Iowa lawmakers look to change protected classes in Iowa Civil Rights on Thursday
DES MOINES, Iowa — After a week of protests, large police presence, and public comment periods, both chambers of lawmakers are set to debate a bill removing 'gender identity' from the Iowa Civil Rights code.
The bill, HSB 242, was introduced on February 20 and would completely remove gender identity as a protected class, meaning protections from discrimination in employment, housing, wages, etc. would be removed.
This move could make Iowa the first state to take back civil rights to a protected class after they had been afforded.
Food restrictions for Iowans on SNAP benefits advances in Iowa House
The Iowa Senate Judiciary committee advanced the bill on Wednesday afternoon, clearing the way for debate Thursday.
A public hearing is set for Thursday morning in the Iowa House chamber. This will last for 90 minutes, and then both chambers are expected to debate the bill, which could send the legislation to the Governor's desk just a week after these proposals were introduced.
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