DES MOINES, Iowa — A new bill that would remove protections against gender identity discrimination from the Iowa Civil Rights Act is making its way through the statehouse.
The proposed legislation, HF 2082, would also classify gender dysphoria or any condition related to gender identity as a disability.
"It's just a way to start the conversation," said Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Van Buren. "Gender identity is a topic that's not very well understood, and civil rights laws are not very well understood."
Currently, the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects people from being discriminated against in employment, wages, public accommodations, housing, education and credit practices because of their gender identity.
Opponents of HF 2082 believe these protections must remain in place.
"To ultimately walk back protections that have worked very well for thousands of Iowans for the last almost two decades is extremely problematic," said Damian Thompson, Director of External Affairs for Iowa Safe Schools.
Shipley, however, sees the amount of legal protections provided in the bill as "incredibly generous".
"I am a little bit perplexed at some of the negative reactions we have had to it," Shipley said. "I think that's just because people don't understand what these laws mean."
Local advocates say there is already anxiety surrounding the legislative climate towards the LGBTQ community, and this bill adds to it.
"I don't know what has changed in the last couple of years that it's worth having a conversation about whether or not someone is worthy of the same rights as everyone else, but it's concerning to say the least," Thompson said.
Despite mixed opinions on this legislation, Shipley says he wants to bring all voices to the table at the subcommittee meeting.
"We need more free speech, we need more free expression of ideas, we need not just one committee hearing, probably several committee hearings to really flesh out these issues and make sure everyone really has their voice heard," Shipley said.
The subcommittee meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 12 p.m. in room 102.