A federal judge has temporarily blocked Idaho from enforcing its new law criminalizing the use of certain restrooms that do not align with an individual’s birth sex. This decision provides a temporary relief for transgender individuals in Idaho who faced up to five years in prison under this measure.

The law, recognized as the most restrictive of its kind in the United States, was originally set to take effect on July 1. Six transgender residents filed a lawsuit, arguing the law violated their constitutional rights, including equal protection and privacy. However, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford found that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on a different claim: the law’s vagueness.

Judge Brailsford explained that the law is likely unconstitutional because it requires officers to make subjective decisions, such as determining an individual’s biological sex. This vagueness, combined with the imposition of severe criminal penalties, makes the law problematic, according to the judge.

The ruling prevents part of the law from being enforced while the lawsuit continues. It permits transgender individuals to use single-stall restrooms that match their gender identity or multi-user restrooms if single-user options are unavailable or occupied. The plaintiffs have not challenged the sections of the law pertaining to locker rooms and showers.