A federal judge ruled Tuesday that transgender people in Idaho will not face criminal charges for using public restrooms that align with their gender identities. The decision from U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford temporarily halts enforcement of key provisions of a law passed in March, which was set to take effect July 1.
Law Stricter Than Others
At least 19 states have laws restricting bathroom access for transgender individuals, but Idaho's law goes further. It applies to restrooms in private buildings open to the public and introduces criminal penalties: up to a year in jail for a first offense and up to five years in prison for a second offense. The law includes an exception for single-use restrooms when a person is in "dire need," but the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association expressed concerns about how to determine such need.
Legal Challenge
Six transgender Idaho residents, represented by Lambda Legal and the ACLU, sued, arguing the law is unconstitutionally vague. Judge Brailsford largely agreed, issuing a preliminary injunction that prevents enforcement against individuals using single-stall restrooms or when no single-user restroom is available on the same floor.
"No one should be forced to choose between the threat of arrest for being themselves in public or the threat of harassment and violence," said ACLU lawyer Barbara Schwabauer.
State Plans to Appeal
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador announced plans to appeal, arguing the ruling misapplies the law. "Biological sex is not vague, and neither is this law," he said. The state maintains that the law remains enforceable regarding changing rooms and for individuals who are not transgender.
