Judge recuses from ‘bathroom bill’ case to promote judicial integrity

Missoula County District Court Judge Shane Vannatta recused himself from hearing a lawsuit over a bill that says there are only two sexes, but he noted the “facts” in a move to disqualify him are “exceedingly thin.”

In a Sept. 25 court filing, Vannatta said he would withdraw from jurisdiction of the case “in the interest of preserving the public’s confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary.”

The case from which he withdrew is Perkins vs. State of Montana, over House Bill 121.

HB 121 restricts access to public restrooms and other facilities based on an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

The plaintiffs, including transgender and intersex Montanans, argue the restrictions violate their rights to equal protection, privacy and ability to pursue life’s basic necessities.

Supporters