02-03-2025
Protests, discussions continue day after controversial Iowa bill signed into law
DES MOINES, Iowa — One day after a controversial bill that removes gender identity protections from the state's civil rights code was signed into law, Iowans continue to discuss its integrity.
'It's about freedoms and being able to be comfortable in who you are,' said Janice Fenton a founder of activist group 'United in Solidarity.' 'We've come backwards.'
The bill, HSB 242, SF 418, was introduced just a week ago and removes gender identity as a protected class. That means protections from discrimination in employment, housing, wages, etc., have been now removed.
After passing through the House and Senate on Thursday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill Friday afternoon.
On Saturday, dozens of people collected at the statehouse for a 'March Against Hate.' The event was organized by 'United in Solidarity,' which was formed on Monday in response to the bill.
The group gathered at the steps of the Statehouse and worked their way down through the East Village as they chanted about peace and love, and 'no hate in our state!'
The march was held on a significant day. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was signed into law by then President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1 and granted all citizens civil and legal rights.
Meanwhile, in Webster City on Saturday, the Chamber of Commerce held a forum with two GOP lawmakers who were grilled by constituents over the bill and other Republican-led legislative actions.
'It was a difficult topic, right? There were people on both sides, but at the end of the day we really need to afford protections for girls' sports, girls in the bathroom,' said Republican Franklin County State Rep. Shannon Latham. 'That was the real deciding factor for me.'
'I think that's what people put us in office to do,' said Republican Hancock County State Senator Dennis Guth. 'I'm feeling confident that we should move forward.'
During the forum, lawmakers were also asked about a bill outlawing abortion drugs and the effort to make it law that students are educated through videos on the topic.
The day before the bill that would remove gender identity protections from the state's civil rights code was signed, crowds of people filled the Capitol rotunda waving signs and chanting slogans in opposition.
It will officially go into effect July 1.
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