Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person’s sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.(See HF 583.)

Subcommittee members: Holt-CH, Fett, Wilburn

Date: Monday, February 24, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: RM 103

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-23-2025

Jennifer Gardner

Please vote no on this bill. Taking basic rights away from any Iowan is wrong. I support transgendered humans. They should be able to live life without discrimination. It was my understanding that the Iowa motto is "our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain". This bill surely goes against that!

02-23-2025

Linda Lehan

I cannot believe in this day and age that certain rights are trying to be taken away from those who have earned those rights just as every other American. We have definitely gone back in time to a place of hate and fear. You have singled out those who identify themselves differently than what you deem as acceptable and want them held in your judgement as to what their rights should entail. This legislation would strip transgender individuals of the civil rights that they deserve. As a grandparent of a transgender grandchild, I plead with you to reject HSB 242 and stop furthering obstacles that are being put in their way to live a great and productive life. I hope you realize how hurtful and destructive this bill would be if passed. Please really consider all the ramifications for the transgender community if this bill is not rejected. I firmly believe you will do the right thing for my grandchild and all those who would be affected negatively.

02-23-2025

Tina M. [none]

Please approve this bill. Our children deserve the truth of this matter and the safety they deserve. Truth is truth no matter how you try to sugar coat the issue. God made male and female. You can play dress up all you want, just do it at home away from the children.

02-23-2025

Miela Miller-Jacobs

Discussions about sex and gender are still fundamental in 2025. Theres still a pay gap, trans people deserve to live, oppression is never ok, and youre trying to silence these conversations. This bill will impact everyone, not just trans people. We deserve to live, be educated, have rights, and so much more. Stopping this bill is incredibly important. Please.

02-23-2025

Nathan Paul

What a disgrace we are devolving to where we want to erase peoples civil rights, because we disagree with how they were born. Know what you sow in this state, it WILL come back to haunt you as you continue to lower the bar further and further.

02-23-2025

Karen McDonald

I strongly oppose this bill. What is the purpose other than to purposefully harm and dehumanize people you do not agree with? Iowa has long been a leader is advocating for civil rights and treating people with dignity and respect, until recently. When you start stripping away one group's rights, we have to wonder who is next? Our state motto says "Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain". It does not add, "but only if you are a white cis het christian male".

02-23-2025

Anne Crotty

I strongly oppose HSB 242. "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain..." FOR SOME. It is embarrassing and shameful that our leaders are debating whether to strip rights from Iowans that already have them, right than protecting and maintaining them!

02-23-2025

Kelsey Josephson

I am writing to urge all representatives to vote no on this cruel bill. If passed, this will be a huge step backward for civil rights in Iowa. This will impact the quality of life in all aspects for trans and nonbinary citizens, a vulnerable group that is at risk for discrimination. They will face the possibility of being denied housing, employment, education, banking, medical care, and everything else one needs in order to thrive and survive. Transgender people are my friends, neighbors, and family. I want them to be safe living in Iowa.I'm deeply concerned if this legislation specifically designed to strip rights away from trans, nonbinary, and intersex citizens passes, what marginalized group will be the next to lose their basic protections? Women? People of different ethnicities? People who are disabled? This is a horrible slippery slope that makes me fear for Iowa's future.Please keep Iowa safe for everyone. Vote no on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Shelly Silver [Polk City Democrats]

I wish I could be there in person to express my opposition to any legislation that strips any Iowan of their rights. Transgender people deserve the same rights as anyone else. It has never been okay to discriminate. It is completely disturbing that the Republican party thinks this is okay. They need to educate themselves on who transgender people are. They are people just like everyone else who just want to live their lives in peace and have the same rights as everyone else. A small percentage of the population is born intersex referring to a natural variation in sex characteristics that do not fit into the typical male or female binary. This incurs in about 1 and 100 births. As a society, we place too much pressure on kids to fit into prescribed female and male gender roles. How about we just let kids be kids and let them decide who they are? Isn't that what freedom is? It is no one's business if a person is transgender or not. This type of discrimination would also lead to very intense violations of privacy. This is wrong on many levels. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Brady Gsell

I am writing to voice my strong rejection of HSB242, and am requesting that my legislators do the same. This is a un precedented bill that would roll back protections for vulnerable Iowans. Trans Iowans are a small population who live and work in this state and who have been unjustly and disproportionately targeted simply for their identity. There is no greater grounds for continuing to protect their right to live peaceful lives. They harm no one. Antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any merit based system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Susanne Kennedy [Susanne Kennedy]

I am registering my opposition to this bill; all Iowans should be protected whether transgender or not. This bill is so morally objectionable, it makes me sick it is even being considered. who is next if you manage to pass this horrible piece of legislation. the rest of the LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people? where does it end? all people deserve to be protected Please vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Emily Linton

I strongly oppose Bill HSB 242. There is no legitimate reason to further discriminate against and endanger individuals on the basis of gender identity. A persons gender identity has no bearing on their ability to be a fantastic employee, tenant, or neighbor. This bill would accomplish nothing useful for the state of Iowa and would serve only to make people feel unwelcome and unsafe. Do not pass this bill and spread more hate!

02-23-2025

Christine Ewert

I do not support removing protections for trans people in our state. Gender identity should be kept a protected class just like sex. Enforcing this on citizens is not a valuable use of our time and resourcesof all the problems we have and could be solving, focusing so much on policing and punishing a minority group's identity and pronouns when it harms basically no one, is ridiculous. You don't have to be trans yourself or even understand their feelings to offer them some respect and leave them be. It would be a shame for our state to lead the nation in this.

02-23-2025

Mike Keller-Wilson

Please do not support this bill.If signed into law, this bill will hurt Iowans and increase harmful discrimination against cis and transIowans. It is illconsidered and includes nonsensical language such as "The term equal does not mean same or identical.

02-23-2025

Jenny Singer

Please reject HSB242. Iowans want our rights expanded, not retracted. We put our elected officials in place to protect our freedoms, not remove them. I want the law to leave mine and my neighbors sex and gender well enough alone and focus on funding schools, roads, and other issues that benefit the public. Stripping trans people of their rights is low, cowardly, morally wrong, and a bizarre waste of Iowans time.

02-23-2025

Edward Cranston [Retired]

I am asking you to please reject HSB242. It is clear that essential protections for transgender Iowans will be lost which is so unfair. Transgender Iowans should be treated just like everyone else. Please vote against this unfair and unnecessary bill.

02-23-2025

Renee Kellogg

Please reject this bill. This is statesanctioned bigotry and discrimination. Iowa is better than this. Trans people ARE PEOPLE. They deserve to work, be housed etc. They deserve the same basic human rights that everybody else has.

02-23-2025

Naomi Greyser

Please do not be cowed by folks in DC who are fear mongering about socalled gender ideology. Who is afraid of civil rights?? We appreciate your leadership in doing what we all know is right which is ensuring peace and ethical behavior towards ALL IOWANS. We in the Midwest are tired of folks who step into public office to act in cruel ways. We want real leaders who enact true citizenship and vote this absurd and awful bill away. Thank you

02-23-2025

Emilie Dolphin

Im writing to say please vote no on this discriminatory bill. This will directly affect my family members, friends, and community. I choose to live in Iowa because I believe in its potential to be forward thinking, welcoming to ALL, and a strong example of true acceptance for everyone. Show we are that guiding light by voting no

02-23-2025

Elliot Hail-Langner

I am one of the Iowans that will be directly negatively impacted by this legislation if it passes. Please do not remove protections from this group of Iowans doing so will only fuel the hate and discrimination that is already being experienced by transgender and nonbinary Iowans. Trans and nonbinary people are your neighbors, coworkers, leaders, deli workers, teachers, police officers, business owners, customers, patients, students, and friends. We deserve protection in all facets of public life. We help make Iowa the state it is today, and excluding us is not the way forward. Please oppose this bill.

02-23-2025

Morgan Turner

I have already reached out to Rep Holt by email on this matter before he introduced HSB 242. The subject line of my email stated: how will you show up for your transgender neighbors in Iowa? Rep Holt has decided that how he will show up for me as his transgender neighbor is by stripping away my American rights under the Iowa law, and to remove protections for trans individuals to have the right to rent, buy food, work, or be included in the basics of daily American life. I am your neighbor. I am your transgender neighbor, but I am your Iowa neighbor nonetheless. This law would exclude trans Iowans from the Iowa Civil Rights act, which would allow other Iowans to treat me not as their neighbor, but as a person who is discarded from humanity and barred from Iowa society for simply being who I am, and existing as a trans Iowan.I have been in Iowa the last 20 years after many years as a military kid, traveling from state to state. Iowa is the place that has provided me the most stability, and so after many years of moving around from the deep south to the far reaches of Alaska, I chose to settle here in Iowa. I settled in Cedar Rapids and have found a fantastic community that shares in joys, pains, and celebrations. Family is incredibly important to me, and I feel really lucky to have a place where I feel rooted and grounded. My community has helped each other through natural disasters such as the derecho and other everyday joys and struggles from births, deaths, marriages, transitions, educational journeys, and everything inbetween.Iowa has been a comforting backdrop where we all contribute by civil engagement, community love and care, and living out our shared values of being a good neighbor, working to help others, and dedication to a better world. Being trans really isn't a big deal for me until politicians like Sandy Salmon, Rep Holt, Governor Reynolds, and Donald Trump make it a big deal by suddenly treating me not as another Iowan and American, but as a person who doesn't belong in their state or country. If we removed "men" from the legal protections in the Civil Rights act, I doubt highly you would shrug it off and be okay with being treated by your countryfolk as 'untouchables'. Would Christ act this way? How is this being neighborly, or kind, or full of family values? If we met during one of the crises that Iowa has had from a flood to a derecho, I would be laser focused on working with any one of you to find solutions and assisting our neighbors, regardless of ideologies or identities. I am an Iowan, and we pride ourselves in being good neighbors and doing good to those in our communities. Being a helping hand is how I live my day to day life. I have assisted in community development efforts that focus in helping the hungry by distributing food through food pantries, and I am a law abiding citizen. I am purchasing a home in Iowa and bringing my work and wholesome dedication to my state. Iowa has been my home since 2006, so nearly 20 years. Removing gender identity as a protected class from the civil rights act enables businesses to deny me a meal, to sell me a car or even a house, and impedes my inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Not being able to engage fully in Iowa's society makes people like me feel what our state is telling us we are: 2nd class citizens that do not have equal rights under the law. Is this how you want to be remembered? Because I will never forget your actions to my trans loved ones and fellow neighbors. I know I am speaking a lot for myself in this email, but that is because I can't speak to other's personal experiences. I want to put a face to that transgender person who you may not know in person, but who you would most likely help in a natural disaster. If you would be a good neighbor to me in a storm, help me bag sand for the next flood, or get together food for the pantry at the library I work at, why would you not be a good neighbor in ways that will affect my life for years to come? Negative changes like taking away protections only do harm to people like me, they do not prevent me from existing or hide my existence. I will be out and proud till the end, and will continue to be a good Iowan who cares for their neighbors and communityI wrote this essay about being a Queer and trans Iowan back in 2019, in college, which was 6 years ago. I hope that this helps paint a more personal picture of who I am as a trans Iowan who is just trying to live out my life. BestMorgan Turner

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02-23-2025

Marian Clark

Please reject the Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act HSB242 against transgender people. I don't want to live in a state where people have to either mask or fear living their Godgiven sexual identities because those in power don't believe people of all sexualities/genders are worthwhile and equal.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Nath

Please vote yes on HSB 242 to protect females in bathrooms and locker rooms. This bill will still protect the right of a person to identify however they choose and dress how they choose.This bill will simply protect our female designated spaces for biological females only including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, sports, and will end the practice of the state of Iowa paying for hormones and genital surgeries.Currently Iowa law says gender identity is a protected class in the civil rights code. Federal civil rights code does not say this. 27 other states do not have this law either. This law passed in 2007 is errant, because according to our Creator and to the biology of humans, there are 2 genders and no gender identities. That is reality, truth and fact. That made up term gender identity, is based on delusions of people who are struggling with their mental health about their identity. The most loving thing we can do for anyone is to tell them the truth, including those who are struggling with gender dysphoria. Iowans have made it clear in the past few legislative sessions with the bills we have passed to protect women and girls in their sports, their locker rooms and bathrooms, in k12 classrooms, as well as public places like the pool they want truthful and common sense laws to protect our society. Having gender identity as a protected class in Iowa civil rights code, means that our biological daughters could have to share bath and locker rooms with biological boys and men, and compete against them in sports. It also has resulted in the state of Iowa paying for artificial hormones and genital surgeries for those who want to attempt to change their body to that of the opposite gender. Of note, there are just two of those gender options available when seeking sex change treatments.

02-23-2025

George Johnson

Removing a protected class from a civil rights act is a dangerous precedent. There is language in this bill that would give unlimited authority for the state of Iowa's government to discriminate against all protected classes under the Iowa civil rights act. The entire process of entertaining a bill like this is an affront to taxpayer interests, as trans Iowans pay their share of taxes but ultimately are less than 1% of the population, and elected officials are using valuable time and resources that could be spent addressing more impactful needs within the state than to further authorize discrimination based on gender identity and permanently alter the definitions of certain words in future legislation. I urge you to vote no on this bill and return to the business of protecting the interests of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Patricia Meier

I ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for Gods transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. I grew up a nave farm girl, first generation of my family to go to high school or college. My first realization that not all of Gods children were heterosexual came when I was a novice nurse (early 70s). Over time, I came to understand that one of my peers saw himself differently. Coupled with that understanding was the realization that no one would ever choose to be homosexual given our societal taboos.All of Gods children living in this beautiful Gods Country deserve an equable opportunity to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.Please do NOT make pass legislation to change our Iowa constitution to revoke equality for our fellow children of God.PS How do you classify persons who were born with male and female sexual organs (intersex)?

02-23-2025

Matt Wells

Our civil rights laws in Iowa acknowledge untrue things. There is no such thing as gender identity. There are two sexes, male and female. Anything else is a birth defect to be treated on a case by case basis. Mainstreaming this madness through law, as is currently the case, is foolish and dangerous. I urge passage of this bill.

02-23-2025

Anthony Allou

I urge the committee members to vote no on advancing this bill. To remove protections from any group that will certainly suffer prejudicial treatment unless specifically protected is cruel and unjust. This state once had the interests of all of its citizens in mind, but now the lack of under and compassion is staggering. Not protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities is unconscionable. Again, please vote no.

02-23-2025

Michaela Lewis

Please vote NO on removing rights from those in the trans community. A person's gender idenity should not dictate what rights they are entitied to. This group need our legislators to help protect them, not marginalize them. I'm appalled that Iowa is even considering this.

02-23-2025

Erin Wickering

My name is Erin but I go by Wren (they/them) I am an artist, writer, business owner, homeowner, parent, and trans person who has lived in Des Moines for 20 years. I oppose this atrocious bill.Since the christian nationalists trying to run our government like to quote the bible, lets take a look at a couple of verses.Isaiah 56:35 says this: Do not let the foreigner joined to the Lord say, The Lord will surely separate me from his people; and do not let the eunuch say, I am just a dry tree. For thus says the Lord: I will give, in my house, and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name.In case you didnt know, eunuchs were gendernonconforming people of that time. Because we have always been here and we will always be here. In Matthew 19:12, Jesus himself says: There are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made so by others, and there are some who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.Jesus also said that Gods greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. You are trying to hate us out of existence, but the joke is on you, because we love ourselves more than you will ever hate us. And love is an unstoppable force.

02-23-2025

Patrick O

Here I am adding to the endless scroll of comments opposed to HSB 242 please do not move this bill forward. As an Iowan with many trans and nonbinary friends, I assure you theyre real, and their perspectives on sex and gender are advanced. This bill moves our society in the opposite directionits discriminatory, and extremely hurtful. It invalidates the existence of certain people. For what? The safety and wellbeing of who? This bill only hurts. The proposal alone makes me uncomfortable. It lures your people into a confused depression. Please, open your heart and listen to your people.

02-23-2025

Anthony Allou

02-23-2025

K Hardy

Please oppose this bill. This bill discriminates against Iowan tax payers. Transgender individuals deserve the same treatment under the law and should also be acknowledged and represented. Education should be provided for all so there is equal opportunity to all individual tax paying citizens no matter what gender they identify with.

02-23-2025

Matthew Bargstadt

I am deeply concerned about HSB 242, as it threatens the fundamental human rights of our neighbors in the LGBTQ+ communitypeople already facing so much hate, bigotry, and stigma. This bill undermines their dignity and rights, and they deserve respect, not discrimination.The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey shows nearly 40% of transgender respondents have attempted suicide in their lifetimesalmost 10 times the rate of the general population. Opposing this bill is about standing up for our transgender neighbors and letting them live authentically.Opposing this bill is fundamentally prolife. I strongly oppose HSB 242 and encourage others to do the same.

02-23-2025

David Kutter

Please reject HSB242 which would remove protections for transgender Iowans by stripping them of their civil rights. All Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. I have a transgender family member. Perhaps you do, too, or someday will have. Living a transgender life is not easy as it as a group already oppressed. Our laws should provide antidiscrimination protections and equal opportunities under the law. Let us continue to make Iowa that place because transgender people are our family, neighbors and coworkers. I urge you to vote against advancing HSB242.

02-23-2025

Tiffany Welch

As a Christian, I oppose this bill. As a human, who cares about other people, I oppose this bill. As an Iowan, I oppose this bill. We already face a shortage of doctors in our state; becoming a state that denies the science of gender will make that harder. This will make it harder to attract business and workers to the state. This will make Iowa even more of a joke of a state: we have corn and we love to discriminate! Most of all, this bill is cruel just for the sake of being cruel. People identifying how they want does no harm to you or your family.

02-23-2025

Madison Imoehl

This bill is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of transgender and nonbinary Iowans. Erasing gender identity from civil rights protections and restricting education on gender theory harms vulnerable individuals and limits students access to accurate information. Policies should support inclusion and respect, not push harmful narratives that erase peoples lived experiences. Iowa should be a place where all individuals are valued and protectednot where their identities are legislated out of existence.

02-23-2025

Shelley Asher

I strongly oppose the proposed bill that seeks to strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. This harmful legislation is a direct attack on a vulnerable community and undermines the values of equality and justice that should be upheld by our state. Transgender individuals, like all Iowans, deserve to live with dignity, respect, and the same rights as everyone else. This bill would only further marginalize and endanger an already oppressed group, and it is crucial that we stand united against it. I urge lawmakers to reconsider their support for this dangerous measure and instead work toward policies that foster inclusivity, safety, and equal treatment for all people in Iowa, regardless of gender identity.Iowa should be a place where every citizen, no matter their identity, feels valued and protected. I call on lawmakers to reject this bill and protect the rights of transgender Iowans.Thank you.

02-23-2025

Angie Ellerbroek

I oppose HSB 242. Vote NO on this. Transgender and nonbinary people have been around throughout history. If you don't know that, educate yourself and learn using reputable sources. The bills presented the past few years that harm transgender persons validate the NEED of having gender identity protected in the Iowa civil rights Act.

02-23-2025

Jaime FEATHERS

I oppose HSB242. I am a proud ally. I remember a time when I was proud of our state. I am disgusted and disheartened by the near constant bullying of the lgbtq+ community that is taking place here. I'm horrified by the amount of wheel spinning and money /time wasting our government is willing squander to attempt to deny my friends , family and loved ones their rights.

02-23-2025

Joyce Janca

These measures will cause harm to vulnerable just trying to live their lives. There have always been trans people, and there will always be trans people. And gender theory is based not on idealogy, but biology. This feels more like trying to suppress knowledge that the earth is round to impose the notion that the earth is flat. Understanding that gender is something we are taught and trained into is not a dangerous idea. It is dangerous, however, to ban books and areas of study. Being trans is not contagious. Being able to live according to one's own truths is not something to fear. Trying to erase a reality does not make anything less real.

02-23-2025

Lindsey Braun

I speak against HSB242. This is a dangerous erosion of Civil Rights and, though I'm a transplant here, seems very unIowan. Treating others as we want to be treated is my experience of most Iowans. Targeting a small and vulnerable minority and stripping them of important protections under the law? We have to be better than this.

02-23-2025

Devin Wilson

I've lived in Iowa for years, and had my fair share of trans and queer friends over the years. Frankly I cannot deny that putting this absurd bill into action would outrightly take away the rights of people just trying to live their lives. Honestly it's disrespectful and ridiculous to impose such a bill on innocent people who just want to be left alone

02-23-2025

Megan Griffith

HSB 242 is completely unconstitutional and embarrassing for our state. We are the land of freedom for all, and removing civil rights to any human for any reason is an absolute tragedy and evil. It doesnt matter your beliefs on gender, these are still human beings we are talking about. Reject this horrific bill. We are better than this.

02-23-2025

Joyce Janca

I oppose this measure. These measures will cause harm to vulnerable just trying to live their lives. There have always been trans people, and there will always be trans people. And gender theory is based not on idealogy, but biology. This feels more like trying to suppress knowledge that the earth is round to impose the notion that the earth is flat. Understanding that gender is something we are taught and trained into is not a dangerous idea. It is dangerous, however, to ban books and areas of study. Being trans is not contagious. Being able to live according to one's own truths is not something to fear. Trying to erase a reality does not make anything less real.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Klaus

I firmly believe that every Iowan deserves to have their rights protected and to be treated with dignity and respect. HSB 242 contradicts this principle by removing explicit civil rights protections for transgender Iowans, making them more vulnerable to discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The absence of a protection in other states or federal law does not justify stripping it away in Iowaour state has long been a leader in expanding civil rights and ensuring equal treatment under the law. Just as past generations fought to extend protections to marginalized groups, we should continue that tradition rather than reversing progress.

02-23-2025

K James

I urge you to oppose Iowa HSB242. This bill directly contradicts the core values of freedom, individual rights, and limited government that many of us hold dear. Every Iowan deserves the right to live free from discrimination and to pursue happiness without unwarranted government interference. By maintaining these protections, we uphold the fundamental principle that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect. Lets work together to ensure that Iowa remains a place where liberty and justice are guaranteed for all citizens, including our transgender neighbors. Please vote no on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Carey Erbst

Everyone has the right to choose how they want to live there life be said being Trans does not harm no one there just like any other person in America and further more they are by no means a threat to kids either they have the right to be protected just like any other American we all bleed the same if I also remember the thoul shall not be judge and I look at this never once has any Trans hurt no one but yet straights and people that do worse crime is who they should Truely worry about final all want to say is Trans life's matters so let's protect all our lgbtq .never once have you read in a news paper Trans hurt a soul but best belive other Americans got by with hurt them with hardly any action taken toward them.again all American people should be equal no matter race or sex .

02-23-2025

Darin Webb

This bill uses language ripped straight from the Jim Crow era to promote discrimination against Iowans on the basis of gender expression. This bill will harm women, men, nonbinary, and transgender Iowans alike and is as hateful and unscientific as it is a waste of time. Our elected officials should lead with compassion and curiosity, not cruelty and fear.

02-23-2025

Holly Dunlay-Lott

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Rights should not be taken away based on someones gender/identity. Please start using your time to help people instead of hurt people! How about focusing on homelessness, food insecurity, education, etc.

02-23-2025

Rachael Button

HSB 242 is a clear example of government overreach that infringes on the civil rights of Iowans. By dictating how individuals can identify and restricting educational discussions on gender, this bill imposes unnecessary government control into personal lives and local schools. This bill erodes personal liberty and undermines the rights of Iowans to live and learn without state interference. Government should protect civil rights, not restrict them. HSB 242 is a step in the wrong direction.

02-23-2025

Sheena Thomas

HSB242 is wrong on so many frontsmorally it dehumanizes people who are already vulnerable to bullying and discrimination, physically it takes protections away from people who need housing and food and jobs, historically it undercuts Iowa's heritage of sticking up for underdogs in its civil rights judicial rulings, and speaking as a Christian, Jesus would definitely be on the side of meeting and dining with and loving each and every one of people in the margins of society. Transgender people do not need fixing; they do need the civil rights protections that are in force today.Thank you for the courage you need to stand against this very wrong bill.

02-23-2025

Monica Goedken

Vote no on HSB 242. As a 5th generation Iowan, I am proud to call Iowa home. I was raised to love and care for my neighbors, no matter our differences. Every person has a gender identity, denying that is unethical and causes harm to others. Dont remove gender identity from Iowa code.Monica Goedken Des Moines

02-23-2025

Sabrina Bailey

True Iowans dont support the hate spewed in this bill. All vulnerable populations deserve protections and to amend a bill of rights to remove protections is egregious. I dont know how anyone could vote for this bill in good conscience.

02-23-2025

Justine Stamer

The very title of this bill, the Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act, says all that it needs to, and really needs no negative descriptors added in order to paint this legislation in an unattractive light. It says it in the title, that it is the aim of this legislation to remove rights from Iowans. I, for one, have loved ones who fall into the category of people being crossed out of having legal protections. Even if you do not know or love someone who would lose protections under HSB242, ask yourself how long before its a category you fall into? How long before its age, religion, or marital status with a black line crossing it out, removing your protections under the law? It starts with gender identity, but where does it end? A person is a person, worthy and deserving of protections under the law, regardless of their gender identity. Transgender Iowans are not my enemy. As someone with a reproductive system capable of sometimes producing ova, I do not fear transgender women, nor do I fear sharing a restroom with them, and I do not have any problem with them competing in womens sports. This manufactured rage and conflict is distracting the Iowa legislature from focusing on the very real, very pressing issues facing everyday people. When considering HSB242, please ask yourselves, what is my obsession with the genitalia of strangers? At no point in the past has the removal of rights from a group of people been a tactic used by those on the right side of history.

02-23-2025

Krystal Engelken

Trans people are people. Just because they are different from your or changed because they changed their gender from birth to be who they were meant to be does not mean to you can take away their rights. Their bodies have no direct threat to you. They are human and their rights should not be taken away because you want to go back to just a male society. We will rise and we will not go back!!!!

02-23-2025

Jared Greenfield

I am here to share my story and why I am against HSB 242. I am trans. I have known for years. Within the past 6 months I have come out and started the hormone process. I don't have enough fingers and toes the amount of times I have been verbally assaulted, patronized, berated, and alienated. Between people claiming I'm a pedophile for no reason, to people staring and telling me I shouldn't exist. To remove protections against people like me would place us in even greater danger. Please do not allow this to pass. There are so many out there just like me and this infringes upon our rights as humans to be fairly protected.

