Iowa Lawmakers Pass Bill Removing Gender Identity Protections

The legislation prompted protests in the state’s Capitol.

A general view of an American flag outside of the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 3, 2023. Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

Iowa’s Legislature passed a bill on Feb. 27 to remove gender identity protections from the state’s civil rights code, prompting protests at the state Capitol from opponents who say it could expose people who identify as transgender to discrimination.

Senate lawmakers voted 33–15 to pass Senate Bill 418, introduced last week by Republican Sen. Jason Schultz.