Montana's anti-transgender bathroom restrictions are on hold...

[Jessica_Rose]

Montana's anti-transgender bathroom restrictions are on hold under a judge's order

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/montana-s-anti-transgender-bathroom-restrictions-are-on-hold-under-a-judge-s-order/ar-AA1CaBFM?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=36dc50eaff2a48b6af01726f74b76729&ei=4

Story by AP (2 April 2025)

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Montana law that restricts transgender people's use of bathrooms in public buildings.

The measure, which Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into effect last week, threatened to deprive transgender people of their constitutional right to equal protection under the law, Montana District Court Judge Shane Vannatta ruled. The law prevents people from using restrooms in public buildings that do not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

The five people who sued over the law were likely to prevail, Vannatta added in his ruling.

The new law "is motivated by animus and supported by no evidence that its restrictions advance its purported purpose to protect women's safety and privacy," Vannatta wrote.

The judge's order will be in effect at least until an April 21 hearing on whether it should continue to be blocked while the lawsuit moves ahead.

Gianforte spokesperson Kaitlin Price said the governor will defend the law "and the privacy and safety of women and girls."

"Today's ruling provides enormous relief to trans Montanans across the state. The state's relentless attacks on trans and Two Spirit people cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny by the courts," said a statement by Alex Rate, ACLU of Montana's legal director.