02-23-2025

Ramona Messenger

I urge you to reject HSB 242, this poorly written, unneeded, unscientific, wildly unpopular, lawsuitmagnet of a bill, and save Iowa's limited tax dollars for something useful.Removing the basic civil rights protections from any group is disgusting, an insult to this state and country and those who fought for everyone's right to the pursuit of happiness. Allowing any religion to influence how the law and the public can treat anyone outside of that religion is theocracy, plain and simple, and has no place here. Transgender and intersex people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers, and like most Iowans, are valued contributors to society just trying to be happy and live good lives. These attacks on their character and demonizing them as people makes no one's lives betterBesides the lack of basic decency in the very idea of this bill, it also broadly redefines so many things throughout Iowa Code that there are going to be huge, costly legal mistakes in trying to interpret and implement it, and new problems and dangers for the women and children it claims to be about protecting.Please, do the right thing: Reject this bill, listen to what all of your constituents want instead, and stop messing with the minority populations of this state.

02-23-2025

Paige Clouse

You cannot go forward with this bill. Regardless of your beliefs, there are all kinds of different people in our state. We should love them, not come up with laws that will hurt them. Another election will come in 2 years, and my vote will be for the people who dont pass laws allowing certain groups to be discriminated against.

02-23-2025

Jackie Cordon

Please do not remove rights for transgender persons in Iowa. We have long had the honor of recognizing rights and protections in our state. Why work so hard to make it difficult for people who just want to live out their lives in authenticity. As a person of faith I am called to fight for my fellow citizens and their right to live in peace and without prejudice merely because of their gender or what people may think of them being transgender. You vote for this law and it will be an embarrassment for you and for your family and descendants.

02-23-2025

Alex Stamer

I opposes this law.Why would anyone support removing civil rights from individuals? Is compassion lost? I am not sure what is driving this and similar bills. Will it bring down violent crime? Will it increase employment? Will it reduce inflation? Will it lower taxes? Will it bring in medical professionals? Will it reduce street drugs? Will it reduce suicide of young rural men? These are the real issues that we're facing in Iowa. We don't need you to invent solutions to non problems.There is no part of this law that should be saved.If you vote for this please amend the Iowa state motto and flag to reflect this change.

02-23-2025

Jean Hitchman

AGAINST HSB 242. All of the people of Iowa, including those who are transgender, intersex, or any other identify which may not conform to rigid gender forms, should be treated equally and fairly by the laws of our state.I have two young adult children who are transgender, and who would therefore would be hurt by HSB 242. It is simply heartbreaking to me that you would essentially eliminate the identities of these two remarkable young people. They are both college students with tremendous potential, but you would reject them from the state they grew up in.It is unfathomable to me that you would hate people that you haven't even met because you are scared. It is even worse that you would use your position of power in the state to act in direct opposition to upholding the rights of these people.Please listen to transgender people and those who love them when we tell you that their rights are worth as much as everyone else in Iowa.

02-23-2025

Sarah Weinberg

This is bigotry, plain and simple. It has no scientific foundation; it is merely an attempt to dehumanize those perceived as other. This type of legislation takes Iowa a step closer to 1933 Nuremberg, and puts our government squarely on the wrong side of history. Never again.

02-23-2025

Zachary Moran

I, with all the energy that I can muster, strongly object to the continued denial of gender identity, and thus this concentrated attack upon our fellow transgender Iowans. The removal of protections against transgender Iowans is a direct assault on their ability and freedom to live their life as they so choose. As the Republican party likes to champion that they are the party of "freedom", it is laughable that they continue to restrict how all citizens may live their lives.This bill is a direct parallel to 1930s Germany with the rise of the National Socialist (Nazi) party. Germany was host to a thriving and productive class of transgender and "transvestite" citizens, until they became targeted by the Nazi for socalled "immoral acts". The Nazi's began stripping them of their rights and protections by: Forcing the closure of the Hirschfeld Institute of Sexual Science, who facilitated name changes and other genderaffirming care, the revocation of vast swaths of stateissued permits for such name changes and "permits", and eventually prosecuting and imprisoning these transgender individuals who refused to "go back into the closet", and transferring these individuals into their numerous concentration camps, wherein thousands of transgender Germans were abused and eventually killed.(Citation: Marhoefer L. Transgender Life and Persecution under the Nazi State: Gutachten on the Vollbrecht Case. Central European History. 2023;56(4):595601. doi:10.1017/S0008938923000468)Donald Trump's executive order ending gender affirming care for minors, with zero regard to the doctorpatient relationship, is the mirror image of step one of the Nazi's actions. This HSB 242 is step two along this path. By advancing this bill, you are sending a signal to all transgender Iowans that they are not welcome, they cannot live freely, their rights do not matter, and that they would be better off dead. I will remind you that our state motto is "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we maintain". If this bill passes, it is a direct contradiction of the principals this state is founded on, and will send a clear message that you do not protect our liberties or our rights."A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Estling

I oppose this bill. NO ONE should be fired from a job for who they love. NO ONE. A straight Christian should not be fired for being straight or Christian. And that applies to everyone. Gay, straight, it doesn't matter. Who you are at your core should never be a reason to fire someone. Protections for LGBTQ people are really protections for all of us. And honestly if you need to remove protections for someone that says you value no one. ANYONE in Iowa who isn't like you is at risk.

02-24-2025

Craig Chingren-Hamann

I was born and raised in Rock Valley, Iowa. I learned in Mrs. Cranes Iowa History class that the state Motto was "Our Liberties we prize and our Rights we will maintain". And yet here you are taking rights away from your citizens. While I no longer live in Iowa I do still have family and people that I love in Iowa still. You are making this decision based off of fear. All anyone wants is to live and love with whomever they choose. Providing protection doesn't take away rights from others it only makes you more marketable to all. I would encourage you to vote no.

02-23-2025

Sarah Brandt

I strongly object to Iowa HSB 242, which not only disregards decades of scientific and medical understanding of gender and sex but also strips vital protections from transgender Iowans, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization.The bill's definition of "sex" ignores the nuanced, complex understanding of sex and gender that has evolved in both scientific and medical fields. It fails to account for intersex individuals, who may not fit into the binary framework of male or female, and it disregards the welldocumented reality that sex is not always immediately evident or binary at birth.Removing discrimination protections for transgender individuals is a blatant step backward in the fight for equality and justice. Transgender people already face disproportionate rates of violence, discrimination, and economic hardship, and stripping legal protections only exacerbates these challenges. Transgender Iowans deserve the same protections as any other citizen and should be able to live and work without fear of discrimination based on their gender identity.Every individual, regardless of their gender identity, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. By passing HSB 242, lawmakers would be sending a message that transgender individuals are not entitled to the same protections as others, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and further stigmatizing an already vulnerable community.I urge lawmakers to reject this bill and instead work to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society for all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ann Garton

As a Resident of Iowa I oppose Iowa HSB 242. This is an attack on my neighbors and community members civil rights. This bill puts Iowans at greater risk for discrimination. This bill puts Iowans at risk for increased mental health concerns. This bill subverts the constitutional guarantees of equality under the law. This bill is unnecessary and cruel. I call on legislators to reject HSB 242

02-23-2025

Katie Z. Dawson

I am a clergy person and I strongly urge you to view no on this bill. We should not be stripping civil rights from our fellow citizens... No matter their gender or gender identity. This bill legalizes discrimination against our neighbors and makes them less safe. And it goes against the core of our Iowa motto: Our rights we prize and our liberties we will maintain. Vote no. Do not remember the rights of our neighbors, friends, and families.

02-23-2025

Emily Schindler

Both as an Iowa resident and as a professional, I am appalled by the direction of the last few cycles of legislation in terms of misinformation that is not only far out of touch with scientific evidence but also outright harmful to Iowans. America was founded upon basic principles of freedom. I cannot understand why our government is focused on infringing on rights of others when we have so many people struggling to survive and meet basic needs. Why would we try to make lives harder for people who already have to battle so much adversity? I implore legislators to please listen to the people who gather to protest this bill. Please hear people's stories, how they have already struggled, how this bill will only make life harder, and see how this bill supports spreading hate and ignorance. Iowans need you to listen and pass legislation that supports safety for ALL knowing safety and comfort are different. Discomfort of people often is a sign of ignorance which can led to a slippery slope of othering and dehumanizing, which were the steppingstones for all major peopleonpeople atrocities of our history. I implore legislators to talk with knowledgeable medical providers to hear how gender affirming care has helped save lives due to creating safe spaces to support EVERYONE more frequently utilizing preventative care, one of the most effective initiatives within public health. As a mother, I want my children to not have limits to their education. Silence and censorship foster ignorance which directly conflict with my Christian values. I care for all people and support identities that may be difficult for people who haven't had the privilege I have had getting to work with and support people of varying backgrounds, experiences, and goals. We have AMAZING people in IOWA and I will always support this state feeling safe especially for people often judged, ostracized and mistreated.

02-23-2025

Pat Stalter

I stand in opposition to HSB242 which would erase rights for transgender Iowans. As Pastor of Woodward Christian Church, I must stand with those who will be marginalized and oppressed by this bill. I have a beloved nephew who is transgender. He serves the public. Right now he has full rights as any Iowan. This bill would erase those rights.I know and love a young couple who have moved to Iowa to be near family. She is an outstanding educator; he has a good job he can do from anywhere. If this legislation becomes law, this couple will leave Iowa because he is transgender. Iowas loss!It is morally wrong to discriminate, marginalize, or devalue any human being. Please oppose this hateful legislation, and let's work for the good of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Fiona Johnson

Hello. As an Iowan, I implore you to vote against HSB 242. I love this state and would be horrified if we become the first state in the country to remove a protected class from its civil rights code. Please protect and represent ALL Iowans.

02-23-2025

Saysha Schoulte

Please vote against HSB242. This is a direct attack on thousands of Iowans. How can the state work to police the language used? Trans and nonbinary people are all around us. We must work to provide a safe space for all people to live, no matter their identity. Trans and nonbinary people are not only my friends, family, and neighbors. They are YOUR friends, family, and neighbors. Do not make this world even more dangerous for them to simply exist. Vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Kara Connor

I strongly oppose this bill. Iowans as a whole do not want or need bills limiting individuals freedoms. This culture war has got to stop and our politicians need to pass legislation to actually help Americans rather than further hurt and divide us.

02-23-2025

Alex S

Please reject HSB 242. The lives (yes, LIVES) of children are in your hands. The Trevor Project's 2024 U.S. National Survey with almost 20,000 respondents found that NINETY percent of queer people aged 1325 said their wellbeing was negatively impacted by politics. When practically ONE IN TWO (46%) of transgender and nonbinary young people SERIOUSLY considered suicide in the past year...that's an incredible impact. Iowa was one of the most queerfriendly states in the country just twenty years ago. Many queer people moved to the state when it was the third in the U.S. to legalize samesex marriage before Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, and California.The same survey found that 45% of transgender and nonbinary youth have considered moving to a different state because of LGBTQrelated politics and legislation. It also found that queer youth living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at LESS THAN HALF of the rate than those that didn't. One in SEVEN transgender and nonbinary young people attempted suicide in the past 12 months. I'm a trans man and I attempted suicide because of the way that I was treated due to my gender. I wasn't even presenting as male yet, and I still was treated so poorly that I tried to end my life at 14. I'm lucky to have made it so far, but I'm scared for the youth that will see this bill and think that their legislators think of them as subhuman and undeserving of civil rights. Will they be as lucky as I was?These bills kill so many queer kids every year because when the people that are representing you introduce bills like this, it's easy to lose hope that things will get better. The numbers don't lie. Don't be the reason that more children think that they're better off dead.

02-23-2025

Kelly Baum

I urge the Iowa Legislators in the strongest possible terms to reject HSB 242, which would eliminate gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and undermine the civil rights of Iowa residents. Such a decision would hurt many people while helping and protecting absolutely no one. Proposing such a measure is an act based on fear and cruelty. I encourage all Iowa legislators to do the right, the ethical, the just thing and continue to extend protections to and stand up for all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Rosemarie Waskel

Its time to stop legislating God. Its time to stop marginalizing Iowan citizens to perpetuate hate. Its time to stop starting a fire where none existed so that you can put it out. This bill does nothing to solve real problems in Iowa. Vote no and move on to the real issues.

02-23-2025

JM Newell

We SUPPORT H.S.B. 242 as a means to restore the cultural values so important to our way of life: God, Family Country. We object to this attempt by government to strip us of our rights as parents to protect the inherent innocence of our children, the safety of our families and our right to expect the protection of long imbedded common sense principles and justifiable mores.

02-23-2025

Marcia Morales

Please reject this bill to protect each individuals gender identity. Within our democracy, as individuals we should have the right and freedom to decide who we are. This bill strips away a human right to choose and dehumanizes a vulnerable population who struggle on all fronts of life based on nonacceptance.

02-23-2025

Cynthia Pokorny Martinez

I am TOTALLY AGAINST HSB242. I urge you to rethink your position and stop supporting it. This bill is blatant discrimination. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. EVERY PERSON is a child of God. I ask you to BE BRAVE AND STAND UP for what you know is right. Do not take away protections from a group of people who have been historically discriminated against. PLEASE VOTE NO. BTW You know that Elon Musk has a transgender daughter?

02-23-2025

Blythe Serrano

Transgender Iowans deserve to be protected from discrimination when applying for jobs, housing, and educational opportunities, just like all other Americans. Without antidiscrimination protections in place, transgender Iowans could be denied the opportunity to participate in our workforce to the fullest extent of their ability, which would negatively impact not only them as individuals but also our states economy as a whole. Please reject HSB242 and ensure that all Iowans maintain their rights to live, work, and learn free from discrimination.

02-23-2025

Kacey Brown

Please think of all the Iowan citizens and do not vote for this bill. It's a large step backwards in civil rights for Iowa and our communities at large. Protect our civil rights, especially the smaller groups who just want to live their lives. Stripping people of their civil rights is completely reprehensible, and not what any of the citizens of your state want. Represent the people.

02-23-2025

Laura Voshell

Our government should never be in the business of taking away rights and protections. Officials are elected under the premise of protecting our citizens. Taking away rights and freedoms has never in any context been the way to protect people you are elected to protect. Do better.

02-23-2025

Kacey Brown

02-23-2025

Andrew Richmond

In no way should our legislators be spending time on this issue, trying to make sure a group of people are as excluded as possible. Your constituents do not want this, there is no way that your god wants this, please stop making yourselves the problem and get back to focusing on the needs of Iowans

02-23-2025

Adam Callanan

Vote no on HSB 242. The state of Iowa must not remove the civil rights of targeted groups. This bill clearly aims to harm transgender, intersex, and any expression of gender outside of the author's vision. The government has no business telling people how to express their gender. Legislation like this demonstrates why civil rights protections are needed. Any removal of civil rights from a targeted group puts all other targeted groups in danger.

02-23-2025

Zachery Sheeley

This bill is a FLAGRANT waste of time. Stop worrying about gender identity or people's identity and trying to regulate things that are PERSONAL TO A PERSON. Get back to I don't know. Funding education, children's tax credits. ANYTHING that will actually help Iowa.

02-23-2025

Joel Wulf

As a Social Worker I vehemently object to this bill. The psychological damage this bill will unleash is catastrophic. The damage will affect not only a Transexual individual, but their families, friends and community.The bill sends a chilling threat to all LGBT individuals living in Iowa that their civil rights are in jeopardy. The State of Iowa has no business removing civil rights from a specific class of people. What classes of people may be next?Gender Dysphoria is defined in the American Psychological Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSMV) as: "a significant distress or impairment that occurs when a person's gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth." It is a medical condition. This bill is cruel and unnecessary may it die in subcommittee.Joel Wulf, MSW, LISW, ASWG, CAS (Retired)

02-23-2025

BILLIE BERGMANN

YES, Pass HSB 242 and get back to COMMON SENSE IOWA! You are born a female or a male, it's biology, it's science. Females are put in jeopardy by biological males with gender dysphoria stealing their sports achievements, and trespassing on their privacy such as in locker rooms and bathrooms. Stop this and get back to common sense, Iowa!

02-23-2025

Dennis Haney

Please vote no to HSB 242. The vast majority of Iowans do not support this nor any effort to remove rights from marginalized groups of people. Gender identity has no impact on anyone else yet, trans folk will be significantly harmed if this hateful bill passes. Please vote no on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Cheryl Schnoebelen

HSB 242 should be rejected and should not have even been brought up. We should be protecting All our citizens especially those who need protection. I can't believe how mean spirited this bill is. I am almosst 8o yrs. old and do not recognize the Iowa I grew up in. Please do the right thing and reject this very harmful bill.

02-23-2025

Renee DeVore

If it is this legislative bodys intention to draw attention away from the tyrannical shenanigans of the current president and his henchmen congrats, you have succeeded. If it is your intention to show your undying fealty to a wannabe king again, well done. And if you want to show utter callousness and petty hatred towards fellow Iowans you are unmatched. First they came for the trans community, and I said Ope! Not on my watch, motherfuckers

02-23-2025

Susan Futrell

I ask you not to support HSB 242. Do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. The broad language in this bill will have farreaching, cruel impacts on transgender Iowans who are our friends and neighbors, and on their families and loved ones, and will complicate and undermine civil rights for all Iowans. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities or persecuted and harassed because of their gender identity. We have a long and proud tradition in this state of being at the forefront of civil rights. Bills like this make Iowa less and less a welcoming place where people want to stay or come to work and live. Please do not pass HSB242. Again, Do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens.

02-23-2025

Bonita Moore

I ask you to please don't vote for this bill. I have relatives and friends how would be harmed if this bill is placed. We live in a world that should accept everyone as they are. Please don't send us back to the dark times when people (yes your voters) have to hide who they really are.

02-23-2025

Thomas Gordinier

I am writing you today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. As a proud Iowan, I am dismayed that my state, the state that I love whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain, this HF242 is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as Iowans, I ask of you, do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. Finally, in closing, I want to state that while this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HSB 242. Preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.Do you really wonder why young people are fleeing our state? It is because archaic legislation like this.

02-23-2025

Blake Clyde

I urge the Iowa legislature to stop this misguided bill in its tracks. Outside of the moral implications of actively rolling back civil rights for any group of citizens, discarding protections against discrimination based on gender identity would have untold consequences on a myriad of other issues and result in a slippery slope that damages both trans people and cisgender women.

02-23-2025

Jean Kaul-Brown [An Iowa Citizen]

Do not advance HSB242 out of subcommittee. This bill would make Iowa a less welcoming place, and strip Iowans of their civil rights which is completely unacceptable. There is no justice in this sort of legislation advancing. Do not advance this bill.

02-23-2025

Joe Freund [Retired physician]

Do not advance HSB 242, a horrible, meanspirited law to strip the civil rights from our trans siblings. I had the honor of assisting many people in their transitions and cannot believe that this proposed law is trying to legislate outdated terminology and understanding of sex and gender and even trying to erase gender identity and create a new "gender theory". Denying something doesn't mean its not real or doesn't exist. Each one of us has a gender identity and it is NOT always the same as one's sex/ physical body. It cannot be legislated away. Iowans should not have their rights stripped away because they are inherently different than the people passing the laws. Oh...and for the few objectors who don't want their tax dollars to cover any lifesaving trans medical care, please explain to me why my tax dollars are being used to send children to private, mostly religious schools, where they may be freely indoctrinated against LGBTQ+ equality.

02-23-2025

Shawnacy Kiker Perez

Members of the SubcommitteeRegarding HSB242, I find it nearly impossible to believe that I have to sit here, explaining my reasons for opposing a bill known as the Civil Rights Removal Act. Let me repeat: The Civil Rights Removal Act. Could there be anything more unAmerican than a piece of legislature designed to remove civil rights from citizens of this state and of this country? It is an action that harkens back to the foulest injustices of this nation, and as such, is a criminally dangerous action, and an idea that, frankly, is a shameful affront to justice and to the core of what we as an American people and what Iowa, as a constituent member of this country purports to stand for. One has only to throw back the collective recollection to a time before civil protections, when discrimination, hatred and violence were the norm; when a person could be denied health care, housing, employment, and entry into certain spaces based on nothing more than that they happened to be born of a particular race or gender; to have a specific marital status, or disability, or sexual orientation, or because they chose to practice a certain religion. And beyond the vile legal discrimination, dont forget to include in your memories, the public hatred, the violence; the way unjust laws empower bullies, thugs, bigots and an ignorant society against an unprotected individual.The attempt to bring this bill to vote seems to me to be a clear violation of Article 1 Section 6 of the Iowa bill of rights which states, as this body seems to have forgotten, the following: All laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation; the General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen, or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which, upon the same terms shall not equally belong to all citizens. Trans and gender nonconforming Iowans are citizens of this state and as such shall enjoy the same and equal privileges upon the same terms as belong to all other citizens. This bill, HSB242 is unconstitutional and shall not stand.This Act of Removal brings to mind also the Indian Removal Act of 1830. I am hopeful that this is a piece of legislation with which the members of this subcommittee are familiar. But perhaps you were educated by a teacher who wasnt permitted to teach such history. In that case, let me refresh your memory. This act allowed then President Andrew Jackson to use persuasion, bribery, and threats to force existing Native American tribal peoples from their own land. It is this ignominious and painful action this assumption of power over others, and the theft of that which is does not belong to that power, be it land, autonomy, or civil rights that is being echoed in this chamber today. Removal is erasure. Removal of civil rights is an invitation to discrimination. You here in this legislative body, wish to remove trans and gender nonconforming people from this state. You wish to erase them, to keep them from your schools, your places of work, your hotels, your restaurants, your bathrooms. But, my entitled friends, you overstep. You overreach. You, like the infamous enslaver and criminally unjust lawmaker, Andrew Jackson, make assumptions about your own power that are egregious, and erroneous. These spaces are not yours to take away from others. They are not yours to define, they are not yours to protect. These spaces belong to everyone. They are OURS, as a collective. This economy: its ours. This education: ours. This state: ours. The streets we drive on: they belong to us. We the people. And you work for us. You dont get to remove anyone. You have no right to remove protected status. This bill is a hate crime, and I will not stand still and let it be perpetrated on my child by an ignorant, bully state. How dare you.One final word before I spontaneously combust here at my desk. May I ask if there has been any thought at all given to the repercussions of a bill such as this. You say anyone may be turned away from, lets take any of the stipulated situations at random, say being allowed to rent an apartment, on suspicion of claiming a gender identity that does not conform to their birth sex. How do you imagine one would go about proving, whether on the side of the landlord or on the side of the rentertobe, that this accusation is true or false? Will the landlord demand to see the renters genitals? Will they demand that the renter go to a doctor and show their genitals there? Does any renter have to subject themselves to the dehumanization and degradation of proving their biological sex? How would you members of the subcommittee prove your own sex? Would you feel that my asking if you were really a man, or a woman, is just and fair? And lets imagine, just for a moment, unleashing this bill on middle and high school students. Can we imagine young people, fueled by state sanctioned bigotry and unjust laws, demanding to see other students genitals before they are allowed in a bathroom? The levels of danger that this bill poses to all Iowans is unimaginable. May the violence that ensues be upon your own heads. Further, and to the point, I put to you, why does it matter? Why does it matter what biological equipment one is born with, and how one chooses to express their identity? Does that make someone a better tenant? A better teacher? A better student? What if gender were determined not by ones intimate reproductive organs, but by, say, height? What if tall people were men and short people were women? It is just as arbitrary a distinguisher. The obvious, willful ignorance of this body is not only staggering, but malicious. Ignoring all studies and research on gender, ignoring the people themselves, their lived experiences, and their own bodily autonomy; ignoring even the tenants of love, acceptance and service, which pertain to the religion to which you love to signal a superficial allegiance, you continue in your targeted campaign of terrorism against Iowan citizens. Whatever aim your personal warped and bigoted imaginations may desire to pursue, the fact is that the United States of America does not dismantle civil rights. To do so is to actively work against the American project, and against the oath that you took when you stepped into this office. My children and I moved here a number of years ago from a major city on the coast. We were hoping to make a life for ourselves that had roots and connection; to find here in Iowa, a community we could belong to, and to which we could give back. And in a large part, we have found that. My children have made lifelong friendships, and we have found places in our community where we can connect, contribute, and belong. That is, until a few years ago, when the state government turned its back on my family. No longer a place of fairness, friendship and flourishing, Iowa will, for us, forever stand for bigotry and hatred and violence and discrimination. Stop this immediately, and, furthermore, check yourselves.

02-23-2025

Sora Anderson

I figured it's time I leave a comment where I talk about who I am, what I'm about, and how this bill will affect me. Hello, my name is Sora Anderson and my pronouns are he/his/him. I am a trans man who lives in the Des Moines Iowa area and I have lived in Iowa most of my life. For the longest time I thought I was female because I was born female at birth. However growing up I felt like that was wrong and it was only when I turned 25 when I learned that there was a community of people who also felt like me also known as transgender people. anyway, long story someone short I am a trans man and if this bill was passed it would greatly affect how I am able to live in my home state and town. I know a lot of people who are also trans and nonbinary and trust me they are very real and very valid. so are my friends who are sis gender and hetero and other spectrums of the LGBT community. still would affect me by making it so I can basically be evicted from my apartment for simply being transgender or not being able to grab a meal at a place because I'm also transgender or basically just make it so I no longer have access to public life because of my transgender status. I am thankful for the people I know that are supportive in my life and the people who do support me for being who I am. I am a very real person and I am trying to put a face to how this bill would affect me personally because I am transgender. According to you this seems to make me less deserving of human rights and civil liberties and the right to exist in public as myself. I can tell you that if I need detransitioned and went back to trying to live as a woman I would be very depressed and I have struggled with selfharm in the past because of this and many other traumatical issues which I won't go into here. the point is that if this past it would make me feel very unsafe in my home state and in my community and my hometown as well despite having support of a lot of people. I can't believe that you would actually contemplate robbing a group that is less than 3% of the fucking population of their human rights. That is unconscionable to me! and no this does not protect women and girls like some of the people who are actually in favor of this piece of shit bill are saying. in fact I believe it lays the groundwork for more discrimination to happen and other marginalized groups to be thrown under the bus. and there was a gentleman or somebody who made a great point about how Nazi Germany came to be in the early stages of burning or banning books, antilgbt fear mongering, xenophobia and the like. Are we really going to be fascist here and take away the rights of an already marginalized group? According to the people legislating and proposing this bill, this is what they want to happen. And then shit like this leads to human rights violations, restrictions, and limiting of participation of a marginalized group in everyday life. these people had to give up their businesses in their livelihoods just because they were Jewish back in the days of World war II and Nazi Germany. if this legislation passes, this will lay the groundwork for things like that to happen to transgender people in other marginalized groups and then concentration camps happen and then well I'm sure you've heard of the holocausted if he happens I don't need to explain further. I thought the idea was to learn about history so we can so we don't repeat it. however this is very close to repeating the Hitler days and Nazi Germany. I hope you're proud of yourselves whoever wrote this piece of shit bill! whoever wrote this bill should be ashamed of themselves. obviously I oppose HSB242.

