Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a law that prohibits local governments in Iowa from offering civil rights protections that are outside of what’s included in the state’s Civil Rights Act.
Last year, state lawmakers removed gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, prompting some Iowa cities to adopt ordinances that extended local protections to transgender residents.
Reynolds says the law she signed ensures all civil rights ordinances at the local level are consistent with state law.
Laura Bergus, a member of the city council in Iowa City, says local officials are reviewing the law to see if it’s possible to file a lawsuit to block it.
Over a dozen cities adopted ordinances that prohibited discrimination based on gender identity, but the bill the governor signed into law took effect immediately, so none are currently in effect.
KIWA Staff Photo
