DES MOINES, Iowa – A Senate subcommittee in Iowa took a significant step forward on Tuesday in its effort to remove gender identity from the state’s civil rights code.
This move would eliminate protections against discrimination for transgender Iowans in employment and housing. Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for the changes to be enacted this week, reflecting a sense of urgency surrounding the matter.
Some legislators also hope the changes could prevent public funding for gender-affirming care for prisoners and Medicaid patients.
As protesters gathered outside the packed hearing room, Iowans voiced their opinions on the proposed legislation.
Deb Davis of Johnston supports the bill, arguing it protects female spaces like locker rooms and restrooms. “The rights of biological females need to be protected. I also do not want my Iowa tax dollars being spent on elective hormones and genital surgeries of others,” she said.
Jess Bierling of West Des Moines, who came out as transgender in 2014, shared a different perspective. She explained that the Iowa Civil Rights Act played a crucial role in her decision to stay in the state after graduating from college. “I expected to lose a lot when I came out, including my family, friends, and job. Having my job protected by the Iowa Civil Rights Act made it easier to move forward,” she stated.
Kathryn Kueter, from Pleasant Hill, believes that protecting gender identity in the civil rights code conflicts with the existing civil rights given to sex, specifically for women. “You can’t tell women their spaces and their rights will be protected and then in the same breath allow men, counterfeiting as women to invade those spaces,” she said.
Reverend Betsey Monnot, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, emphasized the importance of compassion for transgender Iowans within the community. “Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is unthinkable to remove civil rights and legal protections from people that we love,” she said.
The subcommittee advanced the bill with a 2-1 vote. It is now scheduled to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
If the bill gains enough Republican support, it could be debated by the full House and Senate on Thursday. This would accelerate the process, potentially allowing Governor Kim Reynolds to sign it into law swiftly.