02-23-2025

Sarah Copple

I would like to state my opposition to this bill and request for it to be stopped from moving forward. Removing civil rights from a group is unacceptable. ALL humans deserve basic human rights and protection under the law, this bill will result in the termination of basic human rights for this specific group of vulnerable individuals in Iowa. This law is unconstitutional to single out a group of people and strip them of their rights. Please vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Mary Melville [Moms for Liberty]

As someone who has been a "peaceful protester" back in the 1980's I am saddened by the way I see our Republican legislators shying away from voting in the affirmative for this HSB 242 Bill. If you believe in God, if you respect the men, women, and children of our state, I can not understand your hesitation on voting for this profound and direct Bill that protects all citizens of Iowa, and the people of our great United States of America. I know within my heart, and within my mind, that this Bill will mean that we are standing firm in our beliefs that God created man and woman! God did not waver in His creations, nor was He unclear about how we should live. We are the children of this Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, creator of all the creatures that inhabit the earth. He created the moon, the stars, all the planets, and he intended for man to care for this earth. He then created woman, to be a helpmate, taken from man's rib. He meant for women to bare the children that the man would create with the woman. We know that a woman can not be made a man, and a man can not be made a woman. Somewhere along the way we have lost all sense of reasoning, and along with that we also have lost our sense of what it is to be a man and a woman. With Almighty God's help we can regain our sanity, and as men and women we can accept that some will try to change their sex, it is their right, but at the same time we will not force that idea, or accept it as legitimate, but only allow those who choose that path, the ability to live in peace. We will not plot a path to redesign a child, as a child is not able, or should be forced, to change their bodies until they are legally old enough to realize the consequences of their own actions. I also know that those who profess to be a Republican, a Conservative individual, and using good judgement, may find themselves being forced out of their role in the Iowa Legislature because they have forgotten why they were voted into that office in the first place. You are there at the service of the people you represent, and do not forget that the people can vote you out of that position, and we will if you forget the values that we hole dear, and ignore our bidding. You serve us, we do not serve you!!

02-23-2025

Josephine Crittenden

This is a cruel bill that makes it harder for everyday people to find a place to live and work. Trans Iowans just want to be able to live our lives and mind our own business, and are valuable members of Iowa's workforce and economy. In addition, intersex people are not an "anomaly" or "accident," they are people who were created just the way they are and live in an increasingly hostile world medically and socially. As a trans Christian, I find it appalling that the socalled Christians of the Iowa legislature would define people as "accidents," as well as choose to repeal protections that allow people to find a place to live and work safely. Please vote against this unconstitutional and unkind bill.

02-23-2025

Kaya Young

I fervently oppose bill HSB 242! I am appalled this bill has been proposed. Members of the LGBTQ+ community already face barrages of discrimination, so they actively require legislature that acknowledges and protects their civil rights. Therefore, taking away the civil rights of a minority group is a dangerous mistake. This bill inherently disrespects the rights and the humanity of Iowas citizens and cannot under any circumstance be approved.

02-23-2025

Damian Williams

I strongly oppose this bill, as it seeks to impose restrictive and harmful regulations on sex and gender identity. It undermines the rights of individuals, particularly those who identify outside of traditional gender norms, by limiting recognition of gender identity and expression. It is crucial to support policies that uphold dignity and equality for all, rather than policies that further marginalize vulnerable communities. This bill is an egregious setback in fostering a society where all individuals are treated with respect, fairness, and the freedom to express their authentic selves. The bill should not be amended it should be scrapped entirely.

02-23-2025

Maddie Voracek

I oppose HSB 242 and urge the subcommittee to reject it. I believe in civil rights for all Iowans, especially the marginalized. Our trans citizens are worthy of protection from discrimination and deserve the same liberties as everyone else.

02-23-2025

Katrina Welsh

I am strongly opposed to this bill and hope it is rejected quickly. It is confusing and heartbreaking to see the Iowa government spending time thinking about trying to take human rights away from an already marginalized population. This is not something that will look appealing to anyone considering moving here, and it will likely drive many wonderful Iowans away. It's simply cruel and will have a devastating impact on the people of Iowa now and in the future.

02-23-2025

Camille Adams

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa. There is absolutely never a situation where "separate but equal" is a just or ethical way to treat anyone. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-23-2025

Carol Garver Smalley

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Stripping civil rights from Iowans is immoral and unethical. The trans community in Iowa are family and friends, neighbors and church members. They just want to live their lives in dignity and safety. Stop this assault on the civil rights of Iowans. Please vote NO on this harmful legislation.

02-23-2025

Sean Abbott

The persecution of marginalized groups for living lifestyles we disagree with runs contrary to the principals of the Constitution and distracts from more important issues. Our legislator should be focusing on real issues, such as the safety of our water, not chasing fake dangers with no reputable data supporting a public harm.

02-23-2025

Marti Post

Iowa has long been a state that values hard work, fairness, and community, where everyone should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive without fear of discrimination. HSB 242 moves us in the wrong direction by stripping gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, sending a message that some people are less deserving of protection under the law.This bill does not promote fairness or equalityit promotes division and exclusion. Civil rights exist to ensure that all Iowans are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of how they identify. Removing these protections opens the door to discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public life, affecting not only individuals but families, businesses, and communities.Iowa should be a state of inclusion, not exclusiona place that welcomes and protects all its citizens. Laws should reflect the values of acceptance, fairness, and opportunity for everyone, not roll back protections that have been in place for nearly two decades. HSB 242 does not make Iowa strongerit makes us less just, less fair, and less united. I urge our legislators to reject this harmful bill and stand for a state that is built on respect, not bigotry.

02-23-2025

Lilly Wempe

As a citizen of Iowa, I can not condone this bill! Removal of civil rights for anyone could lead to more civil rights being taken away for anyone and everyone. Trans people are more than their gender. Iowa has many LGBTQ+ peoples, and every single one of them deserve the right to civil protections. This bill would only open the doors to hate and discrimination. Transwomen, and transmen are a part of WE THE PEOPLE. Not we the people exuding trans people!!!!!

02-23-2025

Heather Dix

This needs to be rejected on the ground of flat out not being constitutional. Whatever way people feel the need or want to alter themselves so that the inside matches the outside isn't of any concern to anyone except the person who inhabits the body they wish to transform and the ethical health care providers they seek out to aid in that transformation. This bill is as inhumane as it is asinine. If someone is doing something that doesn't hurt themselves or others, in a logical way. Not the way that's currently being dictated by people who have no understanding of the psychological fortitude it even takes to get to the point of being that honest with and loving of yourself. Please reject this bill, all it would do is harm. It protects absolutely no one from any harm and in fact looks to create harm where there previously was none.

02-23-2025

Bethany Kaylor

Please forcefully reject HSB 242its cruel, prejudiced, and a denigration of civil rights. Trans Iowans deserve the same human rights as every other person, and to claim otherwise is cynical, bigoted and an infringement on peoples basic dignity. This bill is an embarrassment and will harm Iowas queer community. People will lose their homes, jobs, children, educational opportunities, andin the worst scenarios their lives.

02-23-2025

Sara Larsen

I urge you to reject HSB 242 and the huge leap backwards that this would be for Iowans. Do not uphold this fear and hatebased legislation. All humans deserve civil rights. Transgender people exist. Its a scientific fact. It is also a fact known by many of us Iowans who know and love transgender individuals they are family, friends, or coworkers. They are good people. Removal of civil rights protections for trans people not only creates hardships in employment or housing and many areas of life, but also encourages hate and violence towards trans people by those who have not had the privilege of getting to know one of their fellow human beings who has experienced gender dysphoria or been born intersex. I implore you to uphold civil rights for ALL.

02-23-2025

Carissa Phan

This bill, like many other antiLGBTQ+ bills pushed by the legislature, only creates harm and fear instead of good. This bill is not a party issue but a human rights issue. Trans people make up about 1.6% of U.S. adults and 0.22% of Iowans. However, 1.7% of the population is born intersex, which is more likely than someone being trans. This bill simply erases the existence of trans people and is a violation of international human rights law. Iowa has a high retention rate for people leaving the state, and it is because of hateful bills like this. These bills scream "You are not welcome here" unless you are cisgender and white. Written on the Iowa flag is "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." However, this bill removes basic human rights from trans people and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, including the right to exist. Additionally, the bill states that "separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." As I am sure you know, Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) legalized racial segregation under the logic of "separate but equal," and this decision was eventually deemed unconstitutional. There is clearly a harmful repeat in history that you are choosing to ignore.Trans people do not want this bill. Members of the LGBTQ+ community do not want this bill. Cisgender people do not want this bill. Your constituents do not want this bill. Your purpose as a legislator is to hear and respect the needs of all constituents, including those who did not vote for you or those who do not share your beliefs. As a student, I do not want to continue my higher education in Iowa. I do not want to live in Iowa, and it is because of hateful bills like these that push numerous people out of the state. Rather than focusing on targeting an already historically marginalized community, let's focus on issues that Iowans have been asking you to solve for years: affordable housing, healthcare, and improving the education system.

02-23-2025

Johna Wolfe

I strongly oppose this bill. Transgender Iowans are IOWANS and deserve equal protection under the law. We should not remove civil rights protections from any marginalized group. Please spend time addressing Iowas cancer and water quality crises and stop bullying an already vulnerable population.

02-23-2025

Carissa Phan

02-23-2025

Chris Taylor

I encourage you to speak with any of your family or friends who are transgender. If you dont happen to know anyone who is transgender, I can introduce you to some of my friends who can tell you about their lives, how this bill would impact them, and answer any questions you may have. Its ok if you dont have a personal frame of reference about transgender issues theres no time like the present to learn. Please vote against HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Shara Cass

This bill is HORABBLE!!!!!! As a Christian, I refuse to accept hate and discrimination. No where in the bible does it say that Jesus would support hate towards anyone. As a Christian, I always extend a hand of goodwill to my fellow humans no matter who they are. As a Christian, I support the rights of minorities even if they do not align with my beliefs.

02-23-2025

Skyler Ramsey

I want to tell you the story of a young girl named Skyler. Skyler was born to loving parents, Jack and Melissa, in Waverly, IA. The family struggled with poverty, and life was not kind. She had a younger sister, who went into a coma from a rare brain infection when Skyler was in first grade and no one knew if Callie would ever wake up. As Callie recovered and medical debt piled up, the family moved school districts in search of better opportunities. A mere 11 months later, as a nine year old, Skyler was awoken by screams and being slung over her dads shoulder as he carried her to safety wading through knee deep flood water. The family watched as their home and all of their possessions were swallowed whole. The family was without a place to go: no clothes, no food, no toys and no way for anyone to get in or out of Clarksville, yet the local community provided. Shortly after, the family moved to Janesville the third home and school district in three consecutive years.Despite this volatile upbringing, Skyler devoted her life to giving back to the community. At 14, she began working to help support her now three younger sisters. Through all of this, she was active in the church, regularly volunteered, and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need. She dreamed of one day being the first in her family to go to college.Fast forward and Skyler was valedictorian, got a full ride scholarship, graduated from UNI with multiple majors and now works her dream job. She met a great man, got married, bought a house, started a business, and to this day, dreams of raising a family in the Iowa communities that raised her.Skyler is loved by thousands in Northeast Iowa and across the state.Let me introduce myself: I'm Skyler, and my pronouns are they/them. This is my story. My life.And if you feel differently about me now than you did about Skyler about me 10 seconds ago, its because you are willfully denying the humanity of transgender people.Does my hair, the clothes I wear, and the words people use to describe me negate my right to protection from discrimination as your delegate? I implore you to see my humanity and vote no to HSB 242. Thank you.

Attachment

02-23-2025

Mavis Bolie

02-23-2025

C M

We often fear or criticize what we dont know or consider to be different than us. We maintains those stances and perspectives because it is whats comfortable or our perceived norm. I implore you to use common sense and have empathy. I am FIRMLY against HSB 242. These are our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. I encourage you to have conversations with them and see them for the PEOPLE they are, not the individuals youve been taught to hate. Queer and trans people will ALWAYS exist. Your singular religious, political, or ideological views should not be allowed to govern our whole state. Iowans deserve to be safe, seen, and celebrated. I miss when it was a proud notion to consider the attitude of our state as Iowa nice. Reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Lil M

It's so sad that we are even wasting time on this bill that would oppress anyone. We should be focusing on bettering the right for everyone. Not taking aways those rights. Who dose this bill help People that only want to be able to open HATE!!!!!I OPPOSE THIS BILL!!!!!!!

02-23-2025

Sam Bass

This bill is an egregious attack on human rights, and an attack on anyone's rights must be dismissed every single time. This bill is in direct violation of our state motto "our rights we will maintain," and an insult to our national values of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The effects of this bill will be devastating to trans Iowans, as well as Iowans more broadly. A state that threatens the rights of its citizens is not a place people want to live, and the state will suffer culturally, socially, and economically for years to come if this becomes law.

02-23-2025

Amber Sleeth-Williams

I do not support this bill that is blatantly discriminatory in nature and provides the means to strip certain Iowans of their rights. I am writing to ask you to please oppose any bills that discriminate against transgender people. This includes efforts to retract access to affirming healthcare, sports, and public facilities that match their gender identity. Discriminatory efforts like these are deeply harmful to already atrisk trans individuals.I will be watching closely to see what you do to protect trans rights, and I will cast future votes accordingly. Thank you for your time and support.

02-23-2025

Abigail Paxton

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Not only is this bill unnecessary, but it is unbelievably cruel to think of stripping Iowans of basic civil rights that protect transgender people from discrimination. How would a bill like this help or protect anyone? It would only create opportunities for hatred and violence. I urge you to listen to the everyday citizens who are voicing their strong opposition to this bill and not just lobbyists sowing division and fear in our community.

02-23-2025

Anne Salamon

As a life long Iowan, a medical professional, Sunday School teacher, and mother of a trans daughter, I oppose HSB242.This bill is not based on evidence but on hatred of "the other" and to score political points with a small but vocal minority. Our daughter was brought up in the church, an Eagle Scout, top of her class from a top school in the state, went to an ivy league school and came back to Iowa with a ChemE degree to work and own her own home. All she wants to do is live her life. She deserves the same rights and respect as anyone else.This bill does NOT represent the Iowa I grew up in! It is one more step backwards in the culture of our state. Is it any wonder that young people are getting the hell out of our state and we cannot attract/keep professionals? Why would a newly minted physician want to stay here or a corporate exec move their family here?I used to be proud to say that I came from Iowa, but it is legislation like this that makes me ashamed to admit that anymore.You take away trans individuals' rights, who's next? This is a terrible bill in oh so many ways! And, dear Legislators, I think you know it. That's the worst part.Do NOT support this bill!

02-23-2025

Anne Salamon

02-23-2025

Stephanie Sherman

I SUPPORT the protection of women and girls. Please pass this bill. No one is above the law. We have already seen how gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Code has been weaponized to allow biological males into womens bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and even prisons. My tax dollars should NOT be funding these transgender surgeries. You know that. Pass the bill.

02-23-2025

Karin Scott

I am shocked at the rate that our rights are being taken from us. I am a cisgender woman who has lived in Iowa all her life. Bill after bill is focused on our reproductive organs and how we are permitted to talk about sex. Get some real work done!!!!God made us all unique. We are not made to fit into into manmade gender roles. No one should be discriminated against because their genitals do not match the clothes they are wearing or their hairstyle.

02-23-2025

Jacqueline Harvat

Dear Honorable Representatives: In the strongest terms, I oppose HSB 242. Iowas citizenry does not want to rollback protections for ANY other citizen for any reason. The political climate of hatred within our House of Representatives is a breeding ground for the likes of the white supremacists who marched in Des Moines today. HSB 242 will endanger the lives of Iowans. Vote no on HSB 242. You have the opportunity to treat every Iowa. With respect and dignity. Use this power to save lives and allow ALL citizens in the Great State of Iowa to live in peace and prosperity.

02-23-2025

Jacob Krafcisin

Please consider the harm and the permanent reversal of progress this bill would create for Iowans that deserve the same rights as any human should. While I am cisgendered, I have empathy for the community and those whom I know who will be embroiled in pain from this bill. Please listen to the public and their concerns for this.

02-23-2025

Amy Weismann

This bill undermines the proud legacy of civil rights protection in our state. Even more devastatingly, it is state sanctioned discrimination. Hate is not an Iowa value. Iowans believe in treating all people with respect and dignity. This legislation would strip all civil rights from transgender Iowans and erase transgender Iowans from public life. It is morally repugnant and cruel and must be OPPOSED!

02-23-2025

Evan Gryska

HSB 242's proposed removal of Gender Identity from civil rights protections is unjust. As seen throughout history, the lack of civil rights protections is a slippery slope that will likely result in discriminatory practices against an innocent group of fellow humans.

02-23-2025

Kathryn Huisman

I would like register my objection to HSB242. Passing such legislation will set Iowa back as a state.It is not as simple as male and female genitalia being observed at birth. To be sure of sexual assignment, a chomosome test would be needed at birth. Will that be in the legislation? XX is female and XY is male. Right? are you familiar with Trisomy X syndrome (XXX), Klienfelter Syndrome (XXY), Swyer Syndrome (XY but look female) and Turner Syndrome (missing or partial X). It's not as simple as just "observing" genitalia. Would that it was that simple. And as stupid as it sounds, are women's rights next? After all, we now have recently given rights that could easily be taken away. The words women and disability were just ordered removed from federal papers. Project 2025 has made such proposals.

02-23-2025

TRUDY HOLMAN HURD [CITIZEN]

As an IA native I write in support of maintaining & protecting the Civil Rights of ALL Iowans. The proposed HSB 242 bill that seeks to remove gender identity from the IA Civil Rights Act rails against the basic sense of decency & respect toward another human being. How can any person elected to a position of responsibility to protect all citizens even engage in an attempt to cancel a specific group of citizens? We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. That does not give anyone the right to judge another human being. In the name decency & your duty to represent all Iowans, please do not vote for passage of this Godawful bill.Sincerely,Trudy Holman Hurd

02-23-2025

PJ Johnston

Please do not support HSB 242. No one should have rights taken away from them. As a professional theologian and faith leader I am appalled that although Galatians 3:28 makes it clear that Christ abolished differences of sex and gender, some politicians of my religion profane the name of Jesus by trying to discriminate against transgender people by sponsoring and supporting bills such as this. If you are a Christian, please stand up for Christ's Gospel of universal love and inclusion. If you are a person of good will of any faith or none at all, please do what is morally right and oppose discrimination in all its forms.

02-23-2025

Val Veiock [Bing's ]

My name is Val Veiock and I own Bing's, a gift store in West Des Moines. As a concerned business owner in Iowa, I am in opposition to HSB242, commonly known as The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act. I am not alone in my concerns, many small business owners across the state share my worries about the potential impact of this legislation.The proposed bill would remove gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, in addition to making definitional changes to how sex and gender are classified and defined in Iowa Code. Protection from discrimination in employment, wages, public accommodations, housing, education and credit practices on the basis of gender identity would be removed from Iowa Code under the bill. This raises serious concerns about discrimination, privacy, and implementation. Small businesses thrive when our communities are inclusive and welcoming to all. This legislation sends a harmful message that transgender individuals are not valued members of our community. Such a stance has real consequences for our economy and the vibrant cultural tapestry of our state.One of the worries we share is the potential exodus of talent from Iowa. Skilled and diverse individuals, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, contribute significantly to the success and innovation of our businesses. If this bill becomes law, it sends a message that Iowa is not a welcoming place for everyone, which would lead to a loss of talent, creativity, and expertise that our state desperately needs.The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act is harmful for transgender individuals and is a step backwards for Iowa. This could have serious repercussions as businesses lose valuable employees and consumers due to an inhospitable environment.I urge you to consider the broader and unintended impact this legislation could have on Iowa's economy and cultural landscape. Small businesses thrive when our communities are diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Please vote against HSB242 to ensure Iowa remains a state that attracts and retains a talented, diverse workforce, fostering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

02-23-2025

Rylee Junk

As a lifelong Iowan of nearly 30 years, I am deeply opposed to HSB 242. This bill would make our state the first in the nation to remove a protected group from nondiscrimination lawsan alarming and deeply unjust precedent.I have had the privilege of knowing and learning from many transgender individuals who have shaped me into a better person. If this legislation passes, Ialong with countless otherswill be forced to leave the only home we've ever known, unwilling to be complicit in such cruelty.I refuse to stand by as you strip away the rights of some of our most vulnerable citizens. The reality is simple: transgender people are not a threat. They do not seek to make others transgenderthey only want the children who already are transgender to know they belong here, in Iowa.Leadership requires compassion. Stripping people of their rights is the opposite of that. Choose love. Choose justice. Choose to protect all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Sarah Schroeder

I am strongly against this bill. All Iowans deserve equal rights and protections under the law. This bill would remove basic protections for trans people and cause problems for anyone who doesnt fit the bills narrow definitions.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Riley

So once again,people who have no expertise in the subject matter are making decisions. All human rights matter. Iowa is descending backwards at a fast pace. I wish that our lawmaker would take up legislation that is far more important than this, Healthcare (or lack of), healthcare costs, childcare, air and water pollution, cancer rates, protecting land rights are just a few examples. They should be ashamed of wasting time and money on their personal opinions and religious beliefs. Vote no.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Behre

I strongly oppose this incredibly harmful piece of legislation. In a world with plenty of harms to us as individuals, to our health, to our pocketbooks, to our families, and to our freedoms; this bill does absolutely nothing to help remove any of those harms and instead makes them worse for an already overburdened and discriminated against group of citizens. Why is the Iowa Legislature wasting their time on this when there are real issues that need to be addressed? Why does the Iowa Legislature insist on instead bringing harm to a community that, if not for the discrimination this bill promotes, could better help fix some of the above wrongs?? Please kill this terrible and disgusting bill immediately and turn your attention to real issues that need to be addressed.

02-23-2025

Brittany Good

While I know most of our extremist lawmakers only care about children while they are still in the woman and not breathing the world's air. HSB 242 is yet another billing taking aim to stop young people and their parents from accessing essential mental and physical health care. I might also note that this bill gives individuals less rights than Pakistan does. While is really sad.A large body of research demonstrates that trans youth who receive transitionrelated health care to treat their dysphoria show decreased anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, and psychological distress, and increased quality of life.Acceptance and support for LGBTQ youth quite literally saves lives. According to the Trevor Projects 2022 Report, young people who felt highly supported by their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who did not receive support.Trans children who are allowed to socially transition before puberty have normal rates of depression and anxiety, in striking contrast with trans children who could not socially transition. There is an extremely strong scientific and medical consensus that transgender people exist and that transitionrelated care is clinically appropriate and medically necessary. Transitionrelated health care is acknowledged as medically necessary by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many more.If you truly care about children and life as you all claim you do, take steps to protect these beautiful souls.

02-23-2025

Rowan A

Legalizing outright discrimination against transgender individuals, while also affecting anyone who doesn't fit this bills insanely narrow definitions of "sex" and weakening protections for intersex Iowans, does not achieve anything other than setting Iowa back in terms of civil rights and making Iowa less safe for people of all sexes and gender identities.

02-23-2025

Sarah Randol

I don't support this bill. This is meant to harm members of our communities. This is not for the betterment of our state, nor it's citizens. I hope that there is sense today and these representatives vote no to continue with the rights of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Heidi Willis

Oppose! When you intentionally try to harm a vulnerable population to win some kind of competition of hate and to gain/maintain power, you just prove to us and the world that you lack humanity and common decency. Stop being evil, please.

02-23-2025

Jada Mcdonald

We need these protections. Civil rights for trans people does not take away rights for anyone. It does not make life harder for anyone. It doesnt hurt or threaten the livelihood of anyone. Taking this essential right away will be detrimental to your neighbors and community leaving room for more hateful and intolerant legislation to pass in the future. Think about history. All of the hateful legislation that this country is built upon. In 100 years, do you want to be the person that voted to take away civil rights for HUMAN BEINGS? Or do you want to be the person your great great grandchildren are proud of and can say their ancestors were on the right side of history? Because as we know, it does not feel good to look back on mistakes. Especially those that can be fatal to Americans.

02-23-2025

Caroline Brown

As a lifelong Iowan, I strongly oppose this bill. The removal of civil rights for trans Iowans is a disgrace, and puts their lives, liberties, and pursuits at risk. This bill, if passed, would cause direct harm to the people of this state, the very same people that this legislature is supposed to serve and represent faithfully. The fact that in the year 2025 we are having to defend against calls for "separate but equal spaces" is appalling and a disgrace to all of those who have come before and fought tooth and nail for the lives and liberties we now hold. This bill makes mockery of what Iowa was not even two decades ago. Put bluntly: This bill, if passed, will kill and disenfranchise trans Iowans. It will also put at risk every single Iowan who does not look the "right" way, regardless of whether or not they are trans. One's civil rights should not depend on whether or not they fit the model that others perceive they should be in. Trans Iowans are Iowans, and they deserve the same rights and liberties as cis Iowans.Do not pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Taylor Kohn

Please reject this bill, which would be disastrous for civil rights in Iowa. It kills me that this is even on the table in my home state. Why do we even have to submit comments pleading for the legislature to recognize that discrimination should not be legal? This bill should never have been written.

02-23-2025

Amy Osborne

Its reprehensible to remove rights for individuals that have been protected. To leave individuals unprotected that have been bullied, harassed and abused, is beyond comprehension. What the government in Iowa is doing is nothing short of disgusting and evil. It is embarrassing this bill is even being considered. Leave this small group of people alone and start governing and this state!!

02-23-2025

Tess Collins

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. And any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections, for that matter. This bill is targeting people for no other reason than hate for those that don't fit a mold. Stop the attack on Transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa.

02-23-2025

Steph Mellecker

I vehemently oppose this bill. Please, do your civil duty and protect the vulnerable peoples of this state. The idea of this bill in and of itself is frightening. What is the end goal? Are we as a state really going to participate in a second Holocaust?

02-23-2025

Tim Sullivan

Please vote no in this bill. Dont fall into the fear mongering that is thrown out there. Men are not claiming to be women just so they can sneak in the bathroom and what look at a closed door on a stall? Caitlin was not kicked out of womens basketball because a bunch of guys pretended to be girls and took over the sport. People all people want to live their lives as they see fit without persecution from others who claim some higher morality. Thats why people came to America to be free to live how they wish. Thats fragile. Lets hang on to that and defend that with all we have in us.

02-23-2025

Sara Wodka

As a teacher at DMPS who works closely with trans students, and cisgender woman with dear transgender friends, I will always vote and move to protect them and honor them. I oppose this bill because I believe that every American, including my trans students and friends, has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness regardless of their sex, gender, orientation, or creed. These unalienable rights would be stripped away from transgender Iowans if this bill passed, making it difficult for them earn a living, receive government services, rent homes and apartments. Trans Iowans are our neighbors, and worthy of the same rights as any other hardworking taxpayer in our state.

