Flag Bans”: In the 2025 session, newly emboldened far-right lawmakers introduced measures targeting LGBTQ+ visibility. One high-profile move was House Joint Memorial 1 (2025), urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges (the 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage). Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) sponsored this resolution, framing it as a states’ rights issue and even suggesting the Court “created” a new right to marriage that could be taken away (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio) (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio). It passed the House State Affairs Committee and headed to the floor (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio), despite moving Idaho toward rescinding recognition of same-sex marriages. Another focus has been banning Pride flags and other “political” symbols on government property. Early in 2025, lawmakers advanced HB 41 to ban any flag on public schools that represents a “political viewpoint” – which Rep. Heather Scott explicitly said is aimed at “sex flags,” i.e. the rainbow Pride flag (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association). HB 41 passed the House and moved to the Senate (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association). Shortly after, Scott and allies pushed a broader ban on any non-official flags at all government buildings (HB 96), again with Pride flags as the clear target (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio) (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). “This is about promoting America…Idaho…our military…things we can all agree on,” Rep. Scott argued, denying it was singling out any particular flag (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). During House debate, photos of Boise’s City Hall flying the Pride flag were presented as justification (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). Opponents like Rep. Monica Church (D-Boise) noted the bill “clearly…discriminates against one city and one flag”, calling out the anti-LGBT motivation (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). Even a few Republicans such as Rep. Lori McCann objected that the legislature was targeting the rainbow flag and trampling local control (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). Despite this, the House passed the flag ban with ease (only 8 Republicans joined Democrats in opposition) (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio). Status: As of Feb 2025, these measures are pending in the Senate. IFF generally supports such moves (viewing Pride flags as government endorsement of a social agenda), so the votes for these bans followed the familiar pattern: most Republicans in alignment with IFF, a handful of GOP moderates plus all Dems opposed.
Summary of Voting Alignment: From 2016 through 2025, Idaho’s Republican legislators have overwhelmingly voted in lockstep with the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s positions on LGBTQ+ issues. Bills expanding LGBTQ rights (non-discrimination, banning conversion therapy, acknowledging gender identity) were uniformly opposed by the GOP and killed (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom) (SENATE BILL NO.1030 (2021) – Sexual orientation, gender identity). Bills restricting LGBTQ rights or transgender individuals (sports ban, birth certificate ban, healthcare bans, pronoun and flag bills) garnered near-unanimous Republican support and universal Democratic opposition (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). A small cadre of moderate Republicans broke ranks on a few key votes – for example, Sen. Abby Lee voted against every recent anti-trans bill (HB 500, 509, 421, 538, 668) (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature), and Reps. Lori McCann, Mark Sauter, and Josh Tanner occasionally voted NAY on the most extreme measures (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature) – but these are exceptions. By and large, Idaho’s currently serving GOP officials have acted uniformly to oppose LGBTQ+ rights and support anti-transgender policies, reflecting IFF’s hardline stance. Democrats, in contrast, consistently voted to defend LGBTQ rights, opposing every anti-LGBT measure and sponsoring the pro-equality bills (earning them very low “freedom index” scores from IFF, which views their votes negatively) (Rating Group: Idaho Freedom Foundation – Vote Smart – Facts For All).
Public Statements and Rhetoric on LGBT Issues
Many Idaho officials have not only voted for anti-LGBTQ bills but also made transphobic or anti-LGBTQ statements in official contexts. These statements provide insight into their motivations and increase their “threat level” as they contribute to stigmatization of the LGBTQ community:
- Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls) – Lead sponsor of the 2020 trans sports ban, Ehardt frequently implies that transgender women are not “real” women. In committee, she warned of cisgender girls losing scholarships to “biological boys” competing in girls’ sports (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill), a phrase that delegitimizes trans girls’ identities. Democrats noted Ehardt’s bill promotes the notion that “transgender girls are not real girls”, which Ehardt did not dispute (Idaho Rep., A Former Basketball Player And Coach, Seeks To Bar Transgender Girls In School Sports – Northwest Public Broadcasting). Ehardt’s framing – “protecting opportunities for women” – masks a message that transgender females must be excluded. Ehardt has become something of an anti-trans firebrand; the state GOP even touts her as the face of the “Fairness in Women’s Sports” cause (Barbara Ehardt | Republican Party of Idaho). Threat Level: 9/10 (championed multiple anti-trans laws; rhetoric portrays trans girls as male threats (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill)).
- Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) – A central figure in anti-trans legislation (sponsor of HB 509 and HB 421), Young speaks in measured tones but rejects the legitimacy of gender identity. In defending the legal gender definition bill, Young lamented that growing awareness of transgender issues has “upended what we [consider] biological truths,” suggesting it’s now in question “whether male means what we always assumed… and female means what we assumed” (Idaho House committee passes gender definitions bill | Boise State Public Radio). She portrays the existence of trans identities as a challenge to reality. When opponents called her bills discriminatory, Young dismissed that, insisting on “fact-based” debate and denying any ill intent (Idaho House committee passes gender definitions bill | Boise State Public Radio). Nevertheless, the effect of her bills is to erase transgender identities in law, and her comments indicate she sees gender solely as birth-assigned sex. Threat Level: 8/10 (driving force behind anti-trans laws; rhetoric denies trans people’s gender).
- Sen. Chris Trakel (R-Caldwell) – A first-term senator known for inflammatory remarks, Trakel sponsored the 2024 bill allowing public employees to misgender people. He argued on the Senate floor that using transgender individuals’ pronouns would “force me to go against [my religious] belief”, citing Genesis that “God created man and woman”, and claimed that requiring respect for gender identity is “discrimination against me” (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). By casting basic courtesy (using someone’s name/pronouns) as an undue burden and invoking religion to invalidate transgender people, Trakel showed open contempt for LGBTQ identities. Threat Level: 8/10 (active anti-trans stance, explicitly refuses to acknowledge trans people’s identity on religious grounds (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio)).
- Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) – Perhaps the legislature’s most extreme voice on social issues, Scott has publicly disparaged LGBTQ symbols and rights. She spearheaded efforts to undo same-sex marriage and ban Pride flags. In pushing her school “flag ban” bill, she referred to Pride flags as “sex flags” that shouldn’t be allowed in schools (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association). This demeaning term reduces the rainbow flag – a symbol of identity and community – to a sexual topic, echoing a common trope of anti-LGBT activists equating LGBTQ presence to sexual content. During debate on her broader flag ban, she claimed “this is about promoting…stuff we can all agree on” like the U.S. flag (Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio), yet singled out the Pride flag as divisive. Regarding marriage, Scott argued that the Supreme Court should rescind gay marriage rights, asserting that rights “come from God…not government,” and that the Court overstepped by “creating rights” for same-sex couples (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio) (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio). She even said she “did not believe marriage was a fundamental right” for gay people (Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio). Scott’s rhetoric consistently frames LGBTQ equality as invalid and dangerous to social order. Threat Level: 10/10 (openly hostile rhetoric – calling Pride flags “sex flags” (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association) – and aims to roll back existing LGBT rights).
- Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) – As House Judiciary Chair, Skaug has sponsored multiple anti-LGBTQ bills (from criminalizing medical care in 2022 to restricting library books). In hearings, Skaug has equated gender-affirming care with “mutilation” and “sterilization,” claiming these treatments harm children (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom). The preamble of HB 71, which Skaug co-sponsored, described such care as never necessary and akin to abuse (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom). By likening doctors who treat trans youth to criminals “who would rape or molest” children (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom), Skaug used some of the most extreme rhetoric on record, effectively painting supportive parents and medical professionals as predators. Threat Level: 10/10 (sponsoring felony penalties for trans healthcare; extremely inflammatory comparisons (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom)).
- Gov. Brad Little (R) – Governor Little, though typically mild-mannered in tone, has consistently signed every anti-LGBTQ measure that reached his desk. In 2020 he quietly signed the nation’s first trans sports ban and the birth certificate ban (US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters), even as legal experts warned of court challenges. In 2023–24, he approved the youth care ban, gender definition law, pronoun law, and public funds ban. Little generally avoids inflammatory comments, but notably issued no vetoes or public objections to these bills. For example, when signing HB 500, he did so at the height of the COVID-19 news cycle, issuing a statement about preserving women’s opportunities. He also joined a symbolic proclamation in 2025 declaring “The War on Women’s Sports is Over” alongside Rep. Ehardt (Gov. Little declares February “The War on Women’s Sports is Over …), celebrating the anti-trans sports law. While not given to harsh rhetoric himself, Little’s actions firmly align with the anti-LGBT agenda. Threat Level: 9/10 (has enacted every anti-trans/anti-LGBT law – alignment with anti-LGBT policy is nearly total (US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters)).
- Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke (R) – Former House Speaker Bedke oversaw the passage of many of these bills through the House. While he seldom spoke on LGBTQ issues in public, he allowed and facilitated hardline legislation (like HB 675 in 2022) to advance. As Lt. Governor (a role with less direct legislative power), Bedke has continued to support the party’s conservative platform. For instance, Bedke has spoken generally about “Idaho values” and deferred to the legislature’s decisions on bills like the trans athlete ban. No known transphobic quotes are attributed to him, but his track record is one of enabling anti-LGBT legislation. Threat Level: 8/10 (solid conservative voting record, no opposition to anti-LGBT bills, but less publicly vocal).
- Attorney General Raúl Labrador (R) – Since taking office in 2023, AG Labrador has emerged as an aggressive enforcer of the legislature’s anti-LGBT laws. He has fought court injunctions blocking these laws: for example, Labrador’s office petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to lift the injunction on HB 71 so that the ban on transgender care could be enforced immediately (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union) (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union). In that case (Poe v. Labrador), his name is literally attached as the defendant attempting to uphold the trans care felony ban (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union) (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union). He has also defended the trans athlete ban and other measures on appeal. Labrador often makes broad statements that “liberal activists” are trying to impose their agenda on Idaho, and frames his legal battles as defending Idahoans’ rights – ignoring that those “rights” come at the expense of LGBTQ citizens. His actions indicate a belief that laws limiting transgender and queer rights are just and must be fought for in court using all means. Threat Level: 10/10 (leading the charge to enforce and defend anti-LGBTQ laws at every level (Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union)).
- Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield (R) – Supt. Critchfield has not made anti-LGBT issues a focal point of her tenure, focusing more on education policy. However, she did support conservative talking points in schools. For instance, when HB 10 (banning “political” flags in schools) was discussed, her department did not oppose it. Critchfield has walked a fine line, at times urging respect for all students, but also expressing that classrooms shouldn’t be “politicized,” implicitly siding with those who object to Pride flags or LGBTQ topics in schools. She has not publicly uttered transphobic remarks, and even hired an advisor for diversity to help LGBTQ students, suggesting some moderation. Still, she operates within the policies set by the legislature (e.g. enforcing the transgender sports ban in school activities). Threat Level: 3/10 (a Republican who must implement laws like the sports ban but personally not known for anti-LGBT rhetoric or initiative).
- Democratic Legislators (Collective) – Idaho’s minority party lawmakers, such as Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), Rep. Lauren Necochea (D-Boise), Rep. Chris Mathias (D-Boise), and others, have been staunch allies to the LGBTQ community. They voted against every anti-LGBTQ bill (often delivering impassioned floor speeches in opposition) and sponsored pro-LGBTQ measures. For example, Rep. John McCrostie (D, and Idaho’s first openly gay state legislator) argued that HB 500 was “disappointing” and premised on trans girls not being “real girls” (Idaho Rep., A Former Basketball Player And Coach, Seeks To Bar Transgender Girls In School Sports – Northwest Public Broadcasting). Sen. Wintrow year after year introduces the Add the Words bill (SENATE BILL NO.1030 (2021) – Sexual orientation, gender identity). In 2025, Rep. Mathias sponsored a successful anti-bullying bill that, while not LGBT-specific, strengthens protections for all bullied students including LGBTQ youth (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association). These legislators often call out the discrimination inherent in the GOP bills – e.g., Rep. Rubel in debate on the pronoun bill noted it “openly targets transgender Idahoans for exclusion,” and Sen. Ali Rabe (D-Boise) highlighted how defining sex in law would harm intersex people (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). None of the Democratic officials have made transphobic or anti-LGBT statements; on the contrary, they use their platform to counter such rhetoric. Threat Level: 1/10 (collectively, they pose no threat to LGBTQ rights – rather, they fight to enhance those rights).
Threat Level Scorecard
Below is a summary table of Idaho’s key state officials and legislators (as of 2025), their notable votes on LGBTQ-related bills, and an assigned Threat Level (1 = most supportive/least threatening to LGBT rights; 10 = most threatening). The “Key Votes since 2016” column lists major LGBT-relevant bills and whether the official supported them (Y = Voted for the anti-LGBT position; N = voted against the anti-LGBT position; blank = not in office or not applicable). Bills are abbreviated: Sports Ban = 2020 HB500; Birth Cert Ban = 2020 HB509; Felony Care Ban = 2022 HB675; Youth Care Ban = 2023 HB71; Gender Def’n = 2024 HB421; Pronoun Refusal = 2024 HB538; Pub. Funds Ban = 2024 HB668; Flag Ban = 2025 HB41/96 (Pride flag bans).
