Iowa Law Strips Gender Identity Protections from Civil Rights Act

Iowa has enacted a controversial law, signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, that removes gender identity as a protected class from the state's Civil Rights Act, making it the first state to roll back such protections. The new law, effective July 1, also defines 'sex' strictly as male or female, based on biological characteristics at birth, and prohibits the teaching of 'gender theory' in public schools for grades K-6. Supporters, including Reynolds, argue that the law is necessary to protect the rights of women and girls and prevent taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries. Critics, including LGBTQ+ advocates, express that this legislation legalizes discrimination against transgender individuals in various aspects of life, including housing and employment. The law has sparked significant protests at the Iowa Capitol, where demonstrators criticized lawmakers for undermining civil rights. This legislative move reflects a broader national trend among conservative states seeking to redefine gender-related policies.