FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2026
BOISE, IDAHO – Idaho Family Policy Center, a pro-family Christian ministry, celebrates the passage of our Uniformity in Local Antidiscrimination Ordinances Act (H557) by the Idaho House of Representatives earlier today with a veto-proof supermajority vote. The legislation now moves to the Idaho Senate for consideration.
The bill – which was drafted by Idaho Family Policy Center and is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) – would prevent local government entities, such as counties and cities, from enacting ordinances that impose antidiscrimination requirements beyond those present in state law.
These antidiscrimination ordinances are frequently weaponized against small business owners who don’t want to participate in events that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs, including same-sex wedding ceremonies and Pride festivals.
Twelve Idaho cities currently have local antidiscrimination ordinances that contain the categories of sexual orientation and gender identity, including Bellevue, Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Driggs, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Ketchum, Lewiston, Meridian, Moscow, Pocatello, and Victor.
According to statewide public opinion polling, more than 71% of likely Idaho voters support ensuring that photographers, cake artists, and event planners with sincerely held religious beliefs are not targeted by antidiscrimination ordinances.
A statement from Joel Fischer, Public Policy Director for Idaho Family Policy Center:
Idaho voters want religious freedom protections for small business owners who don’t want to participate in same-sex weddings and pride events that violate their convictions.
Thankfully, elected state representatives proved today that they agree with their constituents: No business owner in the Gem State should ever again be forced to choose between following their conscience or going to jail.
A statement from Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), Idaho House Sponsor of House Bill 577:
I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that the religious and economic freedom of every person is protected in each Idaho community—no matter which city they call home.
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/