| Official (Party) | Position (District) | Key Votes since 2016 (Y=anti-LGBT, N=pro-LGBT) | Threat Score (1–10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Little (R) | Governor (Statewide) | Signed: Sports Ban ([US appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban | Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-appeals-court-blocks-idahos-transgender-student-athlete-ban-2023-08-17/#:~:text=The%20Idaho%20measure%2C%20which%20Republican,from%20primary%20school%20through%20college)), Birth Cert Ban ([Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills |
| Scott Bedke (R) | Lt. Governor (Statewide) | As House Speaker: oversaw passage of Sports Ban, Birth Cert Ban, etc. (generally supportive; no public “no” votes or vetoes) | 8 – Facilitated anti-LGBT agenda, little direct rhetoric. |
| Raúl Labrador (R) | Attorney General (Statewide) | Legal actions: Defended Youth Care Ban (HB71) in court ([Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth | American Civil Liberties Union](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/families-urge-supreme-court-to-allow-block-to-remain-on-idaho-ban-on-medical-care-for-transgender-youth#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Two%20transgender%20youth,their%20ability%20to%20get%20care)); sought to enforce it despite injunction ([Families Urge Supreme Court to Allow Block to Remain on Idaho Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth |
| Debbie Critchfield (R) | Supt. of Public Instruction (Statewide) | N/A (non-legislative, but implements policies like Sports Ban in schools; no anti-LGBT initiatives personally) | 3 – Has not pushed anti-LGBT policies herself; relatively neutral stance publicly. |
| Chuck Winder (R) | Senate President Pro Tem (Dist. 20) | Votes: Sports Ban Y (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban Y; Youth Care Ban Y; Gender Def’n Y (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal Y (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature); Pub. Funds Ban Y (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). | 8 – Voted consistently anti-LGBT, but did allow 2022 HB675 to die (showing restraint). |
| Abby Lee (R) | State Senator (Dist. 9) | Sports Ban N (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban N; Youth Care Ban N (2023) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports); Gender Def’n N (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal N (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature); Pub. Funds Ban N (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). | 2 – One of few GOP consistently opposing anti-LGBT bills (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). |
| Linda Wright Hartgen (R) | State Senator (Dist. 24) | Sports Ban Y; Birth Cert Ban – (not in office then); Youth Care Ban N (spoke against) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports); Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal N (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature); Pub. Funds Ban Y (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). | 6 – Mixed record (broke from party on some trans bills, supported others). |
| Treg Bernt (R) | State Senator (Dist. 21) | Sports Ban – (not in office); Youth Care Ban N (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports); Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Y. | 6 – Voted for most anti-trans bills, but notably opposed the medical ban (personal stance) (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports). |
| Dan Foreman (R) | State Senator (Dist. 6) | (Prior term 2017–2018 and current term) Opposed Add The Words (2018) in committee; 2023–24 votes: Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Y. | 7 – Social conservative, known for anti-LGBT stances (once called abortion “murder,” similarly hostile to LGBT issues). |
| Ben Toews (R) | State Senator (Dist. 4) | Youth Care Ban Y; Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Sponsor/Yes (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). | 9 – Hardline freshman senator, sponsored ban on public funds for transition (HOUSE BILL 668 – Idaho State Legislature). |
| Maryanne Jordan (D) / Ali Rabe (D) / Melissa Wintrow (D) (Senate Democratic Leadership) | State Senators (Boise-based districts) | All: Sports Ban N (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban N; Youth Care Ban N; Gender Def’n N (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal N (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature); championed Add The Words bills. | 1 – Consistently vote pro-LGBT rights, speak out against anti-LGBT bills. |
| Mike Moyle (R) | House Speaker (Dist. 10) | As Rep: Sports Ban Y (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban Y; Felony Care Ban Y ([Roll Call: ID H0675 | 2022 |
