Idaho governor signs bill banning men from women's bathrooms

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 752, which creates criminal penalties for knowingly entering a bathroom designated for the opposite sex; the law takes effect July 1.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 752 on Tuesday, creating criminal penalties for people who enter a bathroom designated for the opposite sex. The measure covers government-owned buildings and places of public accommodation, including private businesses. Lawmakers approved the bill with broad Republican support and all 15 Democrats opposed. The signing occurred as demonstrators gathered at the State Capitol for Transgender Day of Visibility. Key details: - The law makes it a criminal offense to "knowingly and willfully" enter a bathroom designated for the opposite sex. - A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison; a second offense within five years is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. - Exceptions include providing medical assistance, law enforcement assistance, or when a person is in dire need and no other facility is reasonably available. - The law takes effect July 1 and applies to government buildings and places of public accommodation. Summary: The law changes how restrooms are regulated in Idaho by creating criminal penalties with specific exceptions. It will take effect on July 1.