Judge rejects Idaho sex offender registration lawsuit

A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s sex offender registration laws. But the 134 anonymous sex offenders who brought the lawsuit have the option to refile the case if they can show the current laws caused them actual harm.

U.S. District Judge David Nye says that could be difficult. He explains in this month’s ruling that common arguments claiming registration requirements are embarrassing, invasive and burdensome have already been rejected in previous cases.

The plaintiffs sued the state two years ago contending Idaho laws requiring them to register as sex offenders for life violate their constitutional rights on several grounds.

For instance, the plaintiffs say rules requiring them to stay at least 500 feet from schools violate their right to freely exercise their religion, because some churches may be within that proximity.