02-23-2025

Lauren DiGiorgio

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that seeks to strip away civil rights protections. There is overwhelming evidence of discrimination based on gender identity, and the protections provided by the Iowa Civil Rights Act are essential to ensuring equality and dignity for all. Passing HSB 242 would strip away basic human rights from transgender Iowans and would have devastating consequences. As a citizen of Iowa, I am ashamed of the direction our state is heading. This bill is a crime against civil rights and a betrayal of the progress weve made. Trans people have always existed and always will. We will not sit quietly while decades of hardfought advancements are erased in a single day. We are asking, as a collective, for you to vote NO on HSB 242. If this bill passes, we will not remain silent.

02-23-2025

Stephanie Davis

I oppose this bill as currently written. Having worked alongside, attended church with, volunteered with, and been friends with individuals who are transgender, I have experienced firsthand that such individuals are not a threat to the fabric of our society. Taking away civil liberties and protections is what will tear at the core of what our Founding Fathers sought to create. Every citizen has the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. Every citizen should also have the right to housing, employment, education, health, and freedom to live as they choose without fear from harassment or retaliation from their government. Please reject this bill to ensure the safety of all of our citizens living in this great State.

02-23-2025

Ace Drumbarger

Please don't pass this bill. Please listen to us, and respect us. We are humans too, we are just like you. The only difference is who we love and who we define ourselves as. Please, just let us live freely. Dont pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Erin Casey

Dear Representatives, My name is Erin Casey, and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. Not to mention if they cant find jobs, housing, or receive credit cards due to discrimination, they also cant contribute to the economy like theyre doing now. It would hurt them as well as the economy.These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Maggie Adams

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. It is a waste of time, energy, and resources that should be directed towards addressing real problems that are impacting the people of Iowa. Not only is it fabricating issues that do not exist, it is a blatant attack on the LGBTQ community's safety and existence. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

02-23-2025

Delaney Waterman

Representatives Dawson and Siegr (and all other Iowa House Legislators), as a lifelong Iowa resident, I am begging you to reject HSB242. This bill would seek to remove civil protections for Iowans based on gender identity. People should be treated fairly and equally regardless of their gender identity. They should be given equal opportunity to earn a living for themselves and their families, and they should be able to live wherever they want to live (including the state of Iowa) without being discriminated against.Voting for this bill will be a vote for hatred and discrimination. Please stand up for all Iowans and vote no to this bill.

02-24-2025

Elle Green

Please do not pass this bill. We cannot be passing bills literally entitled civil rights removal. Transgender Iowans deserve equal protection under the law; this is blatantly discriminatory and unconstitutional. Besides the appalling moral implications of this piece of legislation, it is an utter disgrace to the fundamental beliefs that many constituents and politicians alike believe make America a good place to live. This bill will have disastrous consequences for transgender Iowans and will call the validity of the law and our government into question entirely if passed. Iowans are not going to stand for this and would be best to listen to the innumerable constituents who are vehemently opposed to this cruel legislation.

02-24-2025

Rafaela Cadena [Child Advocate former ICAB member,]

Please pass this bill. I fully support this bill.It is important that we protect the children. Things have gotten so bad the kids are allowed to be furries in school. My daughter confirmed this for me 2 years ago once I learned about this from a meeting with ITR. Furries means they think they are animals or identify as animals. Some schools even put litter boxes in bathroom. This is not humanity, this is not civil, this is abuse. The United Nations has an agenda to confuse and breakdown families including sex / gender issues.See https://sdgs.un.org/statements/sexualorientationandgenderidentitygroupstatementpoliticaldeclarationandfollow Returning our state back to pre 2007 when gender identity was a mental health issue not a protected class.It is necessary to define definitions related to sex and gender.279.80Sexualorientationandgenderidentitytheory4prohibitedinstruction.51.Asusedinthissection:6a.GenderidentityGendertheorymeansthesameas7definedinsection216.2conceptthatanindividualmay8properlybedescribedintermsofaninternalsenseofgender9thatisincongruentwiththeindividualssexaseither10maleorfemale.Gendertheoryincludestheconceptthat11anindividualwhoexperiencesdistressordiscomfortwith12theindividualssexshouldidentifyasandliveconsistent13withtheindividualsinternalsenseofgender,andthat14anindividualcandelaynaturalpubertyanddevelopsex15characteristicsoftheoppositesexthroughtheuseofpuberty16blockers,crosssexhormones,andsurgicalprocedures.17b.Sexualorientationmeansthesameasdefinedinsection18216.2.192.Aschooldistrictshallnotprovideanyprogram,20curriculum,test,survey,questionnaire,promotion,or21instructionrelatingtogenderidentitytheoryorsexual22orientationtostudentsinkindergartenthroughgradesix.Section1.NEWSECTION.4.1AStatutoryconstructionsex1andrelatedterms.21.Intheconstructionofstatutes,thefollowingrules3shallbeobservedwithregardtoapersonsbiologicalsex:4a.Sex,whenusedtoclassifyordescribeanatural5person,meansthestateofbeingeithermaleorfemaleas6observedorclinicallyverifiedatbirth.7b.Whenusedinreferencetoanaturalperson,afemale8meansanindividualwhohas,had,willhavethroughthecourse9ofnormaldevelopment,orwouldhavebutforadevelopmental10anomaly,geneticanomaly,oraccident,areproductivesystem11thatatsomepointproducesova,andamalemeansan12individualwhohas,had,willhavethroughthecourseofnormal13development,orwouldhavebutforadevelopmentalanomaly,14geneticanomaly,oraccident,areproductivesystemthatat15somepointproducessperm.16c.Thetermwomanorgirlreferstoafemaleandthe17termmanorboyreferstoamale.18d.Thetermmothermeansaparentwhoisfemaleandthe19termfathermeansaparentwhoismalee.Gender,whenusedaloneinreferencetomales,females,21orthenaturaldifferencesbetweenmalesandfemalesshall22beconsideredasynonymforsexandshallnotbeconsidered23asynonymorshorthandexpressionforgenderidentity,24experiencedgender,genderexpression,orgenderrole.25f.Thetermequaldoesnotmeansameoridentical.26g.Separateaccommodationsarenotinherentlyunequal.27h.Apersonbornwithamedicallyverifiablediagnosisof28disorderordifferenceofsexdevelopmentshallbeprovidedthe29legalprotectionsandaccommodationsaffordedunderthefederal30AmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990andapplicablestate31law.322.Anystatelaw,policy,orprogramthatprohibits33discriminationonthebasisofsexshallbeconstruedtoforbid34unfairtreatmentoffemalesormalesinrelationtosimilarly situatedmembersoftheoppositesex

02-24-2025

Melissa Koch

Gender identity is a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act and must remain so. People who dont conform to traditional gender roles or are transgender are part of a historically marginalized community who continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence. The inclusion of gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act is necessary to provide all Iowans adequate protections so they might live their lives with the basic dignity and support we all deserve.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, achieving education goals, or being served by a business or government office, people who are transgender or gender nonconforming should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.Its unfair if someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are. These basic antidiscrimination protections are important, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are. All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Nobody should have to live in fear of being fired from their job because of their gender identity.Please stop HSB242 and keep gender identity in our Iowa Civil Rights Act.

02-24-2025

Christine Stockton

NO CIVIL RIGHTS REMOVAL FOR ANY IOWANS. We will not be divided by your attempts to villainize our trans friends and family. Trans rights are human rights and our representatives should choose the side of humanity. You cannot claim liberty and justice for ALL while ripping liberties from the communities you represent. VOTE NO ON IOWA HSB242 AND HSB158!

02-24-2025

Jacinda Nava Romero

Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Christine Moad

As a genderqueer Iowan with many transgender friends and students, it is appalling that my home state is leading the charge with this hateful legislation. No one should be discriminated against based on gender identity. In the year 2025, it is hard to believe that this is even up for debate. This heinous bill needs to be stopped.

02-24-2025

Ngonyo Mungara

I would like to express my disgust and frustration with the presentation of this bill and urge you to reject this. Please stop the constant attack and harassment of transgender people in Iowa and nationwide who are just trying to exist and live their lives happily. Iowans are currently struggling with rising cancer rates, mental illness, poverty, food insecurity, and more. I wish the Iowa legislature would focus on tackling these issues instead of harassing trans and queer people and fear mongering people into believing they are a threat.

02-24-2025

Lisa Fleming

Respectfully, I ask you NOT to support HSB 242. Please preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity. As a proud Iowan, I am dismayed that my state, the state that I love whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain' is considering such harmful legislation. HSB 242 is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as Iowans. Do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. Do not turn back the clock on our state's civil and human rights progress. Vote "NO" on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Daniel McIlhon

As a citizen of Iowa and of this nation, as a human, I staunchly oppose this bill. To remove civil protections from persons on the basis of gender identity is ignorant, unjust, and dehumanizing. It is ignorant to deny the extensive scientific and historical evidence that gender identity and sex are distinct constructs. It is unjust to permit discrimination on the basis of gender identity. It is dehumanizing to say, by merely proposing this bill, that genderdiverse individuals do not deserve the right to walk this earth as civil equals with their fellow humans. I implore you, please, in the name of life and liberty, do not pass this piece of legislation.

02-24-2025

Kristina Ehlers

In this bill as well as any other dismantling human rights, I find it funny to find this statement: "The term 'equal' does not mean 'same' or 'identical'. Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." This bill intends to dehumanize and discriminate against human life. It is laughable to believe that we are "not inherently unequal" when there are humans are being essentially erased as citizens and will no longer be protected under Iowa law. Human rights are not a separate accommodation that governors or representatives get to choose who gets to have them. Failure to recognize the gender a person identifies as puts them at risk. It will make it harder to apply for school, to get a job, use the bathroom, or get the Healthcare they need. Already marginalized human beings will be further subject to violence. Being forced into places that do not align with their gender. The hate continues to spread, sending the message that it's okay to bully, ignore, and harm anyone you don't understand.There are years of medical research and documents available to the public describing in detail the needs and care on any gender identity. Citizens of our community are not a "theory", we are living, breathing members of society. Mothers, fathers, son,daughters hoping for a better future. To just live our lives as normal people, without these bureaucratic nuances to determine us from simply being who we want to be.Please, let's leave the LGBTQIA+ community alone and use those government dollars and hours for things the community really needs. Like cleaner water?

02-24-2025

Elsabeth Hepworth

Based on a growing body of research, the prevalence of suicide thoughts and attempts among transgender individuals are 1218 times higher than the general population. To enact this law is to remove one of the state's most vulnerable populations from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, upending any opportunity to demand fair employment, wages, public accommodations, housing, education or credit practices. Why are we proposing harmful legislation when civility and community is what's called for?

02-24-2025

Stephen Dunham

I strongly urge you to reject the retrograde HSB242, an illconceived and unconstitutional attempt to strip away equal rights from from a segment of our fellow human beings. As an Iowan who used to be proud of our welcoming nature, I am appalled at this turn toward arbitrary discrimination and scapegoating. As a person of faith, I stand against this sinful fearmongering and "othering", and for love and acceptance of all of God's children. Let people be who they are.

02-24-2025

Simbarashe Mambume [Cargill]

Since we fight to protect woman rights why would we think allowing a man who claims to be a woman to use the same bathrooms of the woman you are claiming to protect is a right thing? A biological man should use a male bathroom and same goes for a biological woman. Or else create Transgender only bathrooms and Transgender only Sports. Lets keep biological man away from our daughters bathrooms and sports

02-24-2025

Rafaela Cadena [Child Advocate former ICAB member]

Please pass this bill.Everyone needs to read and understand that it does not strip anyone of rights. It defines sex and gender and returns it back to pre 2007. Everyones civil rights will stay in tact. Having this definition further protects each sex. I urge everyone to read the bill especially the following:"Gender when used alone in reference to males, females or the natural differences between males and females shall be considered a synonym for sex and shall not be considered a synonym or shorthand expression for gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender role.The term "equal" does not mean same or "identical".Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal.A person born with MEDICALLY VERIFIABLE DIAGNOSIS OR DISORDER OR DIFFERENCE OF SEX DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE PROVIDED THE LEGAL PROTECTIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS AFFORDED UNDER THE FEDERAL AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 AND THE APPLICABLE STATE LAW. Any state law, policy, or program that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex shall be construed to FORBID unfair treatment of females or males in relation to similarily situated members of the opposite sex. Not withstanding any provision o state law to the contrary, distinctions based on sex including but not limited to prisons or other detention facilities, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, locker rooms, restrooms and in other context where health, safety, or privacy are implicated resulting in separate accommodations, are substantially related to the important government objectives of protecting the health and safety, and privacy of the persons in these contexts.

02-24-2025

Marsha Pilger

I am writing to urge you to vote against this Bill. As human beings we need to understand that not all of us are alike and I am tired of having to deal with the inhumanity that is going around in this timeframe. I am 80 years old, and I have lived to see a lot of things, But to vote in favor of this bill would be to vote in favor of human life and happiness.

02-24-2025

Trisha Borowicz

I want to state my full objection to HSB 242. Passing this legislation would take the civil rights of Iowa citizens backwards, give none of the protective benefits its supporters purport, and cause unnecessary harm to many Iowan adults and children. This legislation is also a waste of time and tax dollars on a madeup problem. As a citizen, a woman, and a person that cares about children's safety, I ask that HSB 242 is NOT passed.

02-24-2025

Serena Cariens

Please reject HSB 242. Do not allow Iowa to remove a protected class from civil rights laws. This is not what Iowa should be known for. We should strive to address real issues that impact all humans in our state and our country, rather than codify hate and fear. Transgender Iowans are Iowans, and we Iowans protect each other. Please reject HSB 242 and any legislation that promotes discrimination and division in our communities.

02-24-2025

Kiran Thijm

I strongly oppose this bill. Despite the majority of folks OPPOSING this bill, I have a feeling that you will pass this bill through subcommittee. Listen to the people. Stop forcing your agenda, this hateful nonsense, onto Iowans. Vote NO.

02-24-2025

Kasper Kittredge

I moved to Iowa with my parents when I was in kindergarten. Althought I missed New England, my parents (and later, my experiences with classmates, teachers, neighbors, and others in my community) all taught me that Iowans were friendly and welcoming, and cared more about your work ethic then they would ever care about how you looked. This bill spits in the face of all of that. When I came out years ago, I was welcomed by the community around me. Iowas's supportive legislation that allowed me to access medical care and transition without fear of losing any rights was a blessing, allowing me to live as my authentic self. The passage of this bill would spit in the face of all of that. Now, even without the passage of discrimatory legislation, I am strongly considering leaving the state. As a data analyst who dedicated my first two years of my professional life as an AmeriCorps VISTA to a homeless shelter, and who now works to end homelessness, and as a skilled mathematician and tutor of that subject, I would hope that I'm the type of person Iowa would want to attract to the state, and not lose due to passing legislation that is hateful (as removing rights from minorities always is). This doesn't even consider the loopholes that this bill presents to allow for legal discrimination against cis women. For all of these reasons, I strongly oppose this bill, and request that it is stopped in this subcommittee.

02-24-2025

Lily Cardamen

Vote against HSB242! It is revolting that you think it is OK to take away the civil rights from transgender people? I am embarrassed to live in a state that would do this to any group of people! Transgender people do not deserve to be treated like this! I have loved ones and friends who are transgender, please dont hurt the ones I love. Do we really want to be known as the state that doesnt care about minority groups? You might know somebody thats transgender and not even know it. Do you really think theyre bad people? You are despicable if you vote for HSB242! Please dont ruin peoples lives just because you can or feel pressure from other constituents. Do the right thing. God loves all his children.

02-24-2025

Amy Ewoldt

They should have all the rights everyone else has. They are still people with a beating heart and a thinking mind. That are still humans that should be able to have all the rights everyone else has. Shame on people to judge and try and take rights from any human!

02-24-2025

Kate Bell

I ask our state congress to vote against moving this bill forward, and not to pursue any similar harmful measures in the future. This bill is a massive and unnecessary overreach of state government into the private lives of Iowans, and will lead to further harm and discrimination. Laws like this only serve to erode the rights we swear to maintain in this state, and will not protect any Iowans. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Donna Davis

Thank you for letting me share why I think its important to maintain civil rights for the less than 2 percent of our entire American population who are born with a very uncommon variation. It is through no fault of their own but rather due to pesticides and other chemical exposure in our environment. Pediatricians are familiar with this and try to help parents make a decision immediately after birth, without fully knowing internal glandular issues. Imagine youre a parent making that decision in ignorance of the entire future development. As compassionate parents and family members you would want to make their lives as whole and happy as possible. Amen.

02-24-2025

Elijah Webster

I think it is absolutely ridiculous that our state government feels the need to legislate issues of personal expression and identity. There are far more pressing issues at hand in our state, such as the unlivable minimum wage, scant job market, and declining economy and infrastructure. Rather than perpetuating a culture war to divide the state further, the state government should act in the best interests of its citizens and delegate time and resources to matters that are of true concern. I reiterate: It is absolutely inappropriate for the government to limit one's freedom of identity and expression, regardless of biology. By moving forward with this bill, a precedent is set that the state government has discretion over how its citizens must identify and present themselves. I hope it is blatant why moving forward with this bill is dangerous. A true Democratic Republic works to better represent, protect and serve its citizens. This bill does the exact opposite of all three.

02-24-2025

Monica Nieves Hirsch

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and urge you to vote NO. This bill is an appalling attack on the rights of Iowans. As a cisgender, heterosexual woman who deeply supports our trans community, I am gravely concerned about the harm this bill will cause, putting many citizens safety at risksomething that should be a top priority for our legislators and leaders. The very introduction of this bill is unfathomable, especially in a state that proudly declares, "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."

02-24-2025

Sarah Heady

Transgender individuals have always existed, and they always will. Trans Iowans are our brothers, sisters, siblings, parents, children, and beloved members of our community. Its disheartening that we even need to say thisstripping away the rights of entire groups of people is an act of authoritarianism, and it is deeply unjust. What you are saying to Iowans, and to the world, is that certain people are somehow undeserving of being treated as full human beings. But that is not your decision to make.To Iowans who oppose transgender rights, I urge you to consider that, in time, you will look back with regret on the harm you have caused. Please reconsider your stance. To my transgender fellow Iowans, I want you to know that you are loved, valued, and needed.Your very existence is an act of resistance, and I will stand with you, always.

02-24-2025

Alathia Hayes

I urge the legislature to rethink this atrocious bill. Our trans neighbors deserve every right and protection afforded them as citizens, including but not limited to equal opportunity jobs and housing. Taking protections away from minorities will never be the way forward.

02-24-2025

Rayf Schmidt

Please do NOT support legislation that would allow discrimination towards transgender youth in schools, or otherwise restrict or prohibit development and advocacy for those individuals to have access to the support and resources they need. Thank you

02-24-2025

Keri Clark

Vote no on HSB 242Civil rights PROTECTIONS based on gender identity remain necessarythey are not special rights. NO human should have to live in fear of violence, or job loss simply for existing in their own skin. I understand sports issues if/when hormone levels are an advantage, but getting rid of protections for trans/non gender conforming people is a blatant disregard of the physical, emotional, and financial threats to their existence. Look up stats on transgender violence, murder and suicide rates and tell me there doesnt need to be protections. I implore you to stop the legislative attack on fellow human beings simply for being different than you, and uphold protecting them from attacks from others.

02-24-2025

Ginny Tunnicliff

I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill would have a terrible impact on the ability of transgender Iowans to live their lives. It is a cruel attempt to legislate these Iowans out of existence and 100% politically motivated. The bill will not do anything to improve this state for anyone. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Jayne Meacham

Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. When did freedom start to mean taking the rights of others? This bill needs to be laughed out of committee. Trans rights are human rights, taking rights from one group just shows what can be taken from any of us.

02-24-2025

Elijah Webster

02-24-2025

Rosemary Acevedo

I am opposed to bill HSB 242.I am someone who was born and raised in Iowa. I have always been proud of my home, and the progress thats been made in recent years. This bill is disappointing to see.Iowa has grown to encourage inclusivity for minorities, including transgender people. Iowans have been known for being kind and welcoming to all. Discouraging safety and stability for transgender people, goes against kindness. Lets not ruin the progress this state has made, lets instead continue to push forward to better and kinder futures. Theres enough hate in this world, why contribute to it? This bill encourages hate, and is based on Christian values. However, any true Christian should be able to see that this is not loving one another. Discrimination is hate. For people who use their religion to support hate, I ask you to also consider this: attacking minorities, taints Christianity. It paints religious people who preach love, as hateful and divisive. When in reality God should bring us together. Aside from religion, this is against the people, and against our countries constitution. We are blurring the lines of personal values and law. This is not justice.I urge you to defend transgender people, dont defy them of their rights. Hate is a slippery slope. Lets be kind, welcoming, and loving.Lets continue to be Iowa nice.

02-24-2025

April Smith

I oppose bill HSB242 because its a terrible bill. It takes the rights away from good people who have done nothing to hurt anyone! I thought this was a free country & as long as you dont hurt anyone & you are happy who cares excepts the politician & government who should be fighting for our country to make it better!

02-24-2025

Charlotte Sappho

This bill is antiAmerican. It is unpatriotic.Here is absolute proof of this fact:"We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.""With Liberty and Justice for ALL""Land of the free"

02-24-2025

Laura Bailey

The bill is an obvious government overreach. The definitions of sex and gender are, or should be, entirely outside the scope of lawmakers responsibilities. I would much rather our elected officials focus on solving real problems than waste time on this imagined enemy.

02-24-2025

Bryan Smith

Concerning this HSB242, what really is the point of this bill? I don't see why you are so concerned about everyone's genitalia and how they live their life. You might as well discriminate about eye color, hair color or literally anyone who has had plastic surgery to augment any part of their body. My birth certificate said I had brown eyes when I was a baby, now they are more of a hazel color (grey/green) so should that keep me from getting a job or apartment somewhere? Should I be denied service at a store or restaurant because my eye color doesn't match my bc? If a woman has their breast removed (or enlarged) due to whatever reason, should they be denied services? Or is it only what they have below the belt that's important? How someone identifies should have no bearing what is between their legs nor should they be denied services for that reason. This bill is a bad idea and does not reflect Iowa's Constitution or motto: Our Liberties We Prize And Our Right We Will Maintain! How about you maintain Iowans' rights and vote against this sham of a bill.

02-24-2025

Rebecca Gruber [Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus]

Legislators, please think before removing rights and protections for ANY citizen of our state. This action will make Iowans less safe, less prosperous, and less able to attract educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and businesses. When a fellow citizens rights are curtailed, it is only a matter of time that your rights are taken away. This bill is codified discrimination and unworthy of the residents you represent.

02-24-2025

Jynx Egan

Do not pass this bill. You will ruin lives. You will kill not only youth in Iowa but youth all over the world taking this step of action. You will take Iowa 10 steps back instead of 10 steps forward. If you pass this bill, you will practically ban the existence of people near and dear to not only me, but to many people inside of my community. Again, DO NOT PASS THIS BILL.

02-24-2025

Patricia Wanat

The expression In a world where you can be anything, be kind. is one that should be thought about before passing this bill. If you truly care about doing whats best for this state and its citizens, then stop taking actions to divide us. Jesus said love one another as I have loved you. Are you going to be brave like Jesus and love everyone, or are you going to be fearful like the Sanhedrin, Pontias Pilate, and Judas?

02-24-2025

Mindy Schattner

HOW did we get here, to a place where actually attempting to REPEAL a persons CIVIL RIGHTS is on the table!!!!???? Every single person in the country has the right to the same protections, regardless of race, religion or gender. VOTE NO to HSB 242

02-24-2025

Chase Sheley

The language in this bill is widely unconstitutional. We all know this. It is blatantly discriminatory and doesnt allow the same protections for those populations who are easily discriminated against simply for how they were born. This is no different than the color of someones skin. Pushing this house bill any further is criminal and only furthers the agenda of a regime of hate that has been in control far too long. Anyone who can look at another human and say you dont exist as you are is absolutely incorrect and not living by the core tenants we as Iowans claim to live and love. Its embarrassing to know we were once thought of as one of the most progressive states and people look at us as a dark stain on the heartland of America. Its truly a shame we have fallen so far back into a hateful era. Putting trans people back in a closet or pretending they dont exist, doesnt erase us, it only makes us fight harder to be seen, we will never give up and we will never back down.

02-24-2025

Norah Wolfe

This bill must be opposed. It is a blatant attempt to erase civil rights and protections for transgender Iowans. They want you to not care about this happening to us. They want you to get comfortable with signing away people's rights. In the end, they want you to sign away yours, too.As for the educational portion of the bill, it is abhorrent to label any discussion of gender beyond a thirdgrade level "gender theory." Not only is this non congruent with established academic terminology, it also is intended to make discussion of trans and intersex people's lives, bodies, and experiences illegal in schools. Trans and intersex people exist and have always existed, and our histories and stories deserve to be taught.

02-24-2025

Kylie Garringer

I am writing today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity.As a proud lowan, I am dismayed that my state, the state that I love whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain, this HSB242 is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as lowans, I ask of you, do not make lowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens.Finally, in closing, I want to state that while this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HSB242.Preserve lowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

02-24-2025

Kylie Garringer

I am writing you today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity.As a proud lowan, I am dismayed that my state, the state that I love whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain, this HSB242 is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as lowans, I ask of you, do not make lowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens.Finally, in closing, I want to state that while this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HSB242.Preserve lowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

02-24-2025

Lynzee Eck

02-24-2025

Joan Moad

I am dismayed and angered that Iowa legislators are even considering the hateful, dangerous HSB242 bill. Why do you want to remove civil rights protections for a marginalized group of Iowa citizens?I have family and friends in the transgender community who are caring, hardworking Iowans who simply want to live their truths. What is your purpose in erasing their ability to live their truths by manufacturing narrow definitions of 'man' and 'woman' under Iowa laws? As well as the other wretched provisions proposed in this bill.Our legislators should be working on legislation to enhance the lives of ALL Iowans and not pursuing this divisive 'witch hunt'.I urge you to stop and reflect on Iowa's state motto and then say NO to HSB242.

02-24-2025

Ajooni Sethi

In a time when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, basic costs of living are skyrocketing, and people are uncertain about their futures, I do not understand why we are wasting valuable time trying to legislate people's bodies. Can we all understand that we do not understand another's experience? Then why do we feel comfortable telling them what to do with their bodies? What if someone were to come into your home, your bedroom and tell you how to live and create the most intimate and personal parts of your life? We are for freedom. There is nothing free about this bill. Let people live.

02-24-2025

Monty Montero-Elliott

I oppose HSB 242. There is no point to a bill like this other than the immiseration of trans people and their further exclusion from public life. It exposes the whole community, and particularly trans women, to even more discrimination, exploitation, and violence. If this bill passes it would be legal to evict somebody for being trans. It would be legal to expose trans women to physical and sexual violence by putting them in men's prison. It would be legal to refuse to serve a trans person at a business because they're trans. It would be legal to fire someone from their job because they're trans. It would be legal to refuse a person a loan or overcharge them or lowball them on property assessments because they're trans. It simultaneously declares that trans people don't exist and that they're menaces to society whose flourishing must be curtailed. It is nonsensical and abjectly cruel. And you have to be a real piece of work to say "separate is not inherently unequal" with a straight face. Vote no.

