Under a proposed law public schools in Iowa will be able to designate and allow use of bathrooms and changing facilities based on biological sex rather than someone’s perceived “gender identity.”
House Study Bill 208 states the sex listed on the student’s birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption may be relied upon.
The bill does allow for accommodations to be made due to “special circumstances at a person’s request.” Accommodations would include allowing a person to use a single-occupancy restroom or changing facility, but not include allowing a person to use a multiple-occupancy restroom or changing facility that doesn’t correspond with the person’s sex.
The bill also states policies resulting from the bill do not constitute unfair or discriminatory practices in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights code, which provides protections based on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
It also provides for private cause of action if a public school violates the law.
The bill is scheduled for a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 8 a.m. Republican Representatives Steven Holt and Bobby Kaufmann will serve on the subcommittee along with Democrat Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell.
