Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill on Friday that eliminates gender identity as a protected class under the state’s civil rights law, making Iowa the first state to exclude gender identity from these protections. The bill, which passed along party lines in both the state Senate and House, has sparked debate and controversy across the state.
The legislation, supported by the Republican-majority, aims to safeguard the rights of women and girls according to Governor Reynolds. She argues that the previous inclusion of gender identity in the civil rights code was seen to blur the boundaries between biological sexes and require taxpayers to fund gender-reassignment surgeries. While acknowledging the importance of respecting all Iowans, regardless of their identities, Reynolds believes that the bill strengthens protections for women and girls.
Critics of the bill, including Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ advocates, have expressed concerns that the removal of gender identity from the civil rights law will lead to increased discrimination and hinder access to essential services for transgender individuals. Representative Aime Wichtendahl, the first transgender person elected to Iowa’s General Assembly, highlighted the potential negative impacts of the bill during the House debate, emphasizing the importance of protecting LGBTQ rights.
The bill not only removes gender identity from the civil rights code but also mandates that birth certificates reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth. Additionally, it revises a previous measure to replace “gender identity” with “gender theory” in educational settings. The changes have drawn criticism from opponents who view the legislation as discriminatory and harmful to the LGBTQ community.
State Senator Jason Schultz, who introduced the bill in the Senate, argued that the inclusion of gender identity in the civil rights code could potentially conflict with other state laws, such as those related to transgender student athletes and transition-related care for minors. Supporters of the bill believe that it brings Iowa’s laws in line with federal regulations and the majority of other states.
Following the bill’s signing, more than 2,000 people gathered in protest, holding signs that read “Trans rights are human rights.” The emotional response to the legislation reflects the deep divide and passionate opinions surrounding LGBTQ rights in Iowa. The bill’s impact is likely to be felt across the state as advocates and opponents continue to debate its implications for the transgender community.
As Iowa becomes the first state to remove gender identity from its civil rights law, the decision sets a precedent that could influence the national conversation about LGBTQ rights and protections. The ongoing debate highlights the complex and evolving nature of civil rights legislation in the United States, particularly concerning issues of gender identity and transgender rights.