“No evidence before the Court indicates that minors face any harm from drag-related events or other speech and expression critical of gender norms,” Morris wrote in granting the injunction.

“The City of Helena faces the untenable choice between ‘infring[ing] upon plaintiff[s’] constitutional rights’ and ‘subject[ing]’ the city employees tasked with reviewing Montana Pride’s application ‘to civil and criminal liability under the provisions of HB 359.’”

Financially, the cost of SB 458 could be billions. Morally, however, the cost to Montana will be immeasurable.

Nearly 40 people spoke during the meeting, with the majority against the ordinance. Many questioned why the council was considering the ordinance when other issues, like Manhattan’s infrastructure, needed attention.

The ordinance’s enforcement mechanism was also a point of contention. Opponents of the ordinance stated that the proposed local law would turn neighbors into vigilantes, and have people spying on one another.