Legal Challenges Expected Over Wyoming’s New Transgender Laws

Recent legislation in Wyoming restricting the rights of transgender individuals has prompted LGBTQ+ advocates to turn to the courts in response, WyoFile reports.

The laws, passed during the 2025 legislative session, include restrictions on restroom and locker room use, as well as an extension of a prior sports ban to college athletics.

Advocacy groups, such as Wyoming Equality, are preparing for potential lawsuits, encouraging those affected to come forward.

“What happens next is this has to go to the courts,” said Sara Burlingame, the organization’s executive director.

The laws include House Bill 72, which mandates the use of public restrooms and other facilities based on sex assigned at birth, and Senate File 62, which imposes similar restrictions within public schools. Additionally, Senate File 44 extends a 2023 ban on transgender athletes in middle and high school sports to college-level athletics.

The legislation has sparked concern among transgender residents and allies. University of Wyoming’s first openly transgender student-athlete, Santi Murillo, expressed fears about increased harassment, stating:

“I used to feel safe in Wyoming, but now I don’t think so anymore.”

Critics of the laws argue that enforcement remains unclear, raising concerns about potential discrimination.

“None of [the lawmakers] answered that question for me—’Which restroom should I use?'” said Elliot Hinkle, a transgender and nonbinary resident.

Governor Mark Gordon allowed the “What is a Woman Act” to become law without his signature, citing concerns over legislative overreach. The act legally defines male and female based on sex assigned at birth and applies these definitions across Wyoming statutes.

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocates remain concerned about the well-being of transgender youth in the state. A report from The Trevor Project found that 60% of transgender and nonbinary young people in Wyoming had seriously considered suicide in the past year, with many expressing concerns about their future in the state.