Iowa House lawmakers reject bill to remove gender identity protections from Iowa civil rights law

Demonstrators at the Iowa Capitol protest a bill in the Iowa House that would remove gender identity protections from the state civil rights act. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Members of an Iowa House panel did not advance a bill Wednesday that would remove “gender identity” as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act and classify “gender dysphoria” as a disability.

As advocates and members of the public spoke for and against the legislation, advocates and LGBTQ allies led chants of “trans rights are human rights” and “no justice no peace.” The chants turned to cheering and celebrating as all three members of the House Judiciary subcommittee voted against moving forward with House File 2082 .

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People protesting a House bill that would remove “gender identity” as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act filled the halls of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines Jan. 31, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Protection of “gender identity” under the Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in areas like employment, housing, education or public accommodations. Under the proposal, a diagnosis of “gender dysphoria or any condition related to a gender identity disorder” would be classified a disability under Iowa Code – another protected class under the civil rights act.

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