Iowa’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a bill on Thursday aiming to remove civil rights protections for the transgender community, despite protests from dozens of demonstrators.
If signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa would become the first state to strip gender identity from its civil rights code.
The bill redefines “gender” as a synonym for “sex,” excluding terms like gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender roles. This would abolish gender identity as a protected class, reversing a 2007 addition made when Democrats controlled the legislature.
Protesters opposed the bill, chanting “say no to hate” and holding signs reading “trans rights are human rights.”
Supporters argue the bill protects women’s rights, though rights advocates have criticized Republicans for their stance on women’s issues, including abortion.
The move comes amid broader efforts by Republicans to limit transgender rights across the U.S. Since taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, mandating government employees use “sex” instead of “gender,” and asserting gender as an “immutable biological reality.”
Civil rights and LGBTQ+ advocates warn the Iowa bill will expose the transgender community to discrimination, removing crucial legal protections.
Both the Iowa House and Senate voted in favor of the legislation on Thursday. Now, all eyes are on Governor Reynolds, whose signature would solidify Iowa’s unprecedented rollback of transgender rights.
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