A Boise family is making plans to leave Idaho after Governor Brad Little signed a bill making it illegal for people to use bathrooms that don’t align with their sex assigned at birth. The family, including Michael Devitt and his wife Angie Devitt, are deeply upset by the legislation, particularly because their youngest daughter, Eve, is transgender. The law, known as House Bill 752, imposes criminal penalties for violations, causing the Devitts to feel marginalized and discriminated against.
The Devitts, who have lived and worked in Idaho for many years, are prominent members of the community – Michael as a physical therapist and Angie as a family physician. Describing Idaho as a once-great place to raise a family, Michael Devitt expressed his disillusionment with the state legislature’s ongoing efforts to target transgender individuals with restrictive laws. The passage of House Bill 752 was the final straw for the Devitts, prompting their decision to leave Idaho.
Eve Devitt, their transgender daughter, expressed concerns about her safety and rights in Idaho, particularly regarding the bathroom law. The family’s decision to relocate out of state is rooted in a sense of injustice and lack of acceptance in Idaho. The Devitts feel that the state’s policies are discriminatory and dehumanizing, making it untenable for them to continue living there.
Despite their deep ties to Idaho, including professional practices and community connections, the Devitts feel compelled to leave in the face of oppressive legislation that directly impacts their family. They see their departure as a necessary step to protect their daughter and find a more inclusive environment elsewhere. The looming implementation of House Bill 752 has cemented their resolve to seek a new home where they feel valued and accepted.