02-24-2025

Renn Knight

Trans people are your people. You can try and take away our identity, our dignity. But we have faced worse things and survived. Whatever the outcome, we will survive. Please do not pass this bill/dont allow it to continue further.

02-24-2025

Grady Holmes

I lived in Iowa from 20152022 and have plans to move back in several years. I am not transgender but I want to live in state that views transgender people as human beings and respects their rights. I implore members of this committee to rise above politics and if they havent done so already meet with transgender people in their districts that they represent. If Iowa strips rights away from transgender people I will alter my plans to return as a young engineer. Myself and other young people like me will continue to leave Iowa adding the the brain drain that we are facing. I also will limit future money I will spend in the state of Iowa if this bill passes

02-24-2025

Lee Robida

Is this the best you as Republicans lawmakers can do, is to make other Citizens feel like 2nd class citizens?We are also human beings, with families & feelings of Love & Care.What happen to being Iowa Nice?When I moved here to Iowa, I use to say, folks in the Midwest states are so friendly and nice.Today, I no longer see that in Iowa, as I see & listen to the hate laws that Iowas GOP Republican, are always cooking up a witches brew of discrimination against a minority of Iowa citizens.Shame on the once decent GOP of Iowa. I do not fully understand the trans issue either on a mental or physical point of view, But they are my fellow citizens and I will accept them to be just that, My Fellow Citizens, who also have the same rights as I do and therefore, the laws you are seeking to pass are Wrong and Evil. Stop the Hate.

02-24-2025

Paula Mitchell

Please reject this bill, which strips rights from Iowans and threatens to create more homelessness as a result of discrimination. Our transgender neighbors deserve the same protection under the law as everyone else, and removal of those rights is unacceptable and will harm communities. Uphold the rights of ALL Iowans.

02-24-2025

Deborah Hansen

I must speak in opposition to HSB242. I do not understand how taking rights away from a group of individuals does anything to change or better life for everyone else. Why would you look at moving the state backwards? This legislatures focus on culture wars is sickening. What have you done to help with maternal health, mental health, increasing cancer rates, lower the cost of homes, raise wages and increase funding to our schools! These are issues that are important to everyday Iowans!Once again I urge you to Vote NO!

02-24-2025

Randy McNeal

I urge you to vote NO on HSB 242. If passed, Iowa will become the first state to repeal civil rights protections for a specific group of people. This sets a dangerous precedent, eroding the fundamental rights that protect all marginalized communities.Every civil rights movement has faced the argument of no special rights, but history shows that when one groups rights are taken away, others follow. This is not just about one groupits about the integrity of civil rights for all Iowans.Please stand on the right side of history and reject this bill.

02-24-2025

Randy McNeal

02-24-2025

Jodi Graeber

Please let humans simply be humans. Let people choose to be who they want to be. Let people feel comfortable in who they are on the inside. Letting humans choose does not affect others on a day to day basis. Let people be.

02-24-2025

Randy McNeal

02-24-2025

Lilly Iseman

I strongly oppose any bill that takes away civil rights for Iowa s. It is repulsive and offensive that you are spending your time attacking a minority of vulnerable people instead of working on making sure Iowans can live healthy and productive lives. Transgender people just want to exist. It's unethical, immortal and downright disturbing that we are taking a step backwards like this. These people are your neighbors. They are just people trying to live their lives and follow their pursuit of happiness. This is absolutely barbaric, cruel, unethical, and disgusting. I strongly oppose hsb242.

02-24-2025

julianne ossman

HSB 242 is a bill that will protect bullies. As a teacher, I've already seen a rise in hateful acts towards students deemed different. This is not the world that I want to live in. Please stop promoting hate in the name of Christianity. This bill must be stopped in it's tracks.

02-24-2025

Lilly Iseman

Read the room. IOWANS DO NOT WANT LESS RIGHTS. STOP WASTING TIME AND TAX PAYER MONEY ON ATTACKING MINORITIES. TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. Even if trans human rights are stripped trans people will always, and have always existed.

02-24-2025

Patricia Hicks

It is hard to understand how you can hate people you dont know, and who have done nothing personal to you. This bill is another embarrassment of the Iowa Republican party. You are enabling discrimination.and making medical and personal decisions that you have no business making. Good people are planning to leave Iowa and others will hesitate to move here, because of these baseless laws. Stop looking for problems where there are none and focus on important issues like clean water, public schools, family farmsissues that actually benefit Iowans.

02-24-2025

Paul Gilbert

I strongly oppose HSB242. It is shameful that legislators are considering stripping civil rights from a class of people. The existence of transgender and queer folks is not a problem. This bill is nothing but a political stunt that diverts attention away from the real problems that Iowa faces. Reject HSB242.

02-24-2025

Annette Rice

This proposed bill is a slap in the face to transgender Iowans and their families who vote, pay taxes, attend our schools and churches, support their friends and neighbors, and are loyal Americans. Their pure existence harms no one. Iowans do not want this hateful and discriminatory legislation codified. Vote NO on HSB242. Protect and defend your fellow Iowans.

02-24-2025

Sara Law

I stand strongly opposed to this or any other bill that seeks to take away the rights of any Iowan citizen. It is a shameful attack on good, hard working Iowans. This bill sets a dangerous precedence that anyone's rights may be up for debate.

02-24-2025

Amy Pollard

Please note my opposition to this legislation as, in addition to the fact that it is morally reprehensible, it puts undue burdens on businesses which would require them to craft policies exclusively for their locations in Iowa. Please reflect the will of the people of Iowa and reject this bill.

02-24-2025

Jeanne Fung

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. I and I believe all Iowans should be against this and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections from any Iowan . I am repulsed that this was even introduced, let alone brought to a subcommittee. Stop the attack on Transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa they are our friends and family and deserve every single right that every time everyone has.

02-24-2025

Kristin Ackerman

You cannot strip human rights from a group of people. This is unacceptable. Trans people are people and have rights. Trans people are Iowans. Just because someone doesn't understand a group of people does not mean they get to limit them as people. Do not support this bill. Do not pass this bill.

02-24-2025

Jason Estes

No. Just no. I am not trans, nor do I have any trans family members, no do I know any trans persons (to my knowledge). And yet, I would wish to live in a world where anti discrimination rights are expanded rather than contracted over time. I would expect that for an act like this to be enacted there would have to be some explicit harm being remedied, and I do not see that in this case. A nebulous common good could be claimed for a bill legitimizing discrimination based on religious creed or political affiliation with equal legitimacy. When in history has the removal of rights from persons been the action of a just government?

02-24-2025

Dan Bloom

The only reason someone would want to remove a protected group's civil rights protections is if they are wanting to discriminate or harm that group. Do not support this bill at this point or any later stage in its process. Iowa's motto is "our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." If that is to have any meaning at all, we cannot advance this bill.

02-24-2025

Dalton Roberts

Please reject HSB242. We should not be focusing on taking away individuals rights. We should be promoting knowledge and making sure that kids are informed about topics like gender theory. They are smarter then we think and they have the right to learn.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Broders

Please rejct HSB 242. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is incredibly cruel and unkind to harm people and strip the rights away from those who are not hurting others and simply want to live their lives in the way they feel is right for them. Just because someone else doesn't agree doesn't mean they should take away the rights of others. Please don't let hate and anger be the vangards of policy. The world cannot become a better place if we do that. Instead, please let us focus on compassion and kindness.

02-24-2025

Michelle Townsend

Please vote no. Do not advance this harmful legislation that seeks to take rights away from Iowans. This is a hateful waste of state resources that will result in Iowans being deprived of access to basic civil rights. Hear the many, many Iowans who do not want this (no Iowan needs this). Do not advance such dangerous legislation.

02-24-2025

Alanna Reeves

This bill promotes a scientifically inaccurate and overly simplistic understanding of sex and gender, which is not supported by modern biological research.Decades of scientific evidence demonstrate that sex and gender are not binary. Intersex individuals, chromosomal variations, and hormonal differences all clearly show that biological sex exists along a spectrum. As much as 2% of our population could be categorized as intersex a phenomenon that occurs in nature about as frequently as natural redheads. Further, gender is a complex interaction of biology, identity, and society. To craft sound policy, we must rely on objective science, not ideological narratives that disregard wellestablished research.Legislation like HSB 242 does not reflect biological reality and instead risks harming Iowans by enforcing rigid and outdated classifications that do not align with medical, psychological, or genetic understanding. I urge you to stand for evidencebased policy that respects all Iowans, rather than enacting legislation rooted in misinformation.Finally, I urge you and your colleagues to stop wasting time on divisive "culture war" legislation like HSB 242. Iowans are far more concerned with real issues that impact their daily livesrising costs of living, healthcare access, education, and economic stability. Additionally, the growing authoritarian overreach from the executive branch deserves far more legislative attention than what pronouns people prefer or obsessions about defining people by what their genitals look like. Bills like this do nothing to improve the lives of hardworking Iowans and only serve to distract from the pressing challenges facing our state.

02-24-2025

Matthew Brenot

None of us can deny that there are people born intersex with physical characteristics that do not conform uniformly to female or male. At the very least, this bill removes protections for these citizens to be treated with justice, and this is to say nothing of the hurtful consequences suffered by Iowans who dont worship an abrahamic god and reject the scripture that arbitrarily insists on fabricated archaic binary gender roles. This bill is so obviously unconstitutional that representatives should vote this bill down and save taxpayers from the inevitable legal fight that would result in its invalidation.

02-24-2025

Jane Hemminger [ ]

Can't we govern from a place of kindness. Allowing all people their rights feels like what a civil and just society looks like. Denying people equal access justifiably stirs the pot of anger and resentment. Please vote no and move on to REAL problems like water quality, bird flu, and quality education all of which Iowa desparately needs to address.

02-24-2025

Gail Kotval

I am opposed to HSB242 the Gender Identity Erasure Act. As a person of faith, I see this as a moral issue. No one should have their rights taken away from them. Transgender Iowans are our neighbors and family. I want them to have the same rights as I have to earn a living, find a place to live and be served in a business or government office. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.Do the right thing and vote no.

02-24-2025

Neal Fairchild

I am unable to be in person today to voice opposition to this legislation. This legislation does nothing to benefit it anyone it does not tackle any issues facing every Iowan today. This legislation does one thing that is remove rights and protections from one population within out state which goes against what I believed this state was for in its motto. This legislation will cause irreparable damage to the state. We will lose people who are friends, family, and members of our community. It will make our state look unwelcoming to new people and investment as the state population slides and rural areas suffer. All this legislation does is target a small minority of people who just want to live their lives in peace and have the same day to day life as anyone else. I do not support this legislation and I will not support anyone whom votes for it.

02-24-2025

Neal Fairchild

02-24-2025

Jennifer Pickar

I strongly oppose any bill that restricts a persons right to live as their authentic self. Identifying as a different gender does not cause harm to others, but forcing someone to conform to a mandated identity can inflict serious psychological distress. Everyone deserves the freedom to be who they are without government interference.

02-24-2025

Claire Peters

This bill will make the lives of so many Iowans worse. Please shift your focus to things that actually matter and impact your constituents! Trans people only make up 1.6% of the U.S. population. Passing this bill would move Iowa towards a horrifying direction that people don't want. We just want you to focus on improving the quality of life here and making groceries affordable. Using your limited energy to focus on hatred is an absolute waste.

02-24-2025

Olivia Ruf

I very strongly oppose HSB 242. Taking civil rights protections away from transgender Iowans is an infringement upon all Iowans. Not only is the wording in this bill ambiguous, it is downright incorrect. It fails to consider those that are biologically not male or female assigned at birth. It blatantly ignores science and is written in bad faith and could have negative consequences for all Iowans. It serves to help no one, but to harm many and will cause great harm to many Iowans who work to make this state great.

02-24-2025

Michael gude

I strongly oppose this bill. I believe it is unconstitutional and reprehensible to criminalize a group of people. The Iowa Constitution makes it illegal to give rights to one group while taking them away from another. This obviously goes against the Iowa constitution.

02-24-2025

Jodi Rutledge

Please DO NOT strip transgender people of their civil rights. Please treat them with the same love and respect that Jesus would. Appreciate them for being human. All humans are made in the image of God and loved dearly by Him. Thank you and God bless all of you guiding our state.

02-24-2025

Mckenzie Hammes

Every HUMAN deserves civil rights and deserves to have the right to be whoever they need to be. Taking this away from trans people is unconstitutional and not what i and most americans believe america stands for. There is a reason its there in the first place. Please dont take this away. I stand with ALL transgender people as they are humans who should have the same rights as you and me.

02-24-2025

Taylor Elbert

I urge all of you to vote now on this bill. It is kind of an overreach, and to be honest with you. This country was built on the foundations of freedom for all away from oppression and I feel like we should just let people be whoever they wanna be. Please keep kindness in your hearts, and follow the tenants of Christianity by being loving and caring towards everyone.

02-24-2025

Roberta Paige

HSB 242 Removes civil right protection from transgender Iowans. I believe we are all God's children and therefore we all have basic human rights that no legislature can remove. We all have sacred worth and certain human rights regardless of gender identity. Vote No on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Micho Adler

My name is Micho Adler and I am a transgender Iowan. I moved to Iowa because my wife, who is also transgender, was born here and always loved the state. We moved our whole lives from Indiana to Iowa because we were being discriminated against for who we are. In Indiana we were frequently denied access to housing, mortgage loans, and services in grocery stores and hair salons because we are trans. We feared every time we took our young daughter to the doctor that we would be denied health service. My wife was threatened and yelled at just walking down the sidewalk to her work weekly.Once we moved to Iowa, we were able to buy a house with a yard. Our neighbors welcomed us quite literally with cookies when we moved in. We love our home in Iowa. We have good jobs and business owners know our names when we go shopping for groceries. We are terrified of what could happen if our civil rights are taken away. Our daughter loves going to school and to community events. she has friends and loves her teachers. We are sick with worry thinking about what could happen if someone decided that they could legally harm our daughter just because her parents are transgender. My wife and I go to all of our daughter's school events and performances to meet her teachers and see where she sits every day. If our rights are taken away, we could be barred from going to the school to support our daughter. She would be devastated. No 9 year old should be afraid for her parents' safety.I have multiple sclerosis and need to go to the doctor and pharmacy frequently for lifesaving medical care. If my rights are stripped away, I will be denied medical care just like I was in Indiana. Recently I had to go to urgent care because I developed pneumonia. I didn't have to think twice about trusting that I would get help when I arrived at the hospital because I am protected by the Iowa Civil Rights code. If my rights are stripped away, I could be turned away in an emergency and quite literally die. Please understand how scared me and my family are. I know that you don't want to see families suffer. Please for the sake of our 9 year old, don't take away our civil rights protections. We just want to be able to live our lives with our family like everyone else; free from fear of violence and discrimination.

02-24-2025

Danelle Callahan

Legislation should not concern with terms of gender but rather restrict their preview to that of legal issues. What is or isnt inside someone elses pants should not matter in society. That is a moral dilemma and not a matter for the Legislature. The founding fathers are spinning in their graves to hear of this issue being set forth in committee hearings and possibly open session. What of increasing jobs? Decrease costs of living? This is your focus? There is no logic!

02-24-2025

Denise Morozov

Beyond it being a blatant and cruel targeting of a very small and highly vulnerable population that has caused Iowa zero harm, this bill is flagrantly regressive and violates several laws and the US Constitution. It undermines ALL Civil Rights protections in the state, for women, minorities, and those with disabilities.Iowa will once again be the laughing stock as we spend years battling court cases against this. Iowa HAS actual problems that desperately need addressing. This is not one of them.

02-24-2025

Anita Dinakar

As an Iowan who has transgender lovedones andas a believer of American freedom, I believe we must reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fit neatly into the bills narrow definitions. This legislation would make Iowa a place where anyone can discriminateagainst people for how they look or just for living theirlives without impacting anyone else, making transgender people secondclass citizens and even harming cisgender people who will be subjected to the same discrimination if they do not look or behave a certain way.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. HSB242 must not pass.

02-24-2025

Elizabeth Kapp

This legislation is an embarrassment. When kids dream of growing up to be president, of growing up to be leaders, surely they dont dream about taking away civil rights. What did you dream of?What was your favorite movie as a kid? Star Wars maybe? Can you really see yourself in a hero role right now, or are you acting like some lesser stooge in the Galactic Empire? Can you stop, take a walk in the forest, and reconnect with real values? I warmly welcome you to spend your time protecting our waterways and funding our schools. Get it together.

02-24-2025

Jon Ely

This bill is a blatant attempt to strip rights away from an already vulnerable group of our population. Persons with either cisgender or transgender identities deserve to liveand flourish in their communitieswith freedom to learn, work, love, and playandbuild lives connected with others at home, in the work place, and in public settingswithout fear for their safety and survival. The decision to use pronouns one is comfortable with, or even take steps toward transitioning are deeply personal decisions and should be the prerogative of the individual and deserve the laws protection.Those who dont believe in the validity of gender identity often view it as a choice. The United States protects religious freedom in the First Amendment, and religion is quintessentially a choice. We owe the same respect to all members of our communities. We dont yet know if gender identity emerges from genes, hormones, environmental factors or, most likely, an intricate combination of all these factors and more. It is unlikely that people with a transgender identity simply choose their gender identity, any more than cisgender people do. However, it is crucial that associated choices about the expression of genderaffecting vital aspects of identity in school, the workplace, and the communityare supported by our laws and policies.The list of lobbyists clearly shows how lopsided this issue is (far and away against this) and the organizations for this bill tout phrases like innocence. Children experience gender dysphoria too, this is not a matter of innocence.Our elected officials have no right to strip our protections and rights. The people theyre aiming at today are equal members of our communities and deserve to be treated as such.

Attachment

02-24-2025

Ryan Rawson Van Wyk

Dear Comittee,Please stop this hateful and bigoted piece of legislation, which criminalizes a person's right to identify how they feel. Please use your time and resources on actual items that help Iowans, not hurt them. Ryan

02-24-2025

Ryan Suby

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. Iowa is a state that regardless of political affiliation, has been at the forefront of civil rights protections for its citizens. This is a proud fact for which I love my state. To file official motion in which we reduce this protections over politically convenient topics revokes the certainty Iowan citizens, and those considering becoming our citizens, have faith in from their government. This opens up our governmental affairs far too much into our personal lives and medical history. It is a thoroughly negative idea throughout, with zero to minimal benefit for Iowans and opens a slippery slope in our legislative security as this wonderful states population. I am disheartened to have read this today.

02-24-2025

Bailee Bishop

I am in opposition to HSB 242. Trans and nonbinary people exist and have always existed whether the government chooses to recognize this or not. These people are a benefit to our community as friends, family and coworkers. Choosing to not support and recognize these people is hateful and I am so disappointed in the country and the state of Iowa that this bill even exists.

02-24-2025

Tim Copple

02-24-2025

Kate Hennigan [Humanity]

Please dont pass this dangerous bill that strips transgender Iowans of their civil rights. I believe these bills are here out of fear and ignorance. Lets not attack marginalized groups of their civil rights. Everyone deserves to live their lives in peace and with respect.

02-24-2025

Kendra cruz

Transgender humans are just that, humans. Just like everyone else. We shouldn't be putting laws on them. There is no evidence to prove that Transgender humans are menace to society. If you don't like what you see, look away. Like most of us have heard before, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. I expected more out of Iowa and the Nation as a whole. We are going backwards, instead of forward. We need to do better!

02-24-2025

Dean Pieratt

Please do not allow this bill to advance in a time when civil rights are already under attack at the federal level. Its your job to protect all Iowans from discrimination and harm, and this bill would target an already incredibly marginalized community

02-24-2025

Erika Breddin

I write in opposition to HSB 242. As a member of the clergy, I have members of my congregation that will be negatively affected. These are individuals with graduate degrees, a great deal of knowledge, and a love of Iowa. They have spoken with me at length that if this passes they will likely move to a state that appreciates and recognizes the skills they bring to the table, and doesn't penalize them for who they are. Please, in Jesus' name (who was all about helping people to live fully) vote no on HSB 242.

02-25-2025

Jaclyn Ceurvorst

I strongly oppose HSB 242! Civil rights must be protected in our state and country. Stop attempting to strip rights from those who need them the most. A just society is measured by how it treats its most marginalized citizens. Do not pass this bill it is unjust, cruel, and frightfully unAmerican.

02-25-2025

Kristi Elmore

This legislation is unnecessary, harmful, and contrary to the values of fairness, inclusion, and respect for individual rights.By restricting the legal recognition of gender identity and limiting civil rights protections under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, this bill threatens the dignity and wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary Iowans. Every person deserves to be treated with respect and protected from discrimination, regardless of their gender identity. Rolling back these protections sends a message that some Iowans are less deserving of equal treatment under the law.Additionally, restricting school curricula on gender theory undermines the ability of educators to provide comprehensive and factbased education. Schools should be a place where students learn about the diversity of human experience in a way that fosters understanding and prepares them for the real world. Legislating the exclusion of certain perspectives denies students access to essential knowledge and creates an environment of exclusion and misinformation.Furthermore, limiting how sex is recorded on vital records disregards the realities of intersex individuals and medical advancements in understanding sex and gender. This rigid approach could create unnecessary complications for individuals and families when dealing with government institutions, healthcare providers, and legal documentation.Rather than targeting vulnerable populations, Iowa should focus on policies that promote the wellbeing of all residents.

02-24-2025

Jane Cranston

My name is Jane Cranston and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans.Transgender people are people. They are citizens of this country with the same rights as everybody else. They should not be discriminated against or have their rights taken away. Transgender people represent no harm to anyone.

02-24-2025

Jocelyn Krueger

I am here to write against HSB 242, removing gender identity as a protected class. I disagree with the notion that this change in the bill will not be a green light to hate and discriminate, it will, or that the 28 states that do not have gender identity in their Civil Rights protections do not allow discrimination against trans people, they do. My lived experience runs counter to that notion.Until 2020, I lived in a state where gender identity was not a protected class. I regularly faced discrimination, inperson, to my face, because of my gender identity, and was told, to my face, it was because I was hated and they could get away with it because gender identity was not a protected class. My stories are something that would become common, should this bill pass.A few years ago, on Valentines Day, we picked up our toddler from day care. She was excited from her day of learning and the holiday activities at school. It was her first Valentines where she was old enough to think about, express, and celebrate how she wanted to. She wanted to celebrate Valentines Day as a family with Oreos and milk.So I went to the local grocery store to get some Oreos and milk and went to pay with my debit card when the cashier asked to see my id. I dont know how many of you get carded for cookies and milk, but as a trans person in Indiana, I got carded all the time, no matter what I was buying. The cashier looked at my id, looked at me, and handed it back saying he couldnt take it, that it wasnt me. I tried to pay in cash instead but was told to leave and that We dont serve you people here. I was shocked and demoralized, humiliated and wondering how I was going to explain coming home, without milk and cookies, because of someones hate or fear, to a toddler who only wanted to celebrate Valentines Day with her family.I approached multiple lawyers and statewide rights organizations, I approached my local Human Rights office about filing a discrimination complaint or lawsuit. I was repeatedly, at every turn, told that there was no case because Indiana did not protect gender identity in its state Civil Rights law. I couldnt shop there anymore.I was denied service in restaurants and clothing stores and for dental care. One time I went to a doctor with a high fever with what turned out to be strep throat. That doctor refused to see me, saying he didnt treat transgender patients. I know people denied service at soup kitchens, pet boarders, movie theaters, and snow removal, all because of who they, we are. There is something seriously wrong with a society that thinks that its okay, necessary even, to deny people access to food, clothing, or health care simply for who they are. Yet this is the future Iowans would face if this bill passes.

02-24-2025

Ben Bessman

Stripping away the rights of any group of citizens cruel and unjustifiable. Trans folk have become the trendy easy target for political attacks and it just needs to stop. Its embarrassing and harmful. Theyre just trying to live their lives like you or me. Leave them alone! Ive always been proud to be an Iowan, but the cruelty displayed towards our fellow Iowans in recent years has soured my pride in our state. Its no longer a welcoming place, where a family can expect to raise their children without fear of the government targeting them for simply being themselves.

02-24-2025

Ben Bessman

02-24-2025

Susie Boles

This bill is wrong! There is nothing wrong with someone being transgender. They are not harming you, I, or anyone else by being so. Their change in sexual status does not affect our government or who we are as American citizens! They are just people trying to be happy and comfortable in their own skin. No different than people who alter what God made them to be by having plastic surgery. Be it rhinoplasty, breast reductions, enhancement, tummy tucks, hair implants, etc. If our government thinks transgenders should not be allowed, what's next? Stop this bill!!

02-24-2025

Amy Dea

I support this bill and ask that our legislators support it as well. Please protect women and girls from having to share their private spaces with boys and men. It is completely unacceptable to endanger some Iowans because of the confusion of others! Please use common sense! There are two genders, male and female. We must reinforce protections based on biological realities.

02-24-2025

Ryan Werling

I fully support HSB 242. There is no discrimination in this bill as many people are complaining. This is simply bringing common sense back to legislation. It is easy to use either scripture from the Judeo Christian values which founded our country, or you can easily use centuries of science which clearly distinguishes only two genders, or you could use simple common sense to clarify there are only two genders. Anything else is a false and made up science, a fad of this time. These people who claim gender fluidity and those who claim to support them know full well that this is a made up science and, furthermore, is actually a mental illness which needs to be treated appropriately, not encouraged. Legislators, please stand up for common sense, for science, and for our Judeo Christian values and not a fake fad. Especially for our children in schools. Again, in all this outcry there is no discrimination in this bill (as usual), just common sense.

02-24-2025

Ann Klingensmith

I want to clearly state my opposition to the bill, HSB 242, The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act. This fails every Iowan. Every one. To take away an established civil right is a reprehensible act of pinpoint oppression. Equal Rights for all 3,207,004 (2023)

02-24-2025

Kristin Bode

Reject HSB 242. ALL Iowans deserve civil rights. No one group of people should be excluded from having these rights. As an Iowan I was taught to treat others with respect and kindness. This bill does the opposite. It promotes discrimination and hatred for people. This is wrong on every level. Vote no for HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Hannah Leavell

Good morning. My name is Hannah and I am 34 years old. I was born and raised in a small, conservative community like many in Iowa. I do not know anyone that this bill would directly impact. But I do know how to have empathy and it must be terrifying to see yourself crossed out over and over again on a stack of papers by people who do not care to know you. If gender identity is removed from legislation, then all protected classes are also at risk. EVERYONE deserves to be free from discrimination under Iowa law. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Jack Howard

Please reject HSB242 and act with hearts and minds of compassion. This is undemocratic and will only harm trans and gender nonconforming individuals while benefiting nobody else. These folks make up members of my own family and some are close friends of mine. All trans and genderqueer people want is to live lives free of discrimination, to live lives of dignity, without having their lives and gender expression impeded upon by hostile and hateful legislatures. Trans and genderqueer folks all have a place at our table. Do the right thing. Vote no on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Lisa Griffith Tierney

Regarding HSB242 and to Representatives Holt , Fett and Wilburn this bill is regressive action against the LGBTQ community that has brought so much to Iowa as a whole. To enact this bill is to do harm to Iowans and frankly diminishes the gifts of the people who serve Iowa a legislators. You can do more! Be more creative! Think outside the box and do more to help Iowans rather than hurt them!

