Idaho Governor Signs Bill Banning Use of Opposite-Sex Public Restrooms

Idaho Governor Brad Little, a Republican, enacted a new law on Tuesday that prohibits individuals from using public restrooms designated for the opposite sex.

This legislation, known as House Bill 752, updates existing laws to categorize anyone using a restroom or locker room meant for the opposite sex as committing a misdemeanor, which could lead to up to a year in county jail.

Moreover, if an individual is found guilty of a similar offense again within five years of the first, they could then be classified as a felon, facing potential imprisonment of up to five years in state prison.

Scott Herndon, an Idaho State Senator and one of the bill’s co-authors, commented that the law aims to “protect women and girls from their most vulnerable biological males,” further equating first offenses to trespassing misdemeanors.

The new bill does not make provisions for those experiencing gender dysphoria who identify as a member of the opposite sex, though it does include exceptions for janitorial staff and emergency situations.

Initially presented to the legislature in late February, the bill was put forward for Little’s approval on Tuesday.

It received considerable support, passing with a 54-15 vote in the House and a 28-7 vote in the Senate.

Herndon also noted that Idaho is the first state to criminalize the act of men entering women’s restrooms, locker rooms, and private spaces.

The state now joins at least 19 others that have enacted similar laws prohibiting the use of single-sex restrooms in various public venues.

Nixon Matthews, a transgender individual and chair of the Idaho Democratic Queer Caucus, expressed concerns about the law, stating that lawmakers have shifted from a position of inaction to one of targeting marginalized groups.

Herndon pointed out that while the law’s strictness might seem severe, it incorporates ten exceptions to address genuine real-world circumstances.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1st.