On Saturday, Idaho Governor Butch Otter allowed SB1353 to become law without his signature.

While that is an admittedly disappointing development, we cannot allow that to take away from the huge pro-Life victory this legislation represents. Frankly, it is also rather surprising given Otter’s strong constitutional orientation. SB1353 codifies the very spirit of our 1st Amendment’s promise of religious and moral liberty.

After some two years’ worth of work, Idaho joins a handful of other states with comprehensive conscience protections for health care professionals. It couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment.

With the federal government now busily erecting hundreds of new agencies with which to invade our hospitals, clinics and insurance providers’ offices – this new law may well prove vital to protecting the integrity of our vital health care professions. We are confident that it will also help protect the very lives of vulnerable Idahoans.

Our special thanks to the Idaho statesmen who went beyond the call of duty to make this new law reality: Senators Russ Fulcher, Chuck Winder and Representatives Tom Loertscher and Erik Simpson. We received support and encouragement from many tremendous legislators – who offer Idaho courageous and principled leadership at a difficult time in our nation’s history.

And thank you … our many readers and supporters from across the state who help us fight these battles. May the Lord continue to prosper you for your active and powerful love of neighbor and community.