Andrea Diaz
Reporter
The Idaho Legislature has discussed, voted on, then passed or failed many bills during the 2021 legislative session. Some of these bills include a bill that would prohibit the teachings of sexist and racist concepts, a guns-in-schools bill, the banning of mask mandates, a fetal heartbeat bill, a bill that would give disabled veterans the ability to transfer reduced property taxes when they move and a conversion therapy bill.
The bills that have been passed by both the senate and the house include the fetal heartbeat bill and the bill that lets disabled veterans transfer their reduced property tax and homestead exemption if they move.
After much debate, the fetal heartbeat bill was passed by the Idaho Senate. The bill would make any abortion after a heartbeat has been detected, illegal; with the exception of rape and incest. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston), said, “We are given the opportunity to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that includes everyone – including the pre-born babies.”
Physicians debated against the bill saying it was based on medical misinformation. “This dangerous bill uses medically inaccurate information to jeopardize our right to bodily autonomy,” said Family Medicine Specialist, Rachel Chisausky.
A bill that has so far been only passed by the House is the guns-in-schools bill. According to IDEDnews.org, this bill would allow school employees with a concealed carry license to carry a gun on school grounds without the local trustee’s permission. There was also much debate about this bill with the people supporting it saying law enforcement usually will not be at the school in time to stop a possible school shooter, while people against the bill say that schools should address the problem in other ways, such as hiring more school counselors and school resource officers.
Some proposed bills that have yet to be passed by the house or the senate include a bill prohibiting the teachings of racist or sexist concepts in schools, the banning of mask mandates, and a conversion therapy bill.
When the bill banning the teachings of racist or sexist comments was introduced, Rep. Steve Berch (D-Boise) took issue with it due to its message and purpose. “The whole idea of this bill, from what I can tell, is to intimidate teachers and school boards from touching on any subject that might be controversial,…You can’t teach American history without touching upon issues that deal with racism and sexism, like the Civil War, reconstruction [and] genocide of Native Americans,” Berch said.
When the banning of mask mandates bill was proposed, Republican Rep. Karey Hanks said, “When people wear face masks, they tend to not social distance as much, not tend to wash their hands, take other safety precautions because they feel that they’re just taken care of because of the mask.”
However many health officials have said the wearing of masks slows the spread of the disease. Governor Little has never instilled a mask mandate, however, he does wear a mask and encourages others to do so as well.
The conversion therapy bill that has been proposed would ban the practice of conversion therapy for minors in Idaho in certain instances. The bill defines conversion therapy as, “Any practice or treatment that seeks to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a patient or client, including mental health therapy that seeks to change, eliminate or reduce behaviors, expressions, attractions or feelings related to a patient’s or client’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The bill details that therapy directed to assist a patient undergoing gender transition is neutral and respectful to sexuality and gender identity, helps diminish possible harmful coping skills and building up helpful coping skills, with respect the sexuality and gender identity is acceptable and not considered conversion therapy.
Students have the opportunity to engage in legislation and know the process. “I always encourage students to understand the legislative process and regardless of their political views, get in touch with their elected representatives. All students should know their representatives in the Idaho Legislature and know how to contact them in support or in opposition of legislation,” said Idaho State University political science professor, Mark McBeth. Citizens that want to become more engaged in government and politics are obligated to know how the government operates and engage in voting, protest, or any other form of political activism. “Understanding the mechanics of politics is essential for citizens who want to have a voice in government,” McBeth said.
