Friends,
By now you’re probably aware that a drag performer is suing Idaho Family Policy Center regarding statements made about his public performance in front of children at the Coeur d’Alene City Park bandstand.
Here’s the update: The Ada County District Court issued some rulings in our case late last Friday, partially granting the drag performer’s motion for summary judgment by ruling that Idaho Family Policy Center, Blaine Conzatti, and Pastor Josh Bales made false statements about the drag performer.
Importantly the Court did not rule on whether the drag performer exposed himself during his public performance, recognizing that Blaine Conzatti “could have believed he had sufficient video evidence from which he could make the assertion a testicle was visible.
Idaho Family Policy Center has made the still image of the incident – which was provided by an expert witness – available here for you to make your own determination.
However, the Court did rule that Idaho Family Policy Center made the following false statements:
- Blaine Conzatti used the word “genitalia,” which the Court said was false because the exposure of a testicle is not the exposure of “genitalia.” According to the opinion, “genitalia” refers to “the entire external male anatomy,” including the penis and both testicles. But it’s worth noting that many dictionaries recognize that both “gentitalia” and “genitals” can be used in either the singular or plural form, referring to either a part of the male anatomy or all of it.
- Blaine Conzatti once said that the drag performer was wearing women’s panties during the performance, which the Court said was “false,” despite the drag performer’s own claim that he was wearing “gaff panties” as well as what appears to be boy shorts-style women’s underwear, among other articles of clothing.
- Blaine Conzatti said there was “public exposure,” which according to the Court was problematic without testimony from any Pride festival attendees acknowledging the exposure, regardless of the video evidence.
- Pastor Josh Bales said that the drag performer’s “genitals actually came out of his underwear at one point” during our Idaho Family Report podcast, which was also supposedly “false” despite the video evidence.
That said, the Court ruled in our favor on one of the motions, denying summary judgment on the defamation per se claim against Idaho Family Policy Center and leaving the question for a jury trial.
While the liberal media will spin this as a loss for Idaho Family Policy Center, this case is far from over. Blaine Conzatti, Josh Bales, and Idaho Family Policy Center stand by the statements they’ve made—and the IFPC Board of Directors believes they will be vindicated in the end.
The IFPC Board of Directors reiterates our support for Blaine and Pastor Josh, as well as Idaho Family Policy Center’s ongoing efforts to sound the alarm on the indecent sexual exhibitions, including drag shows, which are taking place across the state.
Let’s remember what’s actually at stake: This fight isn’t ultimately about Idaho Family Policy Center—it’s about our kids and the soul of Idaho. We are fighting for an Idaho that our grandkids will be able to call home.
Idaho Family Policy Center is dedicated to continuing the fight for biblical values. The truth will not be silenced.
Standing with conviction,
Israel Waitman
Chairman, IFPC Board of Directors
About Idaho Family Policy Center
Idaho Family Policy Center is a ministry that advances the lordship of Christ in the public square through engaging the church, promoting God-honoring public policy, and training statesmen. Visit IFPC's website at https://idahofamily.org/
