By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“I don’t think the state has an answer for how you identify someone’s biological sex. … Are we just going to look at folks as they enter a restroom and determine whether we think they look enough like a man or a woman? That’s ridiculous.” — ACLU of Idaho attorney Emily Croston
At a Transgender Day of Visibility rally on March 31, 2026, in front of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, a person holds a transgender pride flag in front of the state Capitol. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)
COURTS + POLICING
Federal judge presses attorneys on how Idaho’s transgender bathroom ban will work
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
As a federal judge considers whether to temporarily block Idaho’s new transgender bathroom ban law that will apply to private businesses, attorneys delved into how law enforcement would enforce the law at a court hearing Friday.
To prove someone’s sex, checking transgender people’s ID cards can be tricky, the judge suggested. But Idaho’s solicitor general argued that law enforcement officers could test people’s DNA.
A house for sale in the North End of Boise on March 21, 2021. (Otto Kitsinger for the Idaho Capital Sun)
GROWTH + AFFORDABILITY
Idaho Sen. Crapo’s 2025 housing survey identifies housing challenges faced by Idahoans
By Laura Guido
Idaho homeowners and renters alike are struggling with rising costs of living and agree that more housing types are needed, according to a survey conducted in 2025 by the office of U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo.
Survey results highlighted renters facing immediate affordability challenges, such as application fees, rent and deposit costs, and homeowners concerned by long-term affordability issues with rising property taxes and insurance.
The Idaho Legislature has in some cases hampered local governments’ ability to address some of the issues identified by survey respondents.
Michael and Dr. Angie Devitt reflect on their decision to move from Idaho after years of the Legislature and the governor approving anti-LGBTQ+ bills. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Relentless anti-LGBTQ+ legislation driving an Idaho family out of state
By Stories from the States
In recent years, Idaho state lawmakers passed a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The measures have included a bill requiring forced outing of youth and a bathroom ban that criminalizes transgender people using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, including in private businesses.
For one Idaho family of medical providers, the bathroom ban was their last straw. Now, they’re figuring out if they can move out of the state.
In Episode 31, you’ll hear from Michael and Dr. Angie Devitt from Boise. They have been outspoken in defending LGBTQ+ rights in the Idaho state legislature.
You’ll also hear from Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel, who has been following the debate over the anti-LGBTQ+ bills and how they will impact the state.
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How does Idaho’s trans bathroom ban affect businesses? Attorneys break it down. | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Nearly 60 Idahoans sick after drinking raw milk in past two weeks, officials say | Kyle Pfannenstiel
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ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Boise State Public Radio: Residents try to fly Pride flags around Harrison Boulevard despite ban
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