| Barbara Ehardt (R) | State Representative (Dist. 33A) | Sports Ban Sponsor/Yes (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban Y; Felony Care Ban Y; Youth Care Ban Y; Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Y. | 9 – Leading anti-trans voice (sports ban sponsor); all votes align with anti-LGBT stance. |
| Bruce Skaug (R) | State Representative (Dist. 12A) | Sports Ban Y; Birth Cert Ban Y; Felony Care Ban Sponsor/Yes ([Votes: ID H0675 | 2022 |
| Heather Scott (R) | State Representative (Dist. 2A) | (No Senate votes, but 2025 Sponsor: anti-SSM resolution ([Committee sends resolution to repeal same sex marriage to House floor | Boise State Public Radio](https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2025-01-23/federalism-same-sex-marriage-repeal-idaho-states-rights#:~:text=The%20House%20State%20Affairs%20Committee,the%20right%20to%20marry%20nationwide)); 2023: opposed library funding over drag queens, etc.) Flag Ban Sponsor/Yes ([Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill |
| Julianne Young (R) | State Representative (Dist. 30B) | Birth Cert Ban Sponsor/Yes ([2020 – HB 509 – Changes to Gender Marker on Birth Certificate | ACLU of Idaho](https://www.acluidaho.org/en/legislation/2020-hb-509-changes-gender-marker-birth-certificate#:~:text=Rep)); Youth Care Ban Y; Gender Def’n Sponsor/Yes (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Y. |
| Lori McCann (R) | State Representative (Dist. 6A) | 2021–22: (not in office for earlier votes); Gender Def’n Y; Pronoun Refusal N (spoke against) ([Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill | Boise State Public Radio](https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2025-02-18/idaho-house-city-flag-ban-pride#:~:text=Rep.%20Lori%20McCann%20%28R,up%20to%20local%20elected%20officials)); Pub. Funds Ban Y; Flag Ban N ([Idaho House Republicans pass second flag ban bill |
| Mark Sauter (R) | State Representative (Dist. 1B) | 2023 freshman: Youth Care Ban Y; Gender Def’n N (only GOP “no”) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal Y; Pub. Funds Ban Y. | 7 – Mostly anti-LGBT votes, but broke ranks to oppose defining gender rigidly (concern for intersex individuals) (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature). |
| Ilana Rubel (D) / Lauren Necochea (D) (House Dem Leaders) | State Representatives (Boise) | All: Sports Ban N (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature); Birth Cert Ban N; Felony Care Ban N; Youth Care Ban N; Gender Def’n N (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature); Pronoun Refusal N (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature); Pub. Funds Ban N; Flag Ban N. | 1 – Led opposition to every anti-LGBT bill, consistently pro-equality. |
| All other House Republicans (58 members not individually listed) | State Reps (various districts) | Nearly all voted “Yes” on every anti-LGBTQ bill listed above (with rare exceptions). No pro-LGBT votes recorded since 2016. | 8–10 on average – GOP caucus firmly aligned with IFF on LGBT issues. Few moderates score slightly lower (e.g. those who dissented once). |
| All other House Democrats (e.g. Mathias, Green, Berch, Galaviz, etc.) | State Reps (Boise/Pocatello/Moscow) | Consistently “No” on anti-LGBT bills, “Yes” on proposed pro-LGBT measures (Add the Words, etc.), and vocal in support of LGBT community (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill) (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill). | 1 – Uniformly low threat; advocate for LGBT-inclusive policies. |
Sources: The voting data is drawn from official Idaho Legislature records and nonpartisan reporting. For instance, the 2020 transgender sports ban’s passage (52–17 House; 24–11 Senate) is recorded in the House and Senate journals (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 500 – Idaho State Legislature). The 2023 youth healthcare felony ban passed the Senate 22–12 (Bill to ban transgender youth medical care passes Senate – Idaho Reports). The 2024 bills on defining sex and on pronouns passed with predominantly GOP support and Democratic opposition (HOUSE BILL 421 – Idaho State Legislature) (HOUSE BILL 538 – Idaho State Legislature). These votes align with Idaho Freedom Foundation positions (IFF rated the Add the Words bill “–7” (Senate Bill 1004 — Sexual orientation, gender identity (-7) – Idaho Freedom) and the youth care ban “+3” (House Bill 071 — Genital mutilation of a child – Idaho Freedom), indicating the GOP “yes” votes matched IFF’s agenda). Public statements are documented from news outlets: e.g. Rep. Ehardt’s “biological boys” remark (House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill), Rep. Scott’s “sex flags” comment referring to Pride flags (Flags, Funding, Safety: Legislature Rolls Out Spate of Education-Related Bills – Idaho Education Association), and Sen. Trakel’s quote about God creating only man and woman (Idaho legislature passes pair of anti-transgender rights bills | Boise State Public Radio). All citations are provided inline to verify these records and quotes.