Hunter
03/23/23
Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation on Wednesday that bans gender-affirming care for minors and enacts transgender bathroom restrictions for schools.
The law prohibits the prescribing of puberty blockers , hormone therapy, or gender –affirming surgeries to transgender children under 18. Minors who are currently receiving that care now have 180 days to discontinue that care.
In addition, the bathroom bill prevents transgender youth from using school bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.
The day before, Reynolds told reporters that the bills are in the best interest of the kids. The Gazette reports the governor also fired back at the proposed law’s critics, who she said remind her of the critics of her move to reopen Iowa’s schools and businesses earlier than some other states during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CR Pride President Corey Jacobsen said in a release that their organization is, quote, “devastated and
concerned for the negative impacts it will have on our transgender children and teens, as well
as all LGBTQ youth. Once again, the queer community is being scrutinized and under attack by
legislation.”
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa criticized the governor for signing the bills behind closed doors and without public notice. Mazie Stilwell, director of Public Affairs for the organization, said, “Gender-affirming care is essential, lifesaving, and supported by every credible medical organization in the United States. This is not about Iowans’ health or safety: it is about politicians taking away young people’s bodily autonomy and control. Iowa’s youth and transgender people deserve so much better from our elected representatives.”
ACLU of Iowa executive director Mark Stringer says he and Democratic lawmakers have already heard from families who say they’re planning to move their transgender teens out of state.
The laws are most likely to be challenged in court, as it conflicts with both state and federal civil rights protections.