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2mo ago

Iowa Lawmakers Vote to Remove Gender Identity from State Civil Rights Protections

The legislation, now awaiting the governor's decision, would strip anti-discrimination protections for transgender Iowans in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Protesters fill the Iowa state Capitol to denounce a bill that would strip the state civil rights code of protections based on gender identity, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Protesters filled the Iowa state Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, to denounce a bill that would strip the state civil rights code of protections based on gender identity. (AP Photo/Hannah Fingerhut)
Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, speaks during debate on the gender identity bill, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Overview

  • The Iowa House and Senate passed Senate File 418, which removes 'gender identity' as a protected category under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
  • The bill also prohibits transgender individuals from changing the sex designation on their birth certificates after medical transition.
  • Proponents argue the measure aligns Iowa law with other states and protects recent laws on transgender sports and bathroom access from legal challenges.
  • Opponents, including LGBTQ advocates and religious leaders, warn the bill will lead to increased discrimination and legal challenges under federal and constitutional protections.
  • Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Iowa State Capitol, with some removed from chamber galleries for disruptions, as the bill awaits Governor Kim Reynolds' decision.