(FāVS News) — The predominantly Christian Idaho Legislature recently passed a law banning transgender people from using sex-segregated bathrooms that align with their gender identity, but some Christian leaders in the state argue that the law is not Christian-like at all.
The statute, which goes into effect in July, requires transgender people to only use bathrooms, changing rooms or similar facilities that align with their sex at birth — no matter what gender they identify as.
Although the measure was passed in March by legislators who start many meetings with a Christian prayer, not all Christians believe the law represents their faith.
“To hear that the state was actually trying to roll us back in history, instead of move us forward into a spirit of inclusion, was incredibly disheartening,” said Josh Lee, senior pastor with Boise First United Church of Christ.
The bill doesn’t only affect government spaces like city halls and libraries, but also applies to privately owned places that are generally open for the public, such as stores and religious venues.
Pastor Bob Lewis with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise said the church’s council will need to discuss the law and decide how to move forward as a congregation.
(Photo by Tim Mossholder/Unsplash/Creative Commons)
“I am not going to ask people to sit outside our bathrooms and police them. I can’t do that,” Lewis said. “Our mission and our statement is, ‘We welcome all.’
“All means all,” he added.
Violating the law carries criminal penalties. Anyone convicted of a first violation …