Six transgender residents sue Idaho over strict new bathroom ban
Six transgender Idaho residents are suing the state over a new law that bans them from using bathrooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth, arguing it is unconstitutional and poses serious risks to their safety and health. The law, set to take effect in July, applies to all public accommodations, including privately owned businesses, and imposes criminal penalties for violations. The plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU and Lambda Legal, say the law forces them to choose between using restrooms that could expose them to harassment or staying home.
- ▪The Idaho bathroom law applies to all places of public accommodation, including private businesses, and allows for misdemeanor or felony charges based on repeated violations.
- ▪Violators of the law could face up to one year in jail for a first offense and up to five years for a second offense.
- ▪The plaintiffs argue the law is overly broad, increases risk of violence, and could lead to medical issues from avoiding restroom use.
- ▪At least 19 states have laws restricting transgender people's bathroom access, but Idaho's is the strictest due to its broad application and criminal penalties.
- ▪The lawsuit claims the law violates constitutional protections by discriminating based on sex and transgender status and causing emotional and physical harm.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onSix transgender residents sue Idaho over strict new bathroom banSix transgender Idaho residents are suing the state over a strict new bathroom banByREBECCA BOONE Associated PressApril 30, 2026, 3:15 PM1:34BOISE, Idaho -- Six transgender Idaho residents are suing the state in federal court, asking a federal judge to declare a strict new bathroom ban unconstitutional.
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