SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has added Idaho to a list of 11 other states where state-funded travel isn’t allowed because he determined that they violate a California law.
That 2017 law is intended to guard against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Becerra on Monday cited two new laws that he says allow discrimination against transgender people.
"The State of Idaho has taken drastic steps to undermine the rights of the transgender community, preventing people from playing sports in school or having documentation that reflects their identity. Let's not beat around the bush: these laws are plain and simple discrimination. That's why Idaho joins the list of AB 1887 discriminating states," Becerra said in a statement.
House Bill 500, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," repeals protections enabling transgender students to compete on athletic teams consistent with their gender identity. House Bill 509 bars amending birth certificates so they are consistent with the person’s gender identity.
Both laws are set to go into effect on July 1, 2020.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little says they are not discriminatory.