02-24-2025

Nancy Flanigan

Im against this bill. Ive known trans people throughout my life and they are not harmful to our society. They just want to be happy and live their own lives. They do not tell others they should transition for it is a personal and private choice. It is a long and hard process, but Ive known a young Trans person, whom if they hadnt transitioned they would not be here today. Why does the govt care so much about this issue when there are more important issues at hand like inflation. My adult children cant afford a mortgage due to student loans and the high cost of living. Lets help our young Iowans stay in Iowa! I know several families struggling financially! Lets help them. Lets support our public schools and special Ed services! And lets protect Civil Rights !

02-24-2025

John VanDyk

Oppose HSB 242, a terrible bill that tries to take away rights from Iowans. The government should be promoting freedom, not trying to take it away. May the proposers of this bill have a child whom they love who would be affected by this bill so that they can understand the awfulness that this bill is, and its results.

02-24-2025

Monique Shore

I urge you to OPPOSE HSB 242.I am the proud mother of a trans daughter who was born and raised in Iowa. This bill would REMOVE HER CIVIL RIGHTS. It would give others the right to discriminate against her. It says to an intelligent, gifted, and compassionate young person YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN IOWA. She does not threaten the safety of anyone else. If this law is passed it would say to others in Iowa its ok for you to discriminate against trans people. For some, this also implies permission to do harm through bullying or, God forbid, physical assault. Transgender people must be protected under Iowa law. They are over four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent victimization, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault. In addition, households with a transgender person have higher rates of property victimization than cisgender households.The idea that you would choose to REMOVE THE RIGHTS of a group of Iowans is appalling. It is wrong. ALL people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. To pass this legislation is to take our state backwards.

02-24-2025

Zane Berry

Reject this unnecessary and pointless bill and get back to work focusing on real issues that affect Iowans. Iowa is better than this. This is shameful like to much of what is being done in Iowa politics at the moment. We are Iowa. We help our neighbors, we lift up those who need it. We do not punch down for the sake of appeasing others.

02-24-2025

Aj Mitchell

Hello representatives Holt, Fett, and Wilburn,My name is name is Mitchell and I'm a citizen writing in to express my position against HSB 242. If we look back, instances of discrimination in housing, employment, medical care, and public life cut some of Iowa's citizens out of engagement in normal daily activities and necessitated the legal addition of "gender identity" in 2007. It is my understanding that gender identity was written into Iowa's Civil Rights Code and Constitution in response to significantly measurable amounts of discrimination in our state. Prior to the change, no legal recourse existed for an individual to defend against discriminatory behavior and as a result a subset of Iowans had no chance to hope or even reach towards "life liberty and the pursuit of happiness."When the people brought these issues to light, our representatives heard concerns and responded in a manner which enabled this subset of our population confident access to employment, housing, financial services, and medical care. This addition had the impact of allowing folks to legally join and contribute to our society in meaningful ways.I know that Iowa's leadership can agree that access to normative activities promotes the broader health of Iowa's citizens. I know that the governor has stated a wish to employ all in our state who are able to work. I know that Iowa's leadership is actively taking measures to address inflation and the resulting scourge of homelessness. With just these goals in mind please consider my thought. If we play this tape all the way through, will removing constitutional protections (functionally granting legal permission to discriminate against an Iowan on the basis of their gender identity or gender presentation), support the goals of improved employment rates and reduced homelessness? Doesn't this action only serve to cut people out of productive life activities, and place a heavier financial burden on the state and taxpayers to care for those cut out?When I play the tape forward it is clear to me that changing the civil rights code now ( in the present social climate, where neonazis demonstrate in broad daylight blocks from the capitol) will only serve to recreate the conditions that allow employers, landlords, banks, and medical professionals to exclude "undesirable people" from activities that otherwise promote healthy functioning of our citizenry. A pathway for exclusion forces Iowans into the desperate positions of unemployment, followed by homelessness, and all of the unhealthy circumstances and behaviors that follow such incredible demoralization and exposure to the elements. As a community member in close proximity to everyday folks, I know that if you choose to make this change there will be individuals throughout Iowa who will use legalized discrimination to push wellfunctioning people out of their livelihoods. This will include genderdiverse folks who otherwise contribute to the greater fabric of this place the effects of this will ripple across our state socially, economically, politically. It will solve no singular issue, create additional discord, and formulate deeper divides within our community.Additionally, I would like to say to you that gender diverse people are not always the people you imagine them to be. They aren't the latest sensationalized news story. They are people. Around here they are often the invisible guy that just left his 95, is headed home to eat a meal with his wife, practice some basketball with his kid ( she wants to be the next Caitlyn Clark), and was honored to pause and hold the door for you at Casey's. That guy pays his taxes, tries not to speed, treats the people around him with dignity and respect, and can't sustain any meaningful contribution to this community if his pathway to health and livelihood is ( legally) ripped away by someone who imagines him to be subhuman. Please choose to leave protection in place for that guy.Thank you very much for your time. "No" on HSB 242.Ames Mitchell

02-24-2025

Sheryl Jensen

I am opposed to this bill, as are a majority of Iowans. Civil rights are the cornerstone of a democratic and just society. They ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect, and has equal access to opportunities and protections under the law. Removing these rights from certain individuals is a blatant disregard for their humanity and an affront to the principles of equality and justice.

02-24-2025

Stephanie Harrelson

I am writing to you today out of deep personal concern following House Study Bill 242 being reintroduced. I oppose this. I am a parent of a transgender child. As parents, I hope you understand why I am concerned for the wellbeing of my child and how this bill, if passed, would cause increased fear, anxiety, and isolation to my family.If this bill was to move forward, even if it did not become law, it would empower the extremist on the far side of the issue that want to harm, physically and mentally, people that are transgender. It would encourage them to target and attack without fear of civil rights protections.Regardless of your feelings on transgender people, I cannot understand why Iowa would want to expose this group of people that already struggle with fear, anxiety, and isolation to even more.Please do not allow this Bill to move forward.

02-24-2025

Michele Pegg

I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill does absolutely nothing for our state and bringing prices in line for the Iowans to be able to afford to live. Stop getting church into state, stop worrying about what other people are doing and start making the state work for the betterment of its people. Vote NO on HSB242

02-24-2025

Michelle Edwards [Children's Book Author and Teacher]

I ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Lauren Tripp

Please reject this bill. ALL Iowans deserve protection under the law, no matter their gender identity or gender expression. This bill is blatantly discriminatory, and will put Iowans in danger while protecting no one. Transgender people are not a danger to anyone. It is discrimination such as this bill that is a danger to transgender and nontransgender people alike.Your constituents beg you not to support this bill.

02-24-2025

Mandryx Riordan

It's abhorrent that Iowa is trying to strip away civil rights in the year 2025. All Iowans deserve to hold space in this state without fear of discrimination. What part of "Freedom to Flourish" includes hate fueled bills like HSB 242? Vote no on HSB 242!

02-24-2025

Tony McDowell

I vehemently oppose this new law to strip away rights from American citizens!This is fear mongering and discrimination against American citizens and human beings. This bill is not about protection but subjugation!This is a continuation of this legislatures campaign of censorship and dehumanization it has slowly been ramping up. History tells us what happens next if this bill and others like it continue to be passed. Please read history instead of censor it because it doesnt meet your narrative.

02-24-2025

Maura McCarthy

Please support ALL IOWANS and place your focus on improving our state not devaluing humans. This small marginalized population is not causing harm to others. Quite the opposite, they want to be treated fairly with the same rights we all deserve.

02-24-2025

Drew Riggs

Please reject this bill. This does not reflect the wants and needs of your constituents, and will hurt people. There are many, many people in Iowa maybe even people you know, who would be able to legally be discriminated against. It is not your job to interfere in how people want to live their lives, do not infringe upon our freedoms just to chase a Boogeyman.

02-24-2025

Connie Poole

When did we become so narrow minded that we exclude some of our citizens. Trans is our family our friend I stand up for their protection. They just want to provide for their families and self. This bill will destroy their life. Narrow minded minds are destroying children not trans.

02-24-2025

Robert Hensley

I do not understand the benefit this bill would have for Iowans. It only serves to put people down for the way they present themselves. Pushing legislation like this will only drive people out of Iowa who feel under threat by political persecution. Bills like this erase people and ignores the biological reality of gender dysphoria. Science has shown that gender affirming care and acceptance has reduced suicide rates of people with gender dysphoria significantly. Bills like this kill people, when people are told to not be their authentic selves. So I ask again, what does this bill have to gain for Iowans. The way I see it, we will lose more people from this bill.

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02-24-2025

Sarah Garner

I oppose this bill as I believe it is a fundamental right for transgender female and males to have there sex listed as such n there identification records. There are not just two sexes. You have XO, XXY, intersex and so gender is not as simple as male and female.

02-24-2025

Angel Niblo

HSB 252 is a dangerous bill, especially now that I, a transwoman and other trans people aren't able to change gender makers anymore. Having our rights stripped away from our state constitution would just bu open grounds for active discrimination. I hope all of our comments are taken into consideration before moving forward with this horrible bill.

02-24-2025

Peter Shaw

Please vote for and pass HSB242. It restores appropriate protections to all people and groups in Iowa in regard to sex/gender.Please follow the science. There are only two genders which means two sexes. DNA doesn't lie. Radicals will cite Dr. John William Money's experiment with the Reimer Twins as proof that gender is a social construct. This is absolutely false. According to Dr. Money's research, prepubescent children may be influenced in their gender identity. However, postpubescent children and adult's "gender identity" are driven by biology not society. Radicals never reveal that as teenagers and adults the Reimer Twins both identified with their biological binary trait despite Dr. Money's best effort to prove otherwise."Gender identity" does not rise to the level of a civil right. The many identities should not be enumerated in our laws and does not require special protections under Iowa law. I approve of HSB242 definition and protections of sex/gender.Thank you,Peter

02-24-2025

Betty Straub

I OPPOSE HSB 282. This legislation does nothing except strip Iowans of their civil liberties. This doesnt protect anyone; promote justice; or elevate the lives of everyday Iowans. Who does this legislation even support? HSB 282 goes against Iowas storied history of promoting civil rights for all. Do not pass this harmful legislation!

02-24-2025

Brea Morris

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa. Trans rights are human rights. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-24-2025

Karna Bosman [KARNA BOSMAN]

As a person of faith, I firmly OPPOSE HSB 242. Our government should never sanction discrimination against any of its citizens. Transgender individuals, like every Iowan, deserve to live with dignity, respect, and equal rights. This legislation would only further marginalize and put an already vulnerable community at risk, and we must stand together to reject it. If Iowa were to pass such an egregious law, we risk earning the reputation of being the most hateful state in the nationa distinction we must never accept. Please REJECT THIS DANGEROUS BILL.

02-24-2025

Nicole Laug

Please reject HSB 242. As a life long Iowan I take pride in knowing that we have always worked to protect the civil rights of our neighbors. Please reject this discriminatory bill and keep Iowa a safe place for all of us. The Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 states that employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit considerations can not be based on a person's ColorCreedGender IdentityMarital StatusMental DisabilityNational OriginPhysical DisabilityRaceReligionRetaliationSexSexual OrientationIf anything we should be finding more ways to protect our fellow citizens. Not fewer.

02-24-2025

Emily Ulven

Please do not strip the rights of people, especially those who are vulnerable like transgendered individuals. The fact that this is even being considered in our state is embarrassing and disappointing. It does not make me proud to have grown up here or to be an Iowan. Bills like this are the reason people and doctors will leave this state. We will all suffer if rights start being reversed.

02-24-2025

Shara Stough

I wish I could be at your meeting today to speak in person, but instead I will post these public comments in hopes that they will reach the ears of the representatives of Iowans.We DO NOT support this bill. We DO NOT support removing rights from anyone.Iowans DO NOT want to be leaders in the country of discrimination, unkindness, and bullying. We want to be welcoming. We want people to live their lives and to dress, wear their hair, speak, and express their gender as they see fit.There are a number of reasons why you should VOTE NO on this bill.1. Line 28 makes an exception for diagnosed sex disorders, but gender identity (how we feel) is something that is controlled by the brain. Research has been published that shows differences that exist in certain nuclei that correlate specifically with gender identity, but the only way to see those differences is to look in donated brain tissue after death. 2. Sex development (and gender development) is an incredibly complicated choreography of the presence of different genes and hormones at different time points in development. There are so many ways that this process can be influenced that can lead to a mismatch between genes, internal sex organs, external sex organs, and thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They all develop and become "male" or "female" at different points in development, depending on the particular biological circumstances. To try to point to one single marker as a definition of male or female is going to lead to "mislabeling" of more people than you intend to exclude. 3. If people are allowed to discriminate based on someone's gender identity, how are they supposed to know if someone identifies in a way that is inconsistent with their "biological sex"? If a "biological woman" identifies as a woman but chooses to wear her hair short or dress in an androgynous way, can she be denied housing or a job, or any of the other civil rights currently protected by Iowa law? Removing gender identity could lead to folks discriminating against people who are not even transgender. Do you, our lawmakers, truly intend to allow Iowans to be discriminated against because of how they look? (How else could someone know if one is transgendered by your definition unless everyone has to submit to a genetic screening and genital inspection)?4. This is just simply unwelcoming and would hurt Iowa economically. People do not want to move a business into a state that is a leader in discrimination. Iowa used to be known for great education, kind neighbors who cared for each other regardless of differences. We were a purple state and thriving. Being a leader in discrimination and bullying is not what we want to be known for. Thank you for your time and PLEASE VOTE NO on this hateful bill.Sincerely, Shara Stough (Bettendorf, IA)

02-24-2025

Susan Langan

Please voteno for HSB 242, thebill to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Why this legislation is even being considered is ridiculous and unnecessary. Please help me understand why transgender people do not deserve the same rights as everyone else. " A world without trans people has never existed and never will." Please let that sink in. Taking them out of the Iowa Civil Rights Act will not make trans people go away. It will definitely hurt our state, which is already decreasing in population. Families and friends of trans folks are not going to stay in Iowa. Businesses that value people of all backgrounds will not come to Iowa. You willbe involved in a decision that is on the wrong side of history if you don't vote no.This last weekend, there was a group called Patriot Front, a white supremacist group that marched in the East Village in Des Moines. Is this the kind of people you want to attract to our state? This is what will happen if we continue to take away the rights of our trans folks.The Iowa legislators have been brutal to the LGBTQ population over the last few years. They have continued to make life very difficult for everyone. This bill is by far one of the worst, and you need to end it by voting no today for HSB242.

02-24-2025

Stella Herzig

To be an American means to be free to pursue happiness and not be constrained by others, so long as one does no harm. The folks you are oppressing in this bill do no harm to anyone.. your life is not changed by their orientation or gender expression. Ergo, this bill is UnAmerican. Please stop oppressing Americans. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Jim and Charlotte Noble

I am opposed to HSB242 to remove Iowans who are transgender from the Iowa Civil Rights Act as well as weakens other Iowans who are intersex and cisgender who dont fit rigid gender norms. Who are we to judge others? This is a moral issuewe are asked to love.even those whom we hate! This bill is an act of hate. Please vote NO on HSB242

02-24-2025

Megan Martin

I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242. This bill would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please consider how cruel and inhumane this would be and vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Abby Tillotson

Please do not accept this bill, it will have a large impact on many individuals. Take into consideration how many people would be negatively affected by this bill. It is simply not worth it to pass this bill. I am very saddened by how many steps we are taking backwards with this bill.

02-24-2025

Denise Hagerla

I urge lawmakers to not allow this hateful and ignorant proposal to be come the law of this state. It is a dangerous turn towards becoming the most discriminatory state in the country and based solely on beliefs about sex and gender which are undeniably false. Enshrining this bill into law would allow for any protected class of people at any time in history to be maligned for any reason deemed acceptable by those in power. Liberty and justice for allnot for some deemed most worthy.

02-24-2025

Rev. Sonja Gerstenberger

Please register my opposition to this bill. I do not support stripping civil rights from individuals who are clearly targeted for their identities. Iowa has taken a disgraceful turn down a path of hate and discrimination the last few years that, in addition to being undeniably wrong, will have significant consequences for attracting and retaining the kind of professionals and talent that have made this state great. Do not give in to fearmongering the "other." I believe in living in community even when we disagree and have stayed to live into that commitment. However, I will not be able to continue to do so in a state willing to weaponized hate.

02-24-2025

Troy Weier

I oppose HSB 242 for the following reasons. 1) providing civil rights protections for all of Iowans has shown to provide for a more welcoming and inclusive state for all. When people feel included they want to stay, live and work within our cities and communities. 2) most of Iowa's history (until recently) has been fairly accepting and progressive. We have been a state that has been nice, welcoming and neighborly. Let's not lose this and become a hateful, bigoted state. 3) trans and nonbinary folks have been part of society since the beginning of time. In some societies they have been respected and revered as in the Native American communities. Let's respect all Iowans as the Reflection of God. Let's love them as our Neighbors and do the right thing and reject this hateful bill.

02-24-2025

Myra Waggenspack

Human dignity and civil rights are for EVERYONE. To try to strip some Iowans of civil rights and protections granted 18 years ago is a travesty. We are stronger as a state, as a community when all citizens are treated equally.Please vote No to House study bill 242.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Neilsen

Please vote no on Bill HSB 242. It saddens me that our government both state and federal is more worried about money and taking away the rights of transgender citizens. The message you are portraying is that the dollar is way more important than protecting "ALL" of your citizens. It has been discussed with me that the rights of transgender citizens will still be protected, but with this legislation, you can not promise that. Bill HSB 242 opens the doors for transgender citizens to be discriminated in almost every aspect of their lives. To say otherwise is simply just not true.

02-24-2025

Shannon Schott

As a licensed mental health professional and Iowa citizen, I am deeply troubled by the devastating impact this bill would have on my friends, neighbors, and clients. This legislation is immoral, and it would endanger the physical and mental wellbeing of Iowans across the state who have every right to the same protections cisgender people expect and take for granted every day. Please do the right thing for ALL Iowans and oppose this bill. Stealing safety and civil rights from any group of people makes our state as a whole less safe and less free. You cannot claim to support freedom as you strip the right to freedom away from others.

02-24-2025

Julie Timm

The government should not interfere with what transpires between an individual and their medical team. HIPPA exists for a very important reason. This legislation does not seek to make any improvements to society as a whole. Rather it appears its sole purpose is to ostracize its constituents.

02-24-2025

Pat Stalter

Where did this proposed legislation originate? No one I've spoken with supports it. The legislature and their extreme proposals feel more and more authoritarian. I long for the days of cooperation and moderation at the state level.I oppose HSB242.

02-24-2025

Douglas Kollasch

As a lifelong Iowan, I stand in firm opposition to this bill. It is shameful that the legislature is attempting to take rights away from a group of citizens. Our state motto is a great one that affirms a commitment to liberties and rights. This bill goes in the complete opposite direction. Iowa has historically stood at the forefront in granting rights to its people not taking them away. The aim of this legislation is not only antithetical to our stated values, but it is unnecessary and extremely cruel.

02-24-2025

Pat Stalter

02-24-2025

Michaela Rich

HSB 242 Should be rejected. Transgender Iowans deserve equal rights under the law. Removing protection will allow people to discriminate against transgender Iowans, and discrimination based on someones gender is simply wrong. If you support this discrimination you are actively choosing to discriminate against my friends, members of my family, and my community. I am saddened and angered by this legislationIowa should be a place that protects the civil rights of our citizens. Do not discriminate against transgender Iowans. Reject HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Kyle Kleeman

Im writing in opposition to this bill. To go after a small population of people and take freedoms and rights away is never a good thing. I dont see how this helps Iowa as a state or this country in any way at all! One percent of the US identifies as trans, nonbinary, or intersex. I trust science and biology over performative politics like this. Please focus on real issues that affect Iowans on a daily basis like affordable housing, raising minimum wage, and expanding education

02-24-2025

Sarah Goff

I am asking you not to support HSB 242. This legislation is beneath us. It compromises fundamental human rights for Iowans who are simply trying to live their lives and thrive just like anyone other human. You are putting peoples lives in danger by supporting this bill. As Americans, we pledge our allegiance in the name of Liberty and Justice FOR ALL.

02-24-2025

Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers

I am so tired of legislators wasting time writing laws born of nothing but gender paranoia. This is beyond governmental overreach. This is an absurd effort to control the personal lives of Iowans and it is simply none of the governments business. You are supposed to alleviate the suffering of Iowans, not cause it. Youre hurting thousands of actual Iowans, disrupting our lives, causing pain and panic for innocent families. You all ought to be ashamed.

02-24-2025

Andrea Baumgartel

Do NOT pass this bill. If passed, more trans people will die as a result of it and the hate that fuels it. It is hard enough for trans people already to just exist and be left alone by people like the ones who proposed this who haven't learned from history, who are so obsessed with controlling other people's bodies, trans and cis. We see your attempts to twist the concept of womens safety into its exact opposite. I am in grad school and I have a trans partner who lives out of state and in an alternate world, maybe wed consider living here long term, but well be moving I could never forgive myself if something terrible happened to her because we never left a state that legally encourages discrimination and hate against her. (Shes also a PhD scientist, top in her field, by the way. All she wants is to be able to exist in peace and do her lifesaving research.) Meanwhile, while you discuss this bill that should NEVER have been introduced (looking at you, Rep Holt didnt you call the first version of this bill cruel?) kids continue to go hungry at school, teachers remain underpaid, our unelected billionaire president is robbing the poorest among us so that he and his friends can just get more rich. Please spend your time doing literally anything that the people Iowa ACTUALLY want and need.

02-24-2025

Casey Shelton

This is an unacceptable bill to even consider. Taking away anyone's protections under the Civil Rights Act is regressive and proves to the entire country how backwards and discriminatory Iowa is. Not only is this another direct attack against the queer community, specifically trans folks, but this will lead to rights being stripped away from EVERYONE who is protected under the Civil Rights Act, including all of the women who are working to supposedly represent Iowans. This bill would cause more Iowans to leave the state, impacting the economy in huge ways that I'm sure representatives do not want. Less Iowans means less money for you legislators, so if general common decency to others doesn't cause you to stop this bill, perhaps consider your pocketbook.Do NOT move forward with this bill. It is a direct affront to everyone who is not a white heterosexual cis man and will have incredibly negative impacts to all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Melissa Arp

I am writing in opposition to the HSB 242 bill. This will strip civil rights from already vulnerable citizens in Iowa. This is a shameful, and bigoted bill that should never have been brought to fruition. Vote noall Iowans deserve equal protection under the law.

02-24-2025

Brian Schurz

I am against this bill and ask all to vote no. This is making discrimination of transgender people legal. If member in the Judiciary committee dont care for people who are gay, transgender, or nonbinary I have a solution dont associate with them.

02-24-2025

Blake Stumpf

I am in opposition to this bill. I've lived most of my life in Iowa, including going to college to be an engineer at ISU. I want to keep living in this lovely state but because I'm transgender I can't. Bills like this are pushing me away from the state I love, for fear that if I don't my life will become much harder. With this bill it will become much harder to find a job or find housing, things that I need to live and prosper. This bill will also make it dangerous for me to use a public bathroom. If you're scared of people getting hurt in the bathroom I would go after politicians, who have assaulted more people in women's bathroom than transgender women by far. I want to build a life with my partner in Iowa and support it economically and socially. This bill tells me I need to leave Iowa instead. Please, I beg you, do not approve HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Arianne Waseen [Arianne Waseen]

This bill is the opposite of Iowa Nice. All Iowans deserve protection, no matter how they identify. If your religion is backwards and hates people for who they are, then fine. But keep it to yourself and your church, dont pull the rest of us back to the dark ages with you.

02-24-2025

Lauri Okun

I opppose this bill. Iowa needs to move forward with protecting ALL Iowans human rights & civil liberties. Trans people have always existed & this wrongheaded, evil bill will not change that. Trust me youve dined with, gone to church with, shared a public space with & worked with a trans person before you just didnt know it. Put a stop to these hateful & regressive policies. Vote No!

02-24-2025

Kathleen Dooley [Private citizen ]

Please do not consider this bill. Iowa has a long record of protecting and welcoming gender diversity. Why are we choosing thiswhy the fear? We have so many important issues to attend to in our statethis is most definitely not one of them. My friends in other states keep asking me, what has happened to Iowa this is not the state we knew and loved.

02-24-2025

Farah Marklevits

People I very much care about, my friends and family, will have little to no protections and freedoms if this bill is passed. A bill that takes away rights flies in the face of the state's new motto, "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."Transgender people should not have to fight to access to shelter, credit, and opportunities simply because of who they are.I am worried that this will open the floodgates of discrimination toward anyone who doesn't conform to a narrow definition of male/female. Sensational identity politics like this distracts from the real issues, the quality of life of all everyday Iowans, like the high cost of living and the state's high rate of cancer.Please retain gender identity as a protected group and focus on the real issues.

