A federal lawsuit has been filed in the Idaho District Court by the ACLU of Idaho on behalf of three incarcerated individuals. The lawsuit challenges a new law that prohibits the use of public funds for gender-affirming care, alleging that it violates their rights.
Starting on Monday, House Bill 668 went into effect, which now prohibits the use of taxpayer funds to cover gender-affirming medication and surgeries for both adults and children. This also includes Idaho Medicaid. In accordance with the law, it is prohibited to utilize any state property or facility for the purpose of offering gender-affirming care.
The lawsuit was filed on June 28th. The three individuals involved in the lawsuit receive hormone replacement therapy for gender dysphoria from Centurion Health, the medical care provider contracted by the Idaho Department of Correction. They have chosen to use anonymous names in the lawsuit.
In May and June, as stated in the complaint, correctional staff informed the plaintiffs and other transgender incarcerated individuals that their hormone replacement therapy would be discontinued or reduced in preparation for House Bill 668 as per The Idaho Capital Sun.
The plaintiffs claim that the withdrawal or reduction of their prescribed medications is a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. They are requesting a temporary suspension of the law’s enforcement until the case is resolved.
A lawsuit has been filed against several individuals and organizations in Idaho. The defendants include Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Department of Correction Director Josh Tewalt, Deputy Director Bree Derrick, and Centurion Health.