US judge blocks Idaho law restricting transgender bathroom access

A federal judge in the United States has issued a partial block on a contentious Idaho law that penalized transgender individuals for using public restrooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford granted a preliminary injunction, halting the law's enforcement.

The decision offers a temporary reprieve for the transgender community in Idaho, who faced potential penalties of up to five years in prison for repeat violations under the law, which was slated to take effect on July 1. Judge Brailsford determined that the law is likely unconstitutional due to its vagueness, which leaves crucial enforcement decisions to the discretion of individual law enforcement officers without clear guidelines.

The lawsuit was filed by six transgender residents of Idaho, who argued that the law violated their constitutional rights. The preliminary injunction allows transgender individuals to use single-stall restrooms consistent with their gender identity and shared restrooms when no alternatives are available. The plaintiffs did not challenge provisions related to locker rooms and showers.

Idaho's law has been characterized as one of the most restrictive in the nation, applying to both public and private spaces, including restaurants and offices. While similar restrictions in other states often target specific public facilities like schools or government buildings, Idaho's law has broader application. State authorities defended the law as a measure to protect privacy and safety, but the judge noted that existing legislation already addresses these concerns and warned of the risk of arbitrary enforcement.