The following statement can be attributed to ACLU of Iowa Executive Director Mark Stringer.
"Today, the Iowa Legislature took the barbaric measure of passing a proposal to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. For nearly two decades, Iowa law has protected people from discrimination based on their gender identity. This has been a lifeline for people in areas as broad as housing, workplace fairness, credit, public accommodations, and education.
"If Gov. Kim Reynolds signs this bill, Iowa will become the first state in the country to repeal protections for LGBTQ people from its state civil rights law. Iowa has been a trailblazer in advancing civil and basic human rights—from banning slavery all the way to ensuring marriage equality. In many instances, our laws have helped advance the causes of freedom and equality in our nation. It is shocking to think that Iowa may now become another first—the first to specifically single out transgender people for removal of their legal rights as enshrined in state antidiscrimination law. This is unacceptable.
“Today is a difficult day for all Iowans who rely on the rule of law to protect their basic human rights. To every Iowan who will be hurt by this law: the ACLU of Iowa will never give up on you, and never give up in our ongoing defense of your civil rights. As ever—we are with you, your families, and your loved ones.”