02-24-2025

Erin Folker

I strongly oppose HSB 242, a bill that seeks to redefine sex and gender in Iowa law, restrict how gender identity is protected under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and impose limitations on how gender is discussed in schools. This bill is a harmful overreach that disregards medical science, legal precedent, and the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals.1. Erosion of Civil Rights Protections:One of the most concerning aspects of HSB 242 is its attempt to strip gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This change would make transgender and nonbinary Iowans more vulnerable to discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Iowa has historically been a leader in civil rights protections, and rolling back these safeguards is a direct attack on the dignity and equality of an already marginalized population.Transgender Iowans deserve the same protections as everyone else. By removing gender identity from the Civil Rights Act, this bill would make it easier for employers, landlords, and businesses to discriminate without consequence. It sends a message that the government no longer values or recognizes the rights of transgender people, further marginalizing them and putting their safety and wellbeing at risk.2. Undermining Medical and Scientific Consensus:The bill also attempts to legally define sex as binary and immutable, ignoring the medical and scientific reality that biological sex is not always strictly male or female. Intersex individuals, who are born with variations in sex characteristics, prove that sex is more complex than a simple binary classification. Medical professionals, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recognize that gender is distinct from sex and that gender identity is a deeply rooted aspect of a persons identity.By enforcing an outdated and rigid definition of sex, this bill disregards the guidance of medical experts and places unnecessary barriers on individuals who rely on accurate gender markers on vital records for their safety and wellbeing. It also opens the door for further legal discrimination against people whose identities do not conform to an oversimplified definition of sex and gender.3. Harmful Restrictions on Schools and Education:Another troubling provision of HSB 242 is its prohibition of school curricula that include discussions of gender identity and gender theory. This censorship would have devastating consequences for both LGBTQ+ students and their peers. Comprehensive and inclusive education is essential for fostering understanding, reducing bullying, and preparing students for the diverse world they will encounter.By banning discussions on gender identity, this bill would erase the experiences of transgender and nonbinary students, making them feel invisible and unsupported in their schools. Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ students who attend schools with inclusive curricula report lower rates of bullying, better mental health, and improved academic outcomes. Censoring these topics does not protect children; it harms them by fostering ignorance and intolerance.Furthermore, restricting discussions of gender in schools infringes on the rights of educators to teach accurate and inclusive information. It undermines critical thinking and scientific inquiry, replacing them with politically motivated censorship that does not serve students' best interests.4. Government Overreach into Personal and Legal Identity:This bill represents an extreme form of government overreach into the personal lives of Iowans. The ability to amend vital records, such as birth certificates, to reflect a persons gender identity is a basic matter of dignity and accuracy. Transgender individuals rely on these documents for everyday interactions, including employment, travel, and healthcare. Forcing individuals to carry inaccurate or outdated identification documents increases their risk of discrimination and violence.There is no legitimate governmental interest in prohibiting transgender people from having identification that reflects their lived reality. The only purpose this bill serves is to make life more difficult for an already vulnerable population, increasing their exposure to harm while providing no tangible benefit to the public.5. Broader Social and Economic Consequences:Beyond the immediate harm to transgender and nonbinary individuals, this bill has broader negative implications for Iowas economy and reputation. Businesses and organizations increasingly prioritize diversity and inclusion, and states that pass discriminatory legislation risk losing investments, skilled workers, and tourism revenue.Numerous companies and business leaders have spoken out against similar antiLGBTQ+ laws in other states, citing concerns about attracting talent and maintaining a welcoming business environment. If HSB 242 becomes law, Iowa risks being seen as an unwelcoming and hostile place, which could deter businesses and professionals from choosing to live and work here.Conclusion:HSB 242 is a deeply harmful and regressive piece of legislation that seeks to erase and marginalize transgender and nonbinary individuals in Iowa. It removes critical civil rights protections, disregards medical science, censors education, and increases government interference in personal identity.I urge lawmakers to reject this bill and instead focus on policies that promote inclusion, fairness, and respect for all Iowans. We must ensure that our state remains a place where everyoneregardless of their gender identitycan live with dignity and equality.I strongly oppose HSB 242, and I urge you to do the same.

02-24-2025

Tiffany Hoffman

Iowas Motto: Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. Regardless of your stance on the LGBTQ community, lets not seek to be the first state to completely contradict their founding motto and the first to remove civil rights from a class of people.

02-24-2025

Mary Hightower

Please do not support HSB 242. Taking away rights from the most marginalized populations is cruel and goes against the founding principles of America. It is a grave injustice to target the most vulnerable ofindividuals. Supporting this bill and others like it will undoubtedly have negative consequences for every representative who votes in favor of HSB 242. Please make the right choice.

02-24-2025

Ellen Miller-Sellers

Please reject HSB 242. Iowa prides itself on being "Iowa nice", but this bill is a step in the exact opposite direction. We are meant to care about people from all walks of life, and removing protections for certain Iowans is shameful and beyond harmful.

02-24-2025

Mary Hightower

02-24-2025

Erin Bemis

I am very concerned about the civil rights subcommittee's intent with the dangerous bill HSB 242 that will strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. I truly believe this is just the beginning. As a state and nation, we have so many BIGGER issues to focus on than 0.6% of our nations citizens.Please listen to the people you represent. Put your energy towards things that would help us in our state. For example, Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer cases in the United States. That is something you should spend time working on. NOT bullying minorities.

02-24-2025

Jessie Knapp

Another wasteful bill from Iowa legislature that is needlessly cruel and doesn't tangibly help anyone in Iowa. In fact, it harms the most vulnerable among us who deserve a life free from state harassment and attempts to legislate away their existence.HISTORY LESSON:Gender was invented in the 1950s to shore up the concept of binary sex, which was facing a crisis due to the recognition that biological measures of sex were not reliable. People are frequently born with genitals that cannot be categorized as male or female (intersex). John Money, a psychologist, played a significant role in this invention, arguing that children are born plastic and can be "corrected" through surgery and hormones if their genitals are ambiguous. This invention of gender aimed to preserve the binary division of sex by distinguishing between biological sex and social gender roles.You keep binary sex alive by normalizing the mutilation of children's bodies within their first HOURS on the planet. 1 in 1000 babies will have choices made about their bodies and the future trajectory of their lives against their will because y'all can't stand your own discomfort with the actual nuance of reality. SO the government strangely seems fine with assigning and enforcing gender, but the second a trans person says 'I'm gonna do my own thing actually' they say we need to legislate away gender affirming care, legal rights, and the freedom to be autonomous and make choices about our own bodies. Make no mistake what this is about. Sex is deeply tied to power, gender is deeply tied to power. Trans people are seen as a threat to power because they choose and create new ways of existing and embodying certain types of bodies. This scares them because, without the gender binary, systems of social control based on gender become harder to enforce. Who would you be if you didn't feel compelled to compulsorily follow assigned gender roles you've been inundated with since birth? Would men feel freer to show love instead of violence and domination? Would more women feel emboldened to tell you what they really think? Could we all take ownership of how we show up in the world by living authentically in our bodies, the ONE thing we own in this life where nothing is free, without fear that doing so would result in violence and rejection? Its actually very sad and pathetic. What are we doing here folks? There are real problems our legislators could be helping with, instead they waste their time needlessly attacking human rights to impress the selfproclaimed "king" of our CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY and his lackey Kim Reynolds. Everyone voting for this bill does a disservice to freedom and American ideals and should be removed from their seat of power ASAP. Trans people are patriotic as fuck, you can't tell me otherwise.

02-24-2025

Julie Fugenschuh [N/A]

I oppose this bill as it takes away the rights of Iowans. All humans deserve to be recognized in the state of Iowa. Our community is much better with diverse populations and opinions. Please don't exclude Iowans from their rights as citizens.

02-24-2025

Kayla Ferris

I oppose this bill (HSB 242) with every fiber of my being. Removing protections for a minority group does not make life safer or better for anyone. Everyone deserves equal protection under the law. This bill cannot be allowed to pass.

02-24-2025

Berleen Wobeter

I am not writing to support transgender rights. I am simply supporting basic human rights for all. Every time we sort out a specific group for attack you force people to take sides and use labels against people. Just basic human rights for all people. Stop this bill.

02-24-2025

Gina Erickson

Please turn your focus from stripping civil rights, and toward helping all Iowans. Public education, healthcare, cost of housing, etc. this is legislated bigotry, and there are much better ways for you to be helping Iowans.

02-24-2025

Amelia Curell

Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintainThis is the motto on our state flag. I was born in Iowa. Raised in Iowa. I still live in Iowa. I served my country in the Navy. I work a full time job in an essential job, and worked my butt off during Covid. I am also transgender, and you're (with abject cruelty) using me and other vulnerable people like me as a scapegoat. This act is wholly against what Iowa and the United States is supposed to stand for. Please, listen to your better nature. Don't do this.

02-24-2025

Elana Buch

Iowa would be the first state to *remove* civil rights protections, when we should be working to strengthen them. Our queer and trans family and community members are essential parts of our communities, and deserve protection from the discrimination that they face. Finally, sponsors of this bill have been clear that they do not support civil rights protections for any protected class, lets not allow this Trojan horse of a bill through our States gates. Iowa should always stand for fairness, equality, and opportunity not hate, division, and discrimination.

02-24-2025

Kalyn Cody

I oppose this measure. But if you pass this into law, kindly shut the fuck up when you start seeing bearded men or stunning women in the "wrong" bathroom. They need to pee and you put them them there because you can't stop thinking about their genitalia. "Out liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" (allegedly).

02-24-2025

Jane Dodge

KILL THE BILL(S). Although I'm not a part of the queer community, I find it interesting that the legislation is spending time targeting a subset of Iowans to make them more unsafe. Taking such draconian action only shows the fear and misunderstanding of the trans community and should not solicit a rash of legislation action. It is extremely obvious that actions to remove any reference to sexual orientation or gender identity from the Civil Rights clause only proves they need it. This does not show the values that Iowan's hold. Please start giving a damn about all of your fellow human beings...not just those that don't try to understand (or fear) someone different than they are.

02-24-2025

Steven Gross

Please reject this bill. As a new resident of Iowa who is part of the trans community and would be directly affected by HSB242, I cannot state strongly enough how terrifying this is. I am just a person. My community is made up of people. We are not monsters. We are not villains. We will not be erased. We will not disappear. We are not the enemy you are looking for. We are not harming your children. We are not making your sports unfair. We are just people. Trying to living our lives and love ourselves and each other. Please dont take this step to othering us further. It will not make your lives any better. It will not make this state a great place. It will not do you any good.

02-24-2025

Jamie Helmick

I urge every single lawmaker to vote against this bill.It is unjust to take away civil rights from anyone but especially a group like transgender & genderdiverse people whose lives are already filled with a significant amount of hate and discrimination. This bill would have effects that reach beyond trans people. That shouldn't matter because the unjustness of the bill should be enough for people to vote against it but knowing that it could affect so many more people than lawmakers "planned" for it to is one consideration. If this bill were to pass, Iowa would be the FIRST in the US to remove a protected class from The Civil Rights Act. You don't want Iowa to be known as first in the nation to remove peoples' rights.

02-24-2025

Wayne Chittick [Merck AH]

Transgender people have existed since the beginning of the human race, that is a fact. Gay and trans people have a right to exist and do not in any real way threaten your life nor are they 'infectious' to others. This bill and the ongoing new campaign against fellow Iowans exists to distract you as our public institutions of public health, education and medicare are being dismantled. Iowa should no longer be a testground for Project 2025. I ask legislators to wake up and see with your eyes, use your Godgiven brain and most importantly listen to your heart right now. You are supporting Nazilike initiatives and your leaders and under the influence of foreign power. My daughter is trans. I was born and raised in Iowa. I have been proud to be an Iowan and until the Reynolds era I expected to live here until I die. It is clear that the radical right has their hold on her and she is kowtowing to King Trump. Why as a legislator must you follow suit? I beg you to stop and think how much actual difference this bill would make to the average Iowan vs. what damage it does to good people like my daughter who will soon help build the aircraft you use to travel to your families out of state.Iowa will lose soo many good citizens like me and my family due to bullshit bills like this. If you stand for Putin and the Nazi's, I am sure you will get this bill to pass. God help you in the eternity you'll spend in hell for it.

02-24-2025

Lorinda Hoover

I strongly oppose HSB 242. It is highly discriminatory, taking away rights from many Iowans. I am a Christian, and this bill stands in clear opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with includes all. This bill is not needed nor wanted by most Iowans. Vote it down in subcommittee.

02-24-2025

Brett Mote

As a republican and soon to be independent. I am sickened by the Christian believes and ideas being pushed on our state by the minority in power. Iowans are not hateful of discriminatory. Unfortunately we are being led by a state government that is out of control. I cant believe the direction of the Iowan Republican Party these days. Hate and discrimination are not in the Bible nor in the words of Jesus. You can all do better!

02-24-2025

Raul Canahui Artola

Please Repeal this heinous bill. This is blatant discrimination based on misinformation and fear. This bill does no good for the people of Iowa, but instead hurts people who are already vulnerable. Do not deny the existence and humanity of people who might not fit a certain mold.

02-24-2025

Maggie Douglas

Please do not pass HSB242. The removal of civil rights from a person and allowing them to be discriminated against and treated as less than human is unfathomable and unAmerican to me. These are everyday Iowans who are simply trying to live their lives. They deserve all of the same opportunities as any Iowan, no matter their gender identity.

02-24-2025

Casey C

Please reject HSB242, as remove basic protections for many transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. Which to me is cruel and wrong. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Iowa is taking a step backwards if this passes and If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are. Transgender people are our friends/ family neighbors, coworkers. they should be treated like anyone else regardless and not be discriminated against Please vote against HSB242

02-24-2025

Tricia Windschitl

Reject this bill. Iowans understand basic human rights and are not interested in taking a step backwards. Trans rights are human rights. Please protect ALL humans and their rights. Vote no, then get to work on issues that actually matter to Iowanshealth care, job security, education, child care, land and water projection.

02-24-2025

Casey C

02-24-2025

Kristin Larson

I fully disagree with this bill and ask that you reject i. All Iowans should be protected. The fact that you are wasting time and money to attack the constituents of Iowa is shameful. Please stop with these hateful bills and focus more on making Iowa a better, freer place for all of us. We should be protecting and caring for one another and not attacking those because they are different. All people should be treated fairly, including the transgendered. They exist. They are our neighbors, friends, family.Please do the right thing and reject HSB 242. Please vote against HSB242. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Hayley Conroy

HSB 242 is motivated by Christian extremist ideals and will result in the removal of protections for trans members of our community. I am opposed to this bill. Your constituency is against this bill. This is unconstitutional we will continue to fight against the removal of the rights of our people.

02-24-2025

Sue Mattison

I am against this bill that legalizes hate and discrimination against our family, neighbors, and friends. Iowa would be the only state in the United States of America to remove protection of rights from the law. Who are we becoming? Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.

02-24-2025

David Anderson

I have a Ph.D. in Physics. I am in awe of my fellow scientists who work on Developmental Biology and Biochemistry.The basics of the scientific existence of trans people is not complicated. There is what we think the script for a pregnancy is, and then there is what actually happens. Anyone with children is probably familiar with the fact that pregnancies don't always go according to script.The time in pregnancy when genitals are defined and the time when the brain is wired for a social role are different. So every once in a while, very roughly about one in 10000 pregnancies, these wind up mismatched. The details are awesome, but the basics are simple. Anyone claiming that science says transgender people don't exist is ignorant of science, probably willfully so.But you don't need to take my word for it; there is much more detail here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVQplt7ChosComplete with references if you want to look into this even further.The same nature (or God) that can create the duckbilled platypus can and will create transgender people.Which reminds me of Matthew 25:40,45: Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.There are many "Christians" who are worried that there isn't enough Christ in Christmas. They should be far more concerned that there doesn't seem to be any Christ in "Christians" nowadays.Thank you for your time and consideration.

02-24-2025

Harrison Laug

As a 17 year old I am unable to vote at this time, but I can make decisions about where I will want to live, go to college, and very soon I will be able to vote. I ask you to reject HSB242 as it strips protections from my fellow Iowans. We should be a state that young people want to stay in, or come back to. This bill tells people you are not welcome here. Please do not move this bill forward.

02-24-2025

Jenny Kirkman

I strongly oppose this bill. Passing such legislation would make Iowa first in the nation to allow for gender discrimination in this regard. This bill is unconstitutional and will likely only result in litigation. And, if members of the subcommittee continue to assert that this bill wont take away protections afforded under other laws then why are they trying to pass it? If its going to have no effect (false claims I fear), then why push for a superfluous bill?

02-24-2025

Dimitri Suwyn

Hello there. I am quite sure this might land on deaf ears, or blind eyes, but do not pass this bill. As an openly transgender male,I can say this will do way more harm than good. But I suspect that is what you are going for. Does the Bible not teach to love thy neighbor? Why do you care whats in someones pants this much? Is someone being transgender effecting your daily life this bad? One may argue that it wont. Coming from a transgender standpoint on this, we just want to be treated like everyone else. Because at the end of the day, we are still human just like the rest of society.

02-24-2025

John OBannon

Please reject HSB242, which would remove protections for Iowans. Everyday Iowans who just want to work and love and live their lives in peace.All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. This is literally us constitutional in our state and should not even be a consideration by those that are supposed to represent ALL Iowans. Get to focusing on actual important issues like raising the level of Iowas education, funding shelter and assistance for the needy, keeping Iowans safe and protected from the growing threat of Cancer. Do the job we elected this body to do protect Iowans, ALL IOWANS, not try to take away rights of minorities.

02-24-2025

Barbara Duder

The State of Iowa has always been a leader in human rights. We cannot and should not abandon that now! Removing the protections for transgender individuals is wrong and will be remembered as a criminal act in the future. What do you want your legacy to be? Will you stand for human dignity or be counted as a collaborator? History will remember this time, just as we remember the collaborators who assisted the Nazis and the Khmer Rouge.

02-24-2025

Valerie Hermanstorfer

Passing this bill is turning our backs on Iowans. It is unfathomable that discrimination in this day and age is being brought up to vote. I urge you to truly represent your constituents and vote down this bill. There is no accountability with such laws; you can't just say "here you go" without any required reporting to make public record that I can reference to know when such cases has occurred that discriminate and by whom.Being uncomfortable is okay, that's a "you problem" that can a used to grow for an individual, but with a bill such as HSB 242 it allows that to be ignorance and that impacts other persons' ability to live and thrive in the state of Iowa. Please educate me on what is to be gained by removing 'gender identity' amongst the protected individuals of the Iowa Civil Rights Act? What harm is transgender persons inflicting on our communities? Who are you protecting by limiting transgenders' ability to live in Iowa with the same rights and protection of the Iowa Civil Rights Act? It's not just at the cost of their happiness, which is enough reason not to support HSB 242; it's potentially at the cost of their lives.Simple questions that I don't think can be given a reasonable answer. Please do not allow HSB 242 to pass.Thank you, Valerie Hermanstorfer

02-24-2025

Kristine Wiborg

My 19 year old son is transgender. I have lived in Iowa for most of my life but when he was born we were in Wisconsin. After 6 months of living away from Iowa with a newborn, my husband and I made the decision to move back. Our thinking was that Iowa would be a safe place to raise children, good schools, kind people, and Iowans look out for each other. The fact that hes trans doesnt make him a bad person and it certainly doesnt mean that he deserves to be discriminated against by his government. I beg you to let my son live his life without having to worry that he doesnt have the same rights that his brother has. Iowa is his home land he loves it here. Dont make me regret moving back to Iowa. Please do the right thing.

02-24-2025

Katie Gucik

I oppose HSB 242 and urge the subcommittee to vote against it. Passing this bill will result in the termination of basic human rights for transgender individuals throughout Iowa. Transgender people are my friends. Your neighbors. Our family. Our coworkers. PLEASE vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Will Doherty

Please pass this bill. Each individual is defined as male or female by nature at birth. This is just one small aspect in the beauty of a human being. It does not limit us, nor totally define us. The confusion and why we are currently arguing about this issue across America is a misunderstanding of the physical verses spiritual being. Your spiritual being is much higher and you do have complete say in how you want to live your spiritual life. This is the premise for the pursuit of happiness. Passing this bill would undo a previous unjust law.

02-24-2025

Amy Curtis

Please don't. With all the screaming and yelling from both sides I wanted to appeal to you ALL to take a moment and really THINK about what stripping the rights away from trans people will do.I'm begging you. Removing Trans rights is akin to making daily sexual abuse and harrassment legal.HSB 242 will destroy lives, and peoples sense of self. Please keep Iowans safe by upholding equal rights for all people.

02-24-2025

Joan Chamberlin

Dear Subcommittee Members,Please do not move forward with HSB 242. We, in Iowa, do not remove civil rights from members of our community. This is not what we do. We protect citizens who are vulnerable. Trans people are part of our lives our parents, our partners, our children, our siblings, our friends, coworkers and neighbors. And yours too.Please know that being Trans is not an ideology. It is who a person is at their core they cannot change it and we, as Christians, are required to love them and protect them. Trans people are not a threat to anyone it is they who are being threatened.This bill is the opposite of protecting citizens. Stop this cruelty.

02-24-2025

Margaret Eginton-Carmichael [private individual]

HSB 242 is Bullying Bullying: to make a show of strength that actually shows your weakness because you pick on someone less strong than you.Focusing discrimination on people who represent less than 1% of the population is bullying.Transgender Iowans make up less than 1% of all Iowans.On behalf of all Iowans in all protected classes I deeply oppose HSB 242. As a woman, as the mother of a transgender woman, and as A FIFTH GENERATION IOWAN I am appalled that transgender human beings are being oppressed and attacked in our state. I fear for them and I want to see them protected and given the same rights to fair housing, employment, health care and education as all other Iowans. Separate but equal is discrimination. Discrimination is not Iowan. Please, STOP this nonsensical, unIowan and ideologically corrupt bill from moving forward. Most sincerely, Margaret EgintonCarmichael

02-24-2025

Jennifer Horner

You cannot erase or deny what SCIENCE has taught us....that "gender"(you actually mean "sex") is NOT BINARY!! Do your researchthis is embarrassing for Iowa!! Intersex conditions are as real as the nose on your face. You cannot and must not try to ERASE this human reality. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12476264/https://www.hudson.org.au/disease/womensnewbornhealth/intersexconditions/https://www.webmd.com/sex/whatisintersex

02-24-2025

Cynthia Koster

By approving this bill, we are starting the dangerous path of not recognizing humans as humans. What they look like, how they identify, what their beliefs are should not instill fear and would go against everything that minorities (not just people of color) have fought for and won in terms of basic human rights and liberties. Just because someone is different does not mean they are less. This is the ideology that has fueled the hatred and abominations throughout history that have depleted entire groups of the human race. We, Iowa, are better than this!

02-24-2025

Jane Fogg [Iowa resident ]

To Iowa Lawmakers, Members of the Subcommittee considering HSB 242I strongly oppose HSB 242. Why is it that as lawmakers you consider it your role to legislate sexual orientation? Being trans is not illegal. Why would you want to carve out any person as not worthy of support and protection from Iowa's civil rights? Please spend time working on issues which make our state stronger and more welcoming to all who wish to live, work, play and pray here.

02-24-2025

S. David Pullara

!! REJECT HSB 242 !!Stop taking peoples rights away and dehumanizing those you don't like.From Merriam Webster:tyranny1: oppressive power.2: government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler.3: a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force.4: an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act.

02-24-2025

Shana Kaska

Civil rights are for everybody to protect our humanity from people who would seek to harm others. The fact that this administration wants to remove them for some people means we need civil rights protections more than ever and stripping them away would be dangerous and life threatening for some people. I strongly oppose this bill.

02-24-2025

Bethany Sweeney

I do not support this bill and believe it would be a travesty if it were passed. Our government should not be in the business of removing civil rights from any group or promoting discrimination. Every American supports nondiscrimination for groups of which we are not a part and that we sometimes don't agree with (different religions, etc.). That lack of agreement does not mean that people do not deserve to have their human rights protected.

02-24-2025

Tammy Buseman

I am writing to speak out against HSB242, the bill that would remove basic protections from transgender Iowans. Transgender people are created in the image of God, just as you are. They deserve basic human rights and being protected from discrimination. They deserve to be treated fairly. Transgender people are our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers and our family. Please be honorable and respectful of human dignity! Please stand for what is right protecting all Iowans. Please vote no to HSB242.

02-24-2025

Kerby Hanson [Orchard Place]

Iowans value their rights including those qualify for disabilities. Very specific criteria qualifying someone for the diagnosis of gender dysphoria is quite clear in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association and also as defined by The World Health Organization. It would seem unfair to restrict the rights of only some Iowans based on anything other than evidence based and research informed medical knowledge.

02-24-2025

Quentin Kinzy

Please VOTE NO on HSB 242. This bill explicitly intends to legalize discrimination based on gender. Representatives who push this bill forward will be doing so with flagrant disregard for their constituents overwhelming opposition. Trans, intersex, and gender nonconforming people deserve basic human dignity.

02-24-2025

Connor Ferguson

Removing gender identity through this bill in the Iowa legislature is incredibly dangerous to a broad population of Iowans, including a growing number of youth identifying as trans or nonbinary. To remove protections for gender identity in professional, academic, and medical spaces is uninformed and will disenfranchise a wide demographic of individuals in the workforce that Iowans rely on, and will negatively effect the health and livelihood of those who express gender identity. To remove gender identity from the considerations this bill targets will not only effect those who identify as trans or nonbinary: it will effect anyone who expresses any form of gender identity that is not indicative of a very small portion of the population's understanding of gender.

02-24-2025

Rev. Anitta Milloro

As a hospital chaplain, spiritual care educator, and community leader for queer Iowans, I strongly oppose HSB242. This bill is a direct attack on the rights, dignity, and safety of LGBTQ+ Iowans, particularly transgender individuals who are already marginalized within our state.My work centers on fostering authenticity, growth, and supportive communities. I have witnessed firsthand the harm caused when legislative efforts strip people of their rights and erase their lived experiences. HSB242 not only threatens the autonomy of transgender individuals but also sends a dangerous message that some Iowans are less deserving of respect and care.Faith communities, hospitals, and educational institutions know that our responsibility is to uplift, not suppress, the people we serve. Policies like this do not protect Iowansthey cause direct harm by reinforcing systemic bias and institutionalizing discrimination.I urge lawmakers to reject HSB242 and instead focus on policies that promote equity, dignity, and wellbeing for all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Jack Behrens

I would like to make known my opposition to this bill. All Iowans deserve to have basic rights and feel like they belong and want to stay here. We need to stop putting legislation out there that would move us backwards and make us less inclusive.

02-24-2025

meghan mcdermott

My dear neighbors to the south, Removing these protections for LGBTQ+ people is dangerous, harmful, and fueled by hate and ignorance. Just because you remove these protections doesn't mean that LGBTQ+ people will cease to exist. As AMERICANS, LGBTQ+ people have the RIGHT to access healthcare that works for them. This is a regressive step for Iowa. The people you should be focusing on are the billionaires who are taking advantage of the common American, not the 2% of the population that is Trans or LGBTQ+. Literally who is it hurting to allow Trans people to have Civil Rights? Have you no shame, heart or empathy for people who are different than you?Be better or keep living up to the nickname 'Idiots Out Walking Around', up to you.

02-24-2025

Alan Kruse

I oppose HSB 242 to strip gender identity out of the Iowa Civil Rights Act.The Iowa legislature should not be taking away statutory rights from any population of Iowans, especially when it means they could be legally denied basic human needs. What Iowa needs to be great is an Iowa where all Iowans have equal opportunities in the workplace and housing. Anything less than that is a step in the wrong direction.I was raised in smalltown Iowa to love and treat my neighbor as I would want to be treated. That is the Iowa I know and love. I want that to be the Iowa that is reflected in our laws. Not an Iowa that codifies hate and discrimination.

02-24-2025

Adam Hoffman

HSB 242 is an unconstitutional attack on civil rights and equal protection under the law. Stripping gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act directly violates the Fourteenth Amendment by denying protections to a specific group of people. The government should not be in the business of deciding which Iowans deserve rights and which do not. This bill serves no purpose other than to marginalize and harm people who are simply trying to live their lives. I urge you to reject HSB 242 and uphold the fundamental principles of equality and justice.

