Idaho Bill Allows Doctors to Refuse Gays, Single Mothers

Idaho state Rep. Lynn Luker wants to pass legislation that would allow doctors to deny gay people and unwed mothers medical treatment, allow teachers to deny educating gay students, and allow psychologists to provide faith-based counseling all under the claim that they are exercising their religious beliefs. “We’ve seen the government attempt to come in and dictate who a church should hire for their personnel,” Luke told the House State Affairs Committee, which unanimously approved the bill. “We’ve seen the government mandate health care which requires businesses and individuals to support paying for...contraceptions against their religious feelings.” Other states, like Arizona, have introduced similar bills following the New Mexico Supreme Court’s ruling last year in favor of a gay couple who sued a photographer for refusing to photograph their nuptials.