Family Policy Alliance of Idaho Supports Governor Little’s Decision to Appeal Sex Change Ruling
BOISE, IDAHO (January 10, 2019) — Family Policy Alliance of Idaho applauds and appreciates Governor Brad Little’s decision to appeal a federal judge’s ruling requiring the state to fund a sex-change operation for an inmate incarcerated for sexual abuse on a child. The Governor announced yesterday the Idaho Department of Correction would appeal Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s decision.
Last month, Family Policy Alliance of Idaho encouraged then Governor-elect Little and other state leaders to appeal the judge’s decision.
A statement from John Paulton, the Director of Advocacy for Family Policy Alliance of Idaho:
“We’re glad Governor Little agrees that while it’s important for all inmates to receive compassionate care, such as mental healthcare to help with gender dysphoria, it is unconscionable that Idaho taxpayers should be forced to pay for a sex-change operation for this inmate. Governor Little is sending a clear message that Idaho should stand against any attempt by a federal judge to force taxpayers to fund expensive and experimental surgeries for inmates. He was faced with a big challenge very early in his term and showed his courage to stand up for Idaho taxpayers. We hope the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agrees with us.”
Background:
Convicted child sex offender Adree Edmo, a male who has been living as a woman, sued the Idaho Department of Correction in an attempt to secure a taxpayer-funded sex-change operation. Last month, Federal Judge B. Lynn Winmill (an appointee of former President Bill Clinton) supported Edmo and ordered the state to pay for the surgery within six months.
Paying for such a surgery is not compassion – to this inmate, to other inmates with legitimate healthcare needs, or the people of Idaho, who would see their tax dollars used in ways that are inappropriate and unprecedented in the state.
In a statement released by Governor Little’s office yesterday, the chairman of the Board of Correction, Dr. David McClusky, a licensed general surgeon with more than 35 years of experience, said the court confused its opinion with medical consensus in this case.
“If Ms. Edmo had a broken arm, we’d all agree it should be treated,” Dr. McClusky said. “But disagreement among medical professionals in this case does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.”
Contact:
To arrange an interview with John Paulton or other media inquiries, please contact Mark Scott, Family Policy Alliance Director of Communications, at mark.scott@familypolicyalliance.com.