On Thursday afternoon, Republican lawmakers in Iowa passed a contentious bill aimed at removing state civil rights protections for transgender Iowans. The legislation has now been sent to Governor Kim Reynolds for her signature, following a significant protest at the Iowa Capitol where hundreds of individuals voiced their opposition. Protesters expressed their anger towards lawmakers after the votes in both the House and Senate, with many chanting the state motto, “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.”
The newly passed bill seeks to eliminate gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, which currently protects against discrimination in several areas, including housing, education, employment, wages, public accommodations, and credit practices. Republican leaders expedited the bill's passage after its introduction last Thursday, arguing that it is essential to prevent the courts from overturning other state laws that target transgender individuals.
Democrats and LGBTQ rights advocates have strongly opposed the bill, asserting that it will result in transgender individuals facing discrimination in jobs, housing, and access to essential services. Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa's first openly transgender legislator, shared her personal experience of being forced out of her rental home after transitioning. Wichtendahl emphasized that anti-discrimination protections are crucial for affirming the dignity and humanity of transgender people, stating, “The purpose of this bill, and the purpose of every anti-trans bill, is to further erase us from public life and to stigmatize our existence.”
In contrast, Rep. Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, argued that the bill is necessary to protect women’s rights, particularly in public restrooms and sports. He claimed that removing gender identity as a protected class would not lead to widespread discrimination, stating, “The hyperbolic argument that taking this step will cause discrimination does not hold up to scrutiny or common sense.”
Supporters of the bill argue that including gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act threatens existing laws aimed at regulating transgender participation in public facilities and sports. Sen. Jason Schultz of Schleswig highlighted Iowa's unique position regarding this issue, suggesting that most states do not include gender identity in their civil rights laws.
If signed into law, Iowa would become the first state to strip away civil rights protections for transgender individuals, a significant shift that has alarmed many advocates. Sen. Liz Bennett of Cedar Rapids condemned the bill, stating, “The fact that this bill is so expansive to remove an entire group of people from civil rights protections speaks to the real agenda, which is policing gender expression.”
The legislation also proposes to define “sex” in state law strictly as “the state of being either male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth,” effectively barring transgender individuals from altering the sex listed on their birth certificates. The bill passed with a 33-15 vote in the Senate, and in the House, five Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing it, resulting in a vote of 60-36.
Gender identity was incorporated into the Iowa Civil Rights Act as a protected characteristic in 2007, which currently prohibits discrimination based on various factors, including race, creed, and gender identity. Mark Stringer, Executive Director of the ACLU of Iowa, remarked that if Governor Reynolds signs the bill, Iowa would be the first state in the nation to repeal protections for transgender individuals. Stringer stressed that Iowa has historically served as a leader in civil rights, stating, “It is shocking to think that Iowa may now become another first — the first to specifically single out transgender people for removal of their legal rights.”
Before the bill's debate, a public hearing was conducted where 42 individuals spoke for and against the removal of protections based on gender identity. Many expressed concerns about the impact on transgender youth and the potential for discrimination. Kayde Martin, an 18-year-old from Anamosa, passionately urged lawmakers to maintain protections, emphasizing the need for acceptance and understanding of transgender identities.
Conversely, some supporters of the bill argued that it is necessary to protect the privacy of women and girls. Ryan Benn, a lobbyist for the conservative Christian organization the FAMiLY Leader, stated that the inclusion of gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act was a mistake that needed rectifying.
As Iowa stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first state to roll back civil rights protections for transgender individuals, the outcome of Governor Reynolds' decision remains to be seen. The implications of this legislation could set a precedent for other states, sparking a broader national conversation about the rights of transgender individuals and the ongoing struggle for equality.
