Protests erupt as Iowa bill threatens gender identity protections

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill to remove gender identity protections from the state’s civil rights code, sparking protests at the Capitol.

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied against the bill, facing a heavy police presence. The bill moved quickly through the legislature despite opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates. If passed, Iowa would be the first state to reverse such protections.

This move follows Republican-led efforts to restrict transgender rights, aligning with similar laws in other states and past Trump-era policies, many of which face legal challenges.