This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code to explicitly include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected categories under civil rights laws. Specifically, Section 67-5901 is revised to state that freedom from discrimination based on these identities is a civil right, alongside existing protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and disability. Additionally, Section 67-5902 is updated to define "gender identity" and "sexual orientation," providing clarity on these terms. Section 67-5909 is also amended to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various contexts, including employment, public accommodations, and education.

The bill includes technical corrections throughout the text, such as the replacement of certain phrases for clarity and consistency. For instance, the term "which" is replaced with "that" in several instances, and the language surrounding the definitions of "disability" and "reasonable accommodation" is refined. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that it will take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that these protections are implemented promptly.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-5901, 67-5902, 67-5909