More protests over Idaho’s new bathroom law lead to more arrests
Six people were arrested on trespassing charges Friday afternoon at the Idaho State Capitol while protesting the state’s newly signed bathroom law.
Idaho State Police confirmed that law enforcement responded to a report of a disturbance inside the building Friday afternoon. Shortly thereafter, troopers arrested six of the 12 people demonstrating against House Bill 752, which criminalizes people using public toilets that don’t align with their sex assigned at birth.
This is the second protest over the law in the Capitol that has ended in arrests. On Wednesday, nine people taking part in a sit-in protest inside Gov. Brad Little’s office were arrested when they refused Idaho State Police requests to leave the Capitol after public business hours.
The law, which will apply to government-owned buildings and places of public accommodation, is thought to be the strictest law in the country concerning gendered bathrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities.
The law makes it a misdemeanor if someone “knowingly and willfully” uses such a restroom. A second offense within five years would come with a felony charge and up to five years in prison.
According to a recent news release from ISP, the demonstrators were using whistles and bullhorns, then gathered in a bathroom. ISP states that troopers gave several warnings, and the group refused to leave when instructed.
At about 2:40 p.m., six people were arrested and booked into the Ada County Jail on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing. One person was also charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest, the release states.
One person sustained a minor injury as the group was escorted out, according to the release. ISP stated the person was taken to a hospital for a precautionary evaluation.
“ISP supports the public’s right to protest and express their opinions,” the release stated. “People must follow lawful orders and rules to keep everyone safe and maintain order in public buildings.”
