Iowa Republicans back a bill that would strip gender identity from the state's civil rights code (again)

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Iowa Republicans back a bill that would strip gender identity from the state’s civil rights code

By HANNAH FINGERHUT
Updated 5:33 PM EST, February 24, 2025

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Several protesters were arrested Monday at the Iowa state Capitol, where shouts of “trans rights are human rights” reverberated throughout the building as Republican lawmakers advanced a bill that would strip the state civil rights code of protections based on gender identity.

Similar bills have been floated in recent years, but this year’s passed two legislative hurdles on Monday with the support of Republicans on the state House Judiciary Committee. All Democrats and one Republican voted against advancing the bill to a vote of the full House.

Several hundred protesters filled the Capitol rotunda to chant and wave rainbow flags and signs denouncing the bill. Critics testifying during the subcommittee meeting said the bill would expose transgender Iowans to discrimination.

“It tells an entire group of Iowans — our neighbors, students, coworkers and family members — that they’re not worthy of the same rights and protections as everyone else,” said Mandi Remington, a county supervisor and activist in eastern Johnson County.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/iowa-civil-rights-code-gender-identity-ae0e488f561461720ae3e059d56533f0