Idaho House OKs gender reassignment surgery ban for minors

By KEITH RIDLER
Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho House has voted to prohibit gender reassignment surgeries and gender-affirming health care such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. The House voted 55-13 on Tuesday with no Democratic support to send the measure to the Senate. Backers say the measure is needed to prevent young people from going forward with decisions that will make them sterile. Opponents call it government intrusion into agonizing family decisions that will result in some young people attempting suicide without the treatment they need. If the measure becomes law, it’s widely expected to be challenged in federal court.