On Friday, Iowa's Republican governor signed a transformative bill repealing civil rights protections for transgender individuals, positioning Iowa as the first state to do so. Governor Reynolds, who had previously enacted laws limiting gender-transition treatments for minors, asserted that the Civil Rights Code confused biological differences. The bill, supported by Republicans, passed amid significant protests and Democrat objections about potential discrimination. This legislation uniquely excludes transgender individuals from legal protection, while retaining provisions for gay and lesbian citizens, reflecting a broader national trend under the Trump administration against transgender recognition and rights.
The signing of the Iowa legislation comes as President Trump's administration moves to limit official recognition of transgender identity nationally, highlighting a broader trend of exclusion.
Gov. Kim Reynolds stated that before signing this bill, the Civil Rights Code blurred the biological line between the sexes, indicating a fundamental belief in biological determinism.
State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell described the measure as creating a caste system, pointing out that it deprives Iowa trans citizens of equal rights.
The Republican-backed bill was passed by both chambers despite protests, illustrating a significant divide in how civil rights are interpreted and enforced for different groups.
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