Iowa will be only state to repeal nondiscrimination protections for trans people.

DES MOINES - The Iowa Legislature this evening passed a repeal of 18-year-old nondiscrimination protections for transgender people. The bill was fast-tracked this week, and is expected to be signed into law this evening, making Iowa the only state to repeal nondiscrimination protections for trans people. 

Thousands of Iowans packed the capitol this week to protest the regressive bill that removes protections for trans people from discrimination in housing, employment, credit, education, public accommodations, and more. The protections have been in place since they passed with bipartisan support nearly two decades ago. 

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Fran Hutchins, executive director of Equality Federation, said:

“Nobody should have to live in fear of discrimination simply because of who they are. We know it is wrong to be unfairly kicked out of a restaurant, denied an apartment, or denied education or health care just because someone is transgender. We denounce Iowa’s rollback of civil rights protections for trans people in the strongest possible terms, and call on all Americans of conscience to stand up for their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors.”

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^{A press release from One Iowa earlier today is pasted below:}

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Iowa Legislature Passes Bill Removing Gender Identity from Iowa Civil Rights Act, Setting the Stage for a Dark Day in Iowa’s History

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February 27, 2025

Contact: Keenan Crow

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Mobile: (712) 389-1924

Email: keenan@oneiowa.org

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February 27, 2025 [Des Moines, Iowa] — Today, the Iowa House and Senate passed a bill removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, a move that – if signed by Governor Kim Reynolds – would officially strip transgender and non-binary Iowans of critical protections against discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, credit practices, and more. The legislation now heads to Governor Reynolds’ desk.

If this bill becomes law, Iowa would become the first state in the nation to rescind civil rights protections for an entire protected class—erasing decades of progress and tarnishing Iowa’s legacy as a leader in civil rights. Advocates warn that if enacted, this bill would have devastating consequences—not just for transgender Iowans, but for the state’s workforce, economy, and reputation. Civil rights groups, faith leaders, small business owners, and community organizations spoke out against the proposal, emphasizing that it would make Iowa a less competitive, less welcoming place to live and work.

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One Iowa Executive Director, Max Mowitz, condemned the Legislature’s action and urged Governor Reynolds to veto the bill:

“Governor Reynolds stands at a crossroads. We urge her to choose Iowa’s values of inclusion over discrimination by vetoing this bill. Signing it would put Iowa on the wrong side of history. If she allows this bill to become law, it will effectively make it legal to discriminate against transgender Iowans in nearly every aspect of life — where they live, where they work, and where they go to school. That would send a devastating message that transgender Iowans are not worthy of the same rights, dignity, and protections as their neighbors.

No one should have to live in fear of being denied housing, fired from their job, or excluded from public life simply because of who they are. Transgender Iowans are part of every community in this state — our families, our workplaces, our schools, our places of worship. They deserve the same safety, stability, and opportunity as anyone else. If this bill becomes law, it will cause real harm, making daily life harder and more uncertain for countless Iowans who simply want to live openly and authentically. History will not look kindly on such a betrayal of civil rights.”

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Statement from Bethany Snyder, Board Chair of One Iowa Action:

"Iowa is our home. Our community is here, our work is here, and we want to stay. But my family is scared. With every new law stripping away rights, Iowa feels less like a place where we can safely build our future. Families are making plans to leave because they no longer feel protected. We may have to do the same.

This isn’t just politics — it’s personal. No one should have to leave their home to feel safe, but that is the reality for too many of us. Iowa should be a place where all families, including mine, can thrive without fear."

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We are profoundly grateful to the coalition of organizations, advocates, and everyday Iowans who stood against this injustice. Many spent their time, energy, and resources fighting for fairness, speaking out against this bill, and supporting transgender Iowans in a moment of crisis. Their commitment to justice has not gone unnoticed, and it will not be in vain.

One Iowa and One Iowa Action will not give up on this fight. We will continue working to protect the civil rights of transgender Iowans, and we will not stop until Iowa is a state that upholds fairness, dignity, and equality for all.

One Iowa and One Iowa Action urge Governor Reynolds to do the right thing and veto this bill. 

We encourage every Iowan who believes in fairness and equality to CALL the Governor’s office at 515-281-5211 and demand she reject this harmful, discriminatory legislation. Now is the time to stand up for our transgender neighbors and stop this attack on civil rights before it becomes law.

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‍Equality Federation is a national network of 50 state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.