Call Governor Brad Little's Office at 208-334-2100
Dear Fellow Idahoan,
Over the past few years, especially last week, our Nation has faced many challenges. Many ideas have been introduced into society that are arguably direct attacks on traditional families. Many are starting to ask, “What is to come of the traditional Family?” or “What part can I play in preserving the family unit?” Luckily, many of our legislators, along with the help of the 'Protect Idaho Families' coalition, have introduced important legislation during Idaho's 2020 Legislative Session that have the potential to favorably advance family policy issues. And, today we have an unprecedented opportunity for you to play an important role in preserving families here in Idaho.
Last week, our Legislature had to hurry through the remaining legislation, due to the threat of CONVID-19. They worked hard and were able to send 135 bills to the Governor’s desk to be signed. Unfortunately, due to out of state pressure and LGBTQ+ special interest groups, Governor Little indicated earlier this session that he may veto House Bills 500 (Fairness in Women's Sports Act) and 509 (Idaho Vital Statistics Act). On Friday many of our liberty-minded representatives attempted to keep the House in session for just 4 more days in order to preserve the legislature’s ability to override the Governor's expected vetos. Regardless of their efforts, the majority of the House members chose to abdicate their responsibility, therefore, forfeiting their ability to override vetos if necessary. Earlier this session both H500 and H509 passed the House and Senate with a supermajority vote, the number of votes needed to override a veto. However, when it came to the critical moment of the “going home vote", the majority of legislators choose to hand over their legislative power to the Idaho Executive branch.
When sex is defined by gender markers rather than biology, male and female terms are void of meaning. By allowing biological sex to be a game of mad lib, we leave everyone, from insurance companies, medical professionals, law enforcement, pastors, to sports teams without language to accurately communicate about biological differences. Or in other words, if the Governor vetos these bills he will minimize the safety and protection of Idaho families. At the Madison Liberty Institute, we recognize that the family is the core unit of society; any action taken by the government to marginalize or take away the basic rights of families is a hit at their very own foundation. In the words of Pope John Paul II “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
So, what is to come of the family unit in Idaho? You have the power to decide.
We urge you to contact the Governor immediately and ask him to sign into law the Idaho Vital Statistics Act and Fairness in Women's Sports Act to support the safety of all Idahoans and to preserve traditional families. With your encouragement, you can help Idaho take important steps that will protect its very foundation.
“It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
– Samuel Adams
The Madison Liberty Institute is an independent research and educational organization whose mission is to promote the founding principles of the American republic, free-market solutions, and “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Our vision is a freer, more prosperous future. One where our neighbors and future leaders understand and champion the virtues and institutions that create a more harmonious society and protect our rights to life, liberty, property, conscience, and the pursuit of happiness.
