Bill > S1004

This bill amends Idaho's existing civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics against discrimination. The bill modifies Section 67-5901 of Idaho Code to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected categories in various contexts, including employment, public accommodations, real property transactions, and education. The bill provides specific definitions for these new terms, with "gender identity" defined as a person's actual or perceived gender identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other characteristics, and "sexual orientation" defined as a person's actual or perceived orientation as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or asexual. The changes mean that it would be prohibited to discriminate against individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas such as hiring, employment practices, public accommodations, educational institutions, and real estate transactions. The law aims to protect individuals' personal dignity, promote full productive capacities, and prevent domestic strife by ensuring equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The amendments will go into effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause indicating the immediate importance of the legislative change.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1004/