Iowa first to pass law stripping gender identity protections

Robert Besser
03 Mar 2025, 21:34 GMT+10

Iowa lawmakers have passed a new law that removes protections for gender identity from the state's civil rights code
This makes Iowa the first state to take such action
Many people protested, saying it could lead to discrimination against transgender people

DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa lawmakers have passed a new law that removes protections for gender identity from the state's civil rights code.

This makes Iowa the first state to take such action. Many people protested, saying it could lead to discrimination against transgender people.

The bill moved quickly, passing the Senate and House within an hour. Most Republicans supported it, while all Democrats and five Republicans voted against it.

The law would change how gender is defined, stating that "gender" means the same as "sex" and does not include gender identity or expression.

LGBTQ+ rights groups say this is the first time a state has taken away legal protections for gender identity.

The bill now goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has previously signed laws restricting transgender rights. If she signs it, the law will take effect on July 1.

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