Montana Judge Overturns Law Defining Sex as Only Male or Female

The ruling cites the law's vague title, which failed to clarify whether 'sex' referred to gender or sexual intercourse.

Judge Shane Vannatta ruled the bill's title did not clearly state its purpose, violating the Montana Constitution.
The law defined 'male' and 'female' based on chromosomes and gamete production, excluding intersex and transgender individuals.
Plaintiffs argued the law denied legal recognition and protections for gender-nonconforming people.
The judge emphasized that the ruling was based on the technicality of the bill's title, not on the broader issue of transgender rights.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana celebrated the decision as a safeguard for legislative transparency.