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Damian Thompson of GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force (Iowa Safe Schools) labeled the legislation a “don’t say gay” bill. The legislation requires parents be notified if students will receive instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation. It allows them to opt their children out.
“(It) only continues this year’s legislative trend of marginalizing and attacking LGBT,” said Thompson, who worked previously in Governor Kim Reynolds’ office and interned with Congressman David Young. “By even having this debate, right now the Iowa legislature is contributing to higher suicide risks among LGBT. We need to be creating safer, more inclusive schools. This bill does the exact opposite.”
