Iowa lawmakers approved a bill that removes gender identity protections from the state’s civil rights code, making Iowa the first state to enact such a measure.
The bill, which was quickly passed through the legislative process, eliminates protections based on gender identity in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Proponents of the bill argue that it clarifies the state’s civil rights code and addresses what they see as confusion over the inclusion of gender identity protections.
They also note that existing federal protections, such as those under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, may still offer some coverage in certain cases.
Opponents, including LGBTQ+ rights organizations, have voiced concern that removing these protections could lead to discrimination against transgender individuals.
They argue that without explicit protections, transgender people may face challenges in securing employment, housing, and other services without fear of discrimination.