Iowa lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that would remove gender identity protections from the state civil rights code, potentially exposing transgender individuals to discrimination in various areas such as employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The bill, introduced recently, has quickly advanced through the legislative process despite opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates who gathered at the Capitol for rallies. A public hearing is expected to draw a large crowd to voice their opinions on the matter.
Currently, Iowa's civil rights law safeguards against discrimination based on various factors including gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, and disability status. The protections for sexual orientation and gender identity were added in 2007 by the Democratic-controlled Legislature with some Republican support.
Supporters of the bill argue that the inclusion of gender identity protections was a mistake, contending that it allowed transgender individuals access to facilities like bathrooms and sports teams designated for those assigned female at birth. The proposed legislation seeks to remove gender identity as a protected class and provide explicit definitions for female, male, and gender.
If approved by the GOP-majority Iowa House and Senate, the bill would go to Governor Kim Reynolds for consideration. Several Republican-led states have already passed laws restricting transgender students' participation in sports and access to public bathrooms, with Iowa Republicans aiming to reinforce similar policies.
While about half of U.S. states include gender identity in their civil rights codes to prevent discrimination in housing and public spaces, Iowa's Supreme Court has rejected claims that sex discrimination encompasses gender identity discrimination. If passed, the Iowa bill would be the first legislative action to remove explicit gender identity protections.
Furthermore, other Republican-led legislatures are working on laws this year to define male and female based on reproductive organs at birth, following directives from former President Donald Trump. Trump's orders included measures to ban transgender individuals from military service and restrict their participation in sports competitions, which are currently facing legal challenges.
