BOISE, ID – After an unusually contentious introductory hearing, the House Education Committee printed a bill that would bar K-3 public school instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Rep. Dale Hawkins’ bill would direct school districts to adopt policies prohibiting instruction “by public school personnel on sexual orientation or gender identity” for children in kindergarten through third grade. It would also require that districts post required textbooks and course syllabi online. 

“This ensures that parents have full visibility into what their children are being taught, promoting transparency and accountability in education,” Hawkins, R-Fernwood, told the committee Thursday.

Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins, is listed as a bill co-sponsor. 

Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, asked Hawkins whether he considered giving the same requirements to private schools, after the Legislature this week passed House Bill 93, which directs public funds to private schoolers. 

House Education Chairman Douglas Pickett, R-Oakley, told Hawkins he didn’t have to answer the question. “That’s not part of your bill.” But Hawkins responded that private schools are “outside of the scope of what we’re talking about.”

Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise, also asked Hawkins to explain what it means “not to teach gender identity.” 

Idaho stands against “a lot of the stuff that we’re seeing in diversity, equity and inclusion in our university systems and other places,” Hawkins said. “We have found that in some areas, and I’m not even saying we have it here in Idaho, it’s being started in elementary schools now.”

When Church again asked for a definition, Hawkins responded, “I think you know the answer, so I don’t know why you’re asking me.” 

Church, a public school teacher, made an unsuccessful motion to return the bill to its sponsor.

“The sponsor has admitted that, one, this may not be happening in Idaho,” Church said. “And two, it is very difficult for a public school teacher or administrator to uphold rules when the definitions are not clear. To talk about gender identity is a very broad thing.”

The committee approved a substitute motion, from Rep. Steve Tanner, to introduce the bill. 

“I feel like this doesn’t go far enough,” said Tanner, R-Nampa, noting he would prefer it applied to kindergarten through 12th grade. “It’s just the domain of the parents, their right to have these conversations.”

This story first appeared on Idaho Education News.