The following statement can be attributed to ACLU of Iowa Executive Director Mark Stringer.
"The attacks from Iowa politicians on LGBTQ kids—especially transgender kids—are now in full swing.
"Once again, LGBTQ kids are being let down and hurt by the very people who should be protecting them. These are kids who need our support. They must not be targeted and they must not be erased.
"Instead, elected officials in Des Moines are increasing their attacks on LGBTQ Iowans. The proposals are chilling. They include preventing kids from getting age-appropriate medical care and banning the mere discussion of LGBTQ families in schools, even if the child is a member of that family. They are proposing erasing any references, books, or discussion that might acknowledge the fact that gay, non-binary, and transgender kids and adults are our friends, our neighbors, our teachers, our classmates, our teammates, and our family members.
"These blatantly anti-LGBTQ bills fly in the face of long-standing and repeated recommendations of educators, doctors, and mental health professionals. Instead, politicians are deciding that they know what is best for individual kids and individual families.
"This is a deliberate effort to stop LGBTQ kids from being able to live their lives in peace and with the privacy and dignity we all deserve.
"We all need to stand up, speak up, and protect the rights of transgender and LGBTQ Iowans. And to LGBTQ Iowans, especially to the children and teens who are being targeted yet again, you are not alone. We are with you. You are valued; you are supported; and you are loved for being exactly who you are."
