DES MOINES – A tax-exempt pro-LGBTQ group is warning that the Iowa House of Representatives is discussing two bills that “are targeted at LGBTQ Iowans” while others believe the bills offer common sense and are not unfair in any way.
On Monday, February 9th, the Iowa House will hold hearings on a bill that may impact how towns pass ordinances that give special treatment towards LGBTQ persons and another bill that allows parents to raise their children without certain government intervention. Although the bills appear to possibly offer merit in the common sense they may deliver to society, a pro-LGBTQ group is furious and wants the bills killed. One Iowa Action is a 501(c)(4) organization working to preserve and advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) Iowans through grassroots efforts and advocacy, and they want the following bills defeated.
HSB664 appears to be merely an attempt by lawmakers to reign in unfair treatment or preferential treatment towards citizens. Text in the bill states, “All cities shall, to the extent possible, protect the rights of the citizens of this state secured by the Iowa civil rights Act (passed in 1965). A city or local government shall not enact any ordinance or other law which is broader or has different categories of unfair or discriminatory practices.”
However, One Iowa Action is against this bill. They say, this “is a bill that would take away the ability for cities and counties to pass ordinances to protect civil rights above and beyond what the state is protecting. This is dangerous and contrary to the original intent of the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA). ICRA was initially envisioned as a floor to build off of so that local leaders could respond to the unique needs of their community. This is yet another attempt to curtail the civil rights of Iowans and remove local control from communities who want to offer more protection than the state.”
HSB669 is also under consideration, and is described as “An Act allowing a person to raise, guide, and instruct a child in a manner consistent with the child’s sex.”
However, One Iowa Action is against this bill. They say, this “bill that would allow parents (biological, adoptive, foster, or otherwise) to engage in the dangerous, discredited practice known as conversion therapy to try to change the gender identity of a young person. These practices have been rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organization. These practices are not only ineffective but extremely harmful and lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, homelessness, and suicide.”
One Iowa Action Executive Director, Max Mowitz, condemned the legislation in a statement:
“Once again extremist politicians in the Iowa Legislature are doing everything they can to target LGBTQ Iowans…even if that means rolling back civil rights and enabling medical professionals to engage in dangerous, discredited practices that are condemned by every major medical and mental health organization. Rather than tackling serious issues involving health, safety, and education, these legislators want to continue engaging in culture war nonsense that will benefit no one and only serves to harm vulnerable Iowans.”