A new law in Idaho could ban transgender people from using public restrooms, but advocates are mapping out private facilities where anyone can safely urinate.
Trans Affirm is online atComprehensive bathroom map of IdahoThe group is creating the map after Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed one of the most sweeping laws in the country criminalizing restroom use.
“As it stands, it’s already confusing legislation,” said Scar Lurian, a member of Trans Affirm’s board of directors. idaho capital sun. “And for transgender people who identify as one gender, using the restroom of a gender they don’t identify with can be scary, especially if they’re actively transitioning and resemble the gender they identify with. It can put their safety at risk.”
related: Federal court blocks Idaho law criminalizing transgender bathroom use
This map was created to help transgender Idahoans chart a literal path to safety.
“Idaho’s Safe Bathroom List was created because our community needs a practical tool, not just a conversation,” the website’s description page says. “We wanted to build a resource by and for Idahoans that would increase access to information, strengthen community knowledge sharing, and help people feel more prepared when navigating public spaces.”
Most of the safe locations marked on the map at this time are single-sex restrooms. The map also includes public spaces that have been identified as “positive and welcoming” through community input.
Trans Affirm plans to update the map frequently to accommodate policy changes by businesses and others that manage community spaces.
related: Idaho announces DNA testing can be used to enforce anti-transgender bathroom ban
Idaho law makes it a crime to “knowingly” enter a restroom or locker room in a government building or public accommodation that does not correspond to the gender assigned at birth. First offenses are punishable by up to one year in prison. A second conviction within five years can be charged as a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison.
A federal judge last month blocked the government from enforcing some of the bans in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of transgender Idahoans and backed by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
