Relentless Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Driving A Family Out Of State – Patch

By Stories From The States, Florida Phoenix
June 11, 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in January challenging trans athlete bans in Idaho and West Virginia. A decision is expected early this summer.
In 2020, Idaho became the first state in the nation to implement this kind of ban, which prohibits transgender athletes in girl’s and women’s sports.
In recent years, state lawmakers passed a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The measures have included a bill requiring forced outing of youth and a bathroom ban that criminalizes transgender people using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, including in private businesses.
Many advocates have described the measures as the most extreme in the nation. For one Idaho family of medical providers, the bathroom ban was their last straw. Now, they’re figuring out if they can move out of the state.
In Episode 31, you’ll hear from Michael and Dr. Angie Devitt from Boise. They have been outspoken in defending LGBTQ+ rights in the Idaho state legislature.
You’ll also hear from Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel, who has been following the debate over the anti-LGBTQ+ bills and how they will impact the state.
Finally, Daybreak newsletter author Madyson Fitzgerald shares the top stories she’s watching.
The Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news site that’s free of advertising and free to readers, covers state government and politics through a mix of in-depth stories, briefs, and social media updates on the latest events, editorial cartoons, and progressive commentary. The Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.

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