BOISE, Idaho — A Boise Democrat hopes an apparent contradiction in Idaho law will convince lawmakers to reverse the state’s exemption for parents who deny their children medical treatment for religious reasons.
An Idaho law on “desertion and nonsupport” of children and spouses makes it a felony to refuse or neglect to provide basic needs or medical care to a spouse or child. For children, however, the 1972 law provides an exception for treatment by prayer or spiritual means.
Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, on Monday introduced a bill that would remove that exception.
