Earlier this week we told you about the Forest City YMCA allowing males who identify as females to use the female facilities. The executive director — a person called Cindy Rosa — cited the Iowa Civil Rights Code as the reason.
The Iowa Civil Rights Code provides protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, non-profits and religious organizations are not bound by such protections.
Staff has resigned from the location and individuals have told The Iowa Standard they have canceled their memberships.
One employee told The Iowa Standard they feared for the future of the Forest City YMCA.
“I don’t want to lose our Y,” they said. “I love our Y. I have grieved over this situation. And it is such an important aspect of our town — it just breaks my heart that we’re even in this situation.”
On Wednesday, the Forest City YMCA issued a statement:
“At the Forest City YMCA, the safety and comfort of all members and guests is our top priority. Effective immediately, the following changes will be made:
*The men’s, women’s, girls’ and boys’ locker rooms will be closed.
*The individual change locker room will still be available.
*All restrooms will be single-use.
The Forest City YMCA limited who could comment on the post and does not appear to be allowing anyone to comment.
