Iowa Advances Bills Targeting LGBTQ+ Content

Iowa Republicans are pushing forward multiple legislative proposals aimed at restricting minors' access to LGBTQ+ content and events. A significant piece of legislation, House Study Bill 158, would make it a felony to take minors to drag shows, with critics arguing it could broadly restrict transgender people from performing in front of minors. Protests erupted as the bill advanced through the subcommittee, with demonstrators chanting 'drag is not a crime' outside the Iowa State Capitol. Additionally, bills are being considered to extend book bans in public libraries and restrict educational content on gender identity and sexual orientation for all K-12 students. Meanwhile, in Indiana, a bill has been proposed to criminalize sleeping outdoors, raising concerns from advocates who argue it fails to address underlying homelessness issues.