On Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, Mayor Bruce Teague traveled to Des Moines on behalf of the City Council to oppose a bill aimed at removing civil rights protections from transgender Iowans. HSB 242 would change how sex and gender are defined by state code, limiting language to the terms of “male” or “female” as assigned at birth. This bill would not only remove these rights, but would place restrictions that would impact birth certificates, restroom use, and ultimately aim to erase the personhood of those who do not conform to the chosen terms put forth as the approved options in HSB242. Since 2007, transgender Iowans have been covered by the Iowa Civil Rights Act, which provides protection from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and credit.
Mayor Teague stated, “This is a historically significant moment in time and there’s a lot of anger and grief. I also believe there is a lot of hope within our community and across Iowa. This is a state with a proud history of championing and advancing civil rights – from the rejection of slavery and racial segregation in education to the affirmation of marriage equality. At this critical moment, it is necessary for us to stand up for the values that have made our state a safe and welcoming place for people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, background, or gender identity. I am here today to voice the City Council’s commitment to maintaining the civil rights of those who call Iowa home. This bill not only harms those who rely on gender identity protections today, but it represents a larger step towards the elimination of rights and security for all. Decisions that aim to hurt, penalize, and erase have no place in our state’s laws. Let us continue to follow our state motto that declares, ‘Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.’ These liberties and rights should not be exclusive.”
