BOISE, Idaho — A Boise minister convicted of misdemeanor trespassing after refusing to leave Gov. Brad Little’s office during a protest over transgender-related legislation will not serve additional jail time.
Idaho 4th District Judge Adam Kimball sentenced the Rev. Sara LaWall on Thursday to fines and court costs, while crediting her for the day she already spent in jail following her April arrest. LaWall, minister of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, was among nine protesters arrested after remaining inside the governor’s office after it closed.
A jury convicted LaWall earlier this month after viewing body-camera footage showing an Idaho State Police trooper repeatedly instructing protesters to leave. LaWall acknowledged remaining after those warnings but described her actions as civil disobedience intended to draw attention to legislation affecting transgender Idahoans.
The April protest followed Little’s signing of legislation restricting transgender people’s bathroom use. Protesters were also opposing another measure requiring teachers and health professionals in certain circumstances to notify parents about a minor’s transgender identity. Little later signed that measure as well.
Kimball described LaWall’s conduct as “peaceful” and “considerate” but said protesters should not violate the law when their concerns go unheard. Three other trespassing cases stemming from the demonstration are also headed to trial.
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