New Idaho bill aims to prevent minors from attending public ‘indecent sexual exhibitions'
Hundreds of members of Idaho's LGBTQ+ community commemorate the 10th anniversary of Idaho's first and only public hearing on an 'Add the Words' bill at a gathering at the Idaho State Capitol on Jan. 28, 2025. "Add the Words" encourages the addition of the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to Idaho's Human Rights Act. (Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)
A new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature on Thursday aims to limit minors' access to public performances considered 'indecent sexual exhibitions,' such as drag shows.
House Bill 230 — sponsored by Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, and Sen. Ben Toews, R-Coeur d'Alene, — does not outright ban 'sexual exhibitions' in public. It would require event hosts, organizers and performers to verify people's age to attend public performances that are considered 'indecent sexual exhibitions.'
'The indecency standard that we're using here mirrors the same standard the (Federal Communications Commission) has used for decades now to regulate daytime television broadcasts,' Idaho Family Policy Center President Blaine Conzatti told the House State Affairs Committee. 'So if it's appropriate for daytime television broadcasts, then it's appropriate for a live performance in public where children might be present.'
The bill was drafted by the Idaho Family Policy Center, an organization that pushes for conservative Christian policies. In 2023, the group unsuccessfully spearheaded a bill to ban drag shows in public spaces, and this year it created legislation to require Bibles be taught in schools.
The bill does not explicitly say the words 'drag shows.' However, in a press release, the policy center said the legislation was inspired by drag shows held in public parks in Coeur d'Alene and Boise.
Minors who are exposed to 'sexual conduct' would have a right to sue event organizers for $5,000 in statutory damages as well as monetary damages for 'psychological, emotional, economic and physical harm suffered,' according to the bill.
'The (legislation) is narrowly tailored to promote the state of Idaho's interest in protecting kids from those indecent sexual exhibitions,' Conzatti said.
The House State Affairs Committee voted to introduce House Bill 230, clearing the way for a public hearing at a later date.
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