02-24-2025

shawn schenkemeyer [Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply]

My name is Shawn Goodhart Schenkemeyer and Im asking you to reject HSB242. This bill would remove basic protections for my transgender niece and other transgender Iowans leaving them vulnerable to discrimination in all aspects of their lives. She is a human being who deserves respect and dignity. Every hardworking Iowan including those who are intersex and transgender should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. Transgender Iowans should be afforded the same opportunities as any other Iowan, such as, getting a good job, renting an apartment, obtaining a credit card and simply being able to compete on the same level as their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system. This bill would also discriminate against women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender and intersex people are humans that deserve basic human rights in this state just like you and me. Transgender people are our friends, family, neighbors and coworkers and should be treated the same as any other Iowan. Please, I implore you to stand up for basic human rights for ALL Iowans. Vote against HSB242

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02-24-2025

Carol Matthews

I do not support HSB 242 and neither should my representatives! Removing civil rights from a group is beyond reprehensible. All HUMANS deserve protection under the law. This bill is way too broad and destructive. Iowans want to protect individual rights, not limit them for petty reasons. Please vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Angela Knoblauch

I strongly oppose HSB 242. As a physician who provides transgender care, I have seen firsthand the harm that comes when individuals are denied the ability to live as their authentic selves. The mental and physical health consequences of restricting genderaffirming care are severeleading to increased depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Conversely, I have witnessed the profound positive impact when we support patients in their genderaffirming goals: improved mental health, stability, and overall wellbeing. Iowa has already lost talented, lawabiding, productive individuals due to previous efforts to limit transgender rights. Patients and colleagues have left the state, fearing for their safety and wellbeing. These policies do not reflect the values of a state that should welcome and support all its residents. They also make me question whether Iowa remains the right place for me to continue practicing medicine and contributing to my community. We must be a state that stands up for individual rights, that values personal freedom, and that allows people to live as they choose. Government overreach into personal medical decisions is harmful and unnecessary. I urge you to oppose HSB 242 and protect the dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing of all Iowans. Sincerely,Dr. Angela Knoblauch

02-24-2025

Mandy Gilbert

Yes! Please support this bill so other bills related to protecting women and children can be enforced. Despite a bill passed a few years ago to protect girls sports law being passed, just recently the USA wrestling youth girls tournament allowed a boy to participate in the girls competition. How was this allowed in Iowa when there is a law preventing it? Because gender identity is in the civil rights code. Fix this error from 2007.

02-24-2025

Sara Henderson

Could you PLEASE focus on things that make life better for Iowans instead of spending so much time and money finding things to take away? We don't need protection from someone's gender. We need jobs, and healthcare, and a sane government.

02-24-2025

Amanda Chrystal

Judging from comment sections and discussions in real life, there are a lot of people in this state looking forward to being able to legally discriminate against a vulnerable minority. This is what civil rights protections were designed for. Please protect trans Iowans.

02-24-2025

Brad E

Please vote No on HSB 242. Removing peoples basic civil rights is not ok. If this bill passes it would lead to an increase in discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals who already experience a higher rate of hate crimes and suicide. People should be able to identify however they choose to identify without fear of repercussions. When Iowa extended civil rights protections based on gender identity back in 2007 we were seen as leaders. As a lifelong Iowan, if we now backtrack on this it will be an embarrassment to the state, and you will continue to see an increase in people leaving this state that seems far too content with moving backwards.

02-24-2025

Sarah Wignall

This bill cannot be passed. The only thing it will change is that hate and division will now be accepted by those that support it. People should be able to express themselves freely and without fear. Supporting something like this makes this state no longer home of the free. Please do whats right and dont allow a humans to be oppressed and hurt at the hands of other humans.

02-24-2025

Julie Bautista

First they came for transgender people.Only Nazis do this. I had hoped that Iowa was better than this. The legislature should work on issues that actually help like Iowans like reducing the cancer rate and improving our god awful water quality. Vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Laurel Brown

Please reject this bill. Why is this even being discussed? How does this help me, a constituent? This is taking a massive step backwards in civil rights and should not be approved. Please focus on things that matter to me, a constituent, like grocery prices or inflation. Do not advance or approve this bill.

02-24-2025

Andy Belekevich [Iowa resident that pays your salaries]

You know Iowa has larger problems than this, yet this is how you choose to spend your time legislating. Has the GOP truly run out of actual ideas to improve the lives of everyday working class Iowans so they must resort to legislating conservative fringe cultural "issues"? This is a convenient distraction from your unwillingness to address the water quality issues Iowa has directly related to the big ag groups who pay for your election campaigns.Iowa: Freedom To Flourish**unless you are part of a minority group our religious dogma deems as incorrectIowa: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."**we mean only the rights conservatives recognize, to hell with the rest

02-24-2025

Laura Coyle

Gender and sex are very important parts of each individuals identity. A persons appearance, sex, or gender do not impact others and should not be any one elses business except for each individual and their healthcare providers. Scientifically sex and gender are significantly more complicated than a binary social construct of female/male. Supporting each individuals knowledge of themselves prevents suicide and improves mental health and wellbeing without harming anyone else. There is no value to limiting individuals ability to have their legal documents match their identity.

02-24-2025

Chas Fields

As an Iowa native and proud resident of Cedar Rapids, I implore you toOPPOSEHouse Study Bill 242. This bill not only endangers the LGBTQ+ community but also strips the community of their rights. It is yourdutyto Iowa constituents to uphold our state motto,"Our liberties we prize, and our rights we willmaintain,HSB 242 directly opposes this sentiment.Fulfill your duty and maintain the rights of your constituents by voting against HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Jerry Oakland

I am strongly opposed to HSB242. If HSB242were to be enacted, it would legalize discrimination against those Iowans who are transgender. Discrimination could happen in the areas of housing, education, employment, public accommodation, and credit. This is morally offensive. No one should be discriminated against, no one should be bullied, no one should be excluded.We are talking about our family members and friends and neighbors, including the adult child of one of our relatives. Many of these people already struggle to find their place and allowing discrimination against them could be life threatening. Too many lives have been lost already over issues of gender and rejection by society.As a retired United Methodist pastor, I believe that God created all persons and loves them as they are. We, as fellow citizens, should never put roadblocks in the way of those who struggle to discover who they are who God created them to be.

02-24-2025

Rose K Milligan

VOTE NO to advance HSB242 in the Iowa legislature. No group or individual should have their civil rights removed and protections against discrimination removed in the state of Iowa. This bill harms not only the targeted group but all Iowans, and if civil rights can be removed for one group, then any group can be the next target."Our liberties we prize; our rights we will maintain." Honor your oath to represent Iowa's constitution and ALL Iowa residents. Sincerely,Rose K (Kate) MilliganWest Des Moines, Iowa

02-24-2025

Matthew Brewer

This bill would be a gigantic step backwards and only serves to placate the needs of the few. Eroding civil rights to make yourselves more comfortable is ridiculous. History will remember the cowards who supported bills such as this.

02-24-2025

Wayne Twombley

Please do not pass this bill as this is a huge step backwards for Iowa Civil Rights. This bill is unconstitutional and will hurt those Iowans who are being true to themselves. This bill does not reflect the needs of your constituency. Please focus on common sense laws to HELP Iowans, not segregate a population that you do not or refuse to understand. Be Iowa nice!

02-24-2025

Matt Trimble

Please oppose HDB242. This bill runs counter to the Iowa Bill of Rights Article I Section 2 anddoes not serve the protection, security, and benefit of the people. All Iowans deserve to be respected by our elected leaders and governments.

02-24-2025

Shelby Ridley [- Select -]

Please register my opposition for this bill. This bill is filled with hatred towards a small but amazing group of humans. Every human should be celebrated, even people whose personal experiences you don't understand. Please drop this targeted oppression as it doesn't reflect the wants of the whole state.

02-24-2025

Cheryl Kimball

ALL peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. Even if you think it is "wrong", transgender people exist and deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. Basic antidiscrimination protections are critically important; they ensure that people have access to opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Our history is filled with discrimination and harm caused to marginalized groups of people. And it is filled with people that opposed those laws and fought for the rights of ALL people. How could our state possibly want to move backwards and knowingly cause harm to our fellow friends, neighbors, family and coworkers? I'm appalled that our state is even debating this.Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Zoe Woodworth

Transgender people present no threat to you, your children, or your livelihood. Transgender people represent less than 1% of the population and they are more likely to face violence and death just for existing and trying to live. Aren't freedom and individuality core American values? This bill is hurtful and unnecessary. Leave trans people alone and let them live their lives. They aren't hurting anyone.

02-24-2025

Geri Buelow

This is cruel, in humane and definitely not Christian! Please vote no. I have friends, relatives who identify. They should not be discriminatd against. They have already suffered enough in their life time. People are who they are and can't help how they are born or how they feel who they are.

02-24-2025

Emily Guenther

Please do not advance this horrific bill. I am ashamed that my state legislature wants to remove discrimination protections for trans Iowans. As a woman, I am angry that this bill is being advanced in my name. Trans Iowans are my friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Discriminating against them does not help me; it harms them AND it harms me. It harms all of us to single out a group to terrorize in this way. Please stop this obsession with harming this tiny, vulnerable minority group in our state. You are not protecting me.

02-24-2025

Angela Pittman

"Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain" This is on the Iowa flag!! This is our state motto!! Taking gender identity out of the Civil Rights act will not make transgender Iowans magically disappear. They will still exist and they will need basic civil rights protection in order to avoid discrimination. Every Iowan deserves to be treated fairly. Taking gender identity out of the civil rights act will ensure that this does not happen. They will be discriminated against in all aspects of their daily lives. Passing such a heinous bill is putting lives at risk. It hurts no one to allow gender identity to remain in the Civil Rights act. Please vote "NO" on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Kathy Graeve

Reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.. Please vote against HSB242. Please focus on working to improve the lives of ALL Iowans. Iowans are exhausted by all the legislation that seeks to divide us rather than make Iowa a welcoming state.

02-24-2025

Stacey Niles

As a proud Iowan, I am reaching out to express my deep concern about House Study Bill 242 (HSB 242). Growing up in Iowa, I learned the values of communityvalues that are central to who we are as a state and as people. This bill, which seeks to strip away critical protections for transgender individuals, stands in stark contrast to the ideals I was taught and the principles embodied in our state motto: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."From a young age, as a member of the Girl Scouts here in Iowa, I was taught to embrace differences and celebrate diversity. The Girl Scouts instilled in me the importance of kindness, empathy, and standing up for others. Those lessons shaped my belief that everyone deserves respect and equal treatment, regardless of who they are. HSB 242 threatens to undermine those values by allowing discrimination against some of our most vulnerable neighborstransgender Iowans.Our state motto reflects a commitment to liberty and rights for all. It is a promise that Iowa will protect its citizens' freedoms and ensure their dignity. This bill betrays that promise by targeting individuals based on their gender identity, making them more vulnerable to discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public spaces. Such legislation not only harms individuals but also diminishes us as a state.Iowa has always been a leader in civil rights. From being one of the first states to legalize samesex marriage to our longstanding commitment to equality, we have shown the nation what it means to uphold liberty and justice for all. HSB 242 represents a step backwarda rejection of our shared values.I urge you to honor Iowa's legacy by opposing HSB 242. Let us continue to prize our liberties and maintain the rights of all Iowans. Please stand with meand countless otherswho believe in an Iowa where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.Thank you for your time and consideration.

02-24-2025

Carlyn Mann

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary individuals in Iowa. Please make the right choice, and the choice of your constituents, and vote NO on The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-24-2025

Lanette Dietrich

Please register my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242). This bill is a poor solution to a problem that does not exist. Please apply government resources to addressing inflation, services and infrastructure needed in this state.

02-24-2025

Keri Crowley

I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.My daughter is a trans woman. She is an Iowan. She is a hard working voting member of society. She deserves to be able to earn a living, contribute to society, have a place to live and be served by a business or government office.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Anna Bierma

HSB242 is a civil rights violation. Trans people exist and they will continue to exist! I am asking that you do not pass this bill as it is very harmful. Iowa is better than this! We do not need to make the lives of Trans people more difficult. Let's focus on other issues that help the people of Iowa, not harm them outright!

02-24-2025

Audra Borgnaes

Man, they really can't find anything else to think about, huh? No, this bill is harmful in so many ways and focuses on "preventing" a tiny percentage of a demographic from doing the bad things instead of just letting everyone live like a regular human being and actually harshly charging the harmful individuals. If this passes, they'll suddenly wonder why the suicide rates or people moving out of state are suddenly rising.VOTE NO. THIS CANNOT PASS.

02-24-2025

Jen Sanda

To whom it may concernPlease REJECT advancing this proposal. American citizens and all humans are entitled the right to be who they are and dismantling human rights for one group of us, dismantles them for us all. It is unacceptable to allow in our state. Iowa is better than this. Again, PLEASE REJECT the advancement of this proposal.

02-24-2025

David Dalton

These are our friends and community members. Transgender people deserve that same level of protection as all others. When has discrimination ever been the moral victory? When did it become okay to remove rights for one group that are afforded to everyone else? What is the point of this bill, who is gaining anything from this? All people should be treated fairly by the laws of our state. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Margaret Haywood

This is dangerous, hateful legislation that strips basic protections for transgender Iowans and weakens protections for Iowans who don't fit into rigid gender norms. All people should be treated equally and fairly by the laws of our state, and this bill strips protections and hinders the ability of transgender Iowans to obtain housing, employment, and credit. There is no benefit to this bill it does nothing to help Iowans. You must reject HSB242.

02-24-2025

Claire Black-Hanson

If it weren't bad enough that you are all members of the party that wishes to remove basic civil rights to all people, and that you operate in lock step with our fascist governor and our wouldbe "king" and dictator tRump but you see fit to do your level best to level baseless cruelty on a community of people who only wish to survive. Your "ick factor" about people who don't absolutelyconformto your norms of gender or identity would be considered childish if it weren't so dangerous.HSB242 is wildly out of step withthe feelings and beliefs of the majority of Iowans. That you have a trifecta of power has served to make yougleeful as you enact legislation to make your small world look and act just like you.You're all on the wrong side of history. Vote NO on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Albie Nicol

As a transgender person of faith, I strongly urge you to OPPOSE this bill. Time and time again Jesus chose to sit with "the foreigner", and hang out with lepers outside the city gates. Every time we attempt to put a MAN MADE wall between "us" and "them", Jesus is always on the opposite side of the wall as us. Do not let Iowa tailspin it's way into becoming a desolate land filled with nothing but heaps of burning trash. Vote NO on HSB 242 if only to show a very small amount of human decency for your transgender neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances.

02-24-2025

Chad Sheley

I feel bad for people who wont or cant open their hearts nor minds to hear about the lives and experiences of others. As a father of adult children in the LGBTQ+ community, Im always open to questions and conversations in the interest of learning and growth. Unfortunately this bill seeks to move us backward, not forward toward greater understanding of people who might be different than the majority. Please vote against this bill, retain the protections for this group of Iowans while we continue to learn and move forward toward a greater Iowa for ALL Iowans

02-24-2025

Amy Wilder

I urge the Legislators to stop this horrific bill in its tracks. It's a thinly veiled attempt to get rid of any civil rights protections in Iowa, let alone just for an already vulnerable group of people, such as trans and nonbinary Iowans. The punching down of the IA legislators who have sponsored and are supportive of this bill is really disgusting and immoral. Transgender individuals make up such a small amount of the population and just want to live their lives in peace. What you are doing, constantly tormenting them with these seeming endless, ridiculous bills? Of the people in the legislature that support this bill and who claim to be Christian and operating from those values, how does this bullying you are doing actually square with any Christian teachings of kindness and protecting the vulnerable? How does this bill and others like it, actually improve the quality of life of Iowans in any way? Please enlighten us. We are struggling with cancer rates skyrocketing & a real issue with clean water just to name a couple of things, and yet you focus on this type of legislation. Do something that actually matters to daytoday lives of Iowans!!! This bill is appalling.NO TO HSB 242. NO! NO! NO!

02-24-2025

Sydney M

I vehemently oppose this bill. We should not be moving back as a state or country by using precious legislative time and taxpayer dollars to roll back civil rights for protected groups. To persecute a group of artists and trans individuals is unchristianlike and the exact opposite of Iowa Nice that this state is so fond of saying we are. Please focus on real issues and leave these people alone.

02-24-2025

Kirsten Faisal

All humans deserve the same rights, regardless of their gender, sex, or other issues. They are called "rights" because they are innate, not determined by law. The law's job is to ensure those rights are not violated. Humans deserve to work, dwell, study, love, and form families without being harassed or persecuted for who they are. Merely existing does not impinge on the rights of another person. There are many of my neighbors with whom I disagree morally but I respect their rights. Iowa used to stand for something. Let's not be the state made famous for removing civil rights. Do not support removing trans individuals from our civil rights code or limiting people's rights based on genderidentity. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Heidi Barnhart

After reading through many of these comments I have realized 2 things: many people from out of state are commenting on our state. why have so many people sexualized their kids? Why would parents do that?Gender is not a protected class federally or in any other state. No one should have extra rights just based on gender that is so subjective and often emotionally based. I support passing this bill.

02-24-2025

Megan Derhammer Capek

Please note my vote of opposition to this bill. It does not reflect the views or inherent rights of transgender Iowans. Iowans you've been elected to represent. Furthermore, spending your time and energy pushing this legislation to take away rights that already exist for transgender folx can only be described as spreading hate and fear. Why not spend your time and energy and money trying to provide for and actually help Iowans of all gender identities?

02-24-2025

Jaimee Nicolino

I am submitting in OPPOSITION of this bill, or any other bill that attempts to strip civil rights protections away from any Iowans. This dangerous precedent can only harm our fellow citizens. State sponsored bigotry cannot be allowed. Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.

02-24-2025

Katherine Young

Please find better things to do with your time and jurisdiction than assign and discriminate against someone's gender identity. Making this a priority is truly a vile waste of time. As a former resident of Iowa, i am ashamed to see what the State of Iowa is choosing to spend time and tax dollars on. You are becoming a leader in hate, bigotry and smallmindedness. I remember when I first voted in 2008 and we were leading the nation in being a safe place for LGBTQIA++ (YES USE ALL THE DAMN LETTERS). Under the leadership of the republicans and our Governor, we have chosen to support hate and discrimination and this is yet another example of it. You are creating an environment within the state of Iowa that will allow for discrimination against those that identify differently than their sex assigned at birth. This will not eliminate those that are Trans, but it will make an environment where they are not safe or cared for. DO BETTER!

02-24-2025

Catherine Redman

After everything that has happened over the last 70 years to move human rights forward Im appalled at whats happening in this country! I already know several people and families that have moved or are moving out of the country because of the attack on womens rights, and the dramatic changes Trump has made! Were losing Americans, dont let this be the next set back that generations of LGBTQ people and their allies have fought for loose!

02-24-2025

Jessica Crawford

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and the attack on rights and lives of transgender Iowans. This bill puts the rights, health, and wellbeing of all Iowans at risk as we are not succeeding as citizens here unless we ALL are. But it also will have devastating consequences for our transgender neighbors, friends, and family by restricting their rights to operate fully in society and without discrimination. This bill is hateful and harmful it should not progress.

02-24-2025

Amanda Kruse

I strongly OPPOSE HSB242! Your constituents, the people of Iowa, clearly do not support this harmful legislation to strip basic human rights of our valued and hardworking family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers! As our elected officials it is your responsibility to uphold and protect the basic human rights of ALL individuals. Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain this bill blatantly disregards Iowans liberties and rights. HSB 242 would remove human rights from codified law; federal case law and administrative rules are not protections. This is outright discriminatory legislation. Do the right thing and vote no to HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Mallory DeVries

Opposed. You have more important things to do that worry about what's in someone's pants. There seems to be an awful lot of time being dedicated to destroying a very small percentage of people. I'm a mother and am more than comfortable with my children learning about gender identity and theory. I see no harm in it and it provides ALL kids a safe place to learn.

02-24-2025

Oliver Schoenborn

I oppose HSB 242, which seeks to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and scrub away the legal and financial protections for transgender Iowans. Transgender people in Iowa are just like anyone else here; they pay taxes, have jobs, and contribute to Iowa's vibrant culture. They're your friends, coworkers, and neighbors. One of the hallmarks of a failing society is the cruel and unusual punishment of its most vulnerable groups. Why are Iowa's legislators so bent on dehumanizing trans people, a vulnerable group that makes up less than 1% of the population? I urge the subcommittee members to listen to the people and vote NO on HSB 242. Represent the people; they do not want this bill to go forward!

02-24-2025

Ash Fell

The idea of REMOVING anything from civil rights protections is obviously absurd. Republicans don't even have the decency anymore to pretend that eradication of transgender individuals is the goal. I strongly oppose this heinous bill, and any reasonable person would see these hundreds of comments and understand that this bill is NOT the will of the people.

02-24-2025

Dana Sloter

My name is Dana Sloter. Im a constituent living in Des Moines. I am opposed to this bill because it will take away basic civil rights protections and markers of humanity for Iowans who dont fit into lawmakers conception of what is normal, specially for transgender Iowans.I have transgender students and friends. I am appalled the state would even consider stripping them of their civil rights. All people deserve to be treated as full human beings, with all the rights that designation affords.

02-24-2025

Nicholas Mulholland

Please oppose this bill. This hurts Iowans. This hurts Iowans that I love. This state has a rich history of loving and welcoming people and this bill stands against our history. Trans people are strong and hardworking and deserve a seat at the table. Coming out as trans takes courage and should be rewarded with love and acceptance. Please do not hurt our people. Oppose this bill and protect Iowa.

02-24-2025

Korianne Gevaert

Please vote no on this bill. This bill does nothing except make the lives of many people worse. It will allow and encourage discrimination against transgender people. Trans people just want to live their lives, take care of their family, and support their community. This bill will also encourage discrimination against any woman who doesn't fit the feminine image well enough. This will encourage people to police women's spaces by the only means they can imagine which is looking at the genitalia of the individual. The few people in support of this bill always come back to the genitalia and this would open up people to feeling comfortable policing the genitalia of every person who doesn't look feminine enough to them.

02-24-2025

Alyssa Burke

A person's gender identity is important to themselves. Whether a person identifies with the sex they were born as or not, everyone deserves to feel comfortable to express themselves as they are. Gender identity does not impact others negatively so there is no reason why we should not validate every person for how they identify.As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I strongly urge those in power to protect this community by allowing them to identify how best fits them.

02-24-2025

Sarah Ehlen

I would like to voice my opposition to HSB 242. This is moving backwards on Iowans civil rights, creates unnecessary rules and adds more unnecessary big government oversight and spending. Iowa already relies on a huge amount of government handouts and this is how you want to spend our money?

02-24-2025

Victoria Wehmeyer

Please do not fall prey to the hateful agendas sweeping the nation. America is meant to be by and for the people. We are a country of differences and those differences make us strong. Dismantling protections for people who do not love, look or pray like you violates the very foundation of our country. When we know better we should do better and be better. Be a state of progress not regression! Protect your citizens. You have a chance to show the world your love, grace and strength instead of bigotry and hatred. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. The good peoples of this country will not stand idly by and watch evil triumph.

02-24-2025

Tom Broadbooks

My message is simple: Do not pass this bill. I'm a straight white male who is a LGBTQ+ ally. You can't legislate "existence" or "nonexistence" of a person. Leave well enough alone and move on to more pressing issues of law. Reject this bill.

02-24-2025

Amanda Fisher

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-24-2025

Donita Hermsen [750 E Foster Rd #308]

Please vote No on HSB 242. This bill takes away human rights from (transgender) PEOPLE! If you focus on the word PEOPLE instead of transgender (which seems to scare some of you so much), you would know that it is wrong to take rights away from PEOPLE, any PEOPLE, the same rights you enjoy every day! Have you ever heard that "All men (and women) are created equal"? All means All! Every Iowan deserves the same rights that you have!

02-24-2025

Eric Iverson

I strongly oppose the language and intent of this bill to strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. Allowing businesses and landlords to discriminate against a group of already marginalized group is wrong on every level. This bill is specifically targeted to strip a group's dignity, allows bullies to do real harm, and provides no benefit to the people of the state of Iowa.This bill seems at odds with conservative values. Conservatives recognize the value a hard day's work provides, yet this bill seeks to place roadblocks in the way of certain members to have access to employment. Conservatives are against intrusive government, yet this bill is an invasion of privacy, allowing discrimination based on the one's anatomy. This is not a conservative bill, nor does it represent the values of Iowans.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Schafer

This is hate, pure and simple. It is unimaginable that our elected officials continue to punch down on already vulnerable people. I urge you reject hate and discrimination, and use your power to care for and protect all people.

02-24-2025

Donita Hermsen [750 E Foster Rd #308]

02-24-2025

James Hammann

This bill is an outrage to all who have worked so hard to make Iowa a welcoming place to live and work. There are relatively few trans people and they are being targeted by people who are full of hate and intolerance for them.

02-24-2025

James van Howe

I would like to state my opposition to HSB 242 and request it be stopped from moving forward. This law is unconstitutional and does not reflect the needs or wants of your constituency. In the U.S. and Iowa, we are allowed to hold and espouse various views that may have religious background or come from other social backgrounds. This particular bill has its roots in a very small branch of Christianity. Such Christians have the right to believe this. I do not agree with it, but it is not up to me to tell them they cannot practice these beliefs privately. This is their right as Iowans and U.S. citizens. However, they do not have the authority, nor should our legislators consider, enshrining their beliefs into law when it discriminates against other Iowans. What makes our country and state truly great is that every citizen has the same unalienable rights Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This means giving every human the same civil rights no matter how much we disagree with them or don't like them. As lawmakers who took an oath to uphold our constitution, please stop HSB 242 from moving forward. You have the right personally to not like different groups of people in Iowa, and to disagree with different groups of people in Iowa. However, it is still your duty as representatives of your districts to protect all Iowans rights, not take them away. What a marvelous thing to not agree with someone but to still see them as human and to still help them prosper in our state simply because they are an Iowan.

02-24-2025

Debora Crowley

Please do not rescind HSB 242. It isnt about being woke, its about protecting fellow citizens whose biological chromosomes are more complicated than x and y. There is a continuum of combinations, study the science!We must Protect the most vulnerable and recognize those who are different are equally worthy of rights and protections and access to be who they truly are and receive the respect of fellow citizens. Deb Crowley

02-24-2025

Averee Chaloupka

I am opposed to this bill.Gender involves identity elements such as what people wear, physical appearance, and social conventions that people use to define their role in personal relationships and society as a whole. Gender has nothing to do what is in people's pants, shorts, skirts, or otherwise. Gender and sex are not the same thing, even if a random bill tries to say they are just as the world is not flat just because a random bill would try to say it is. It is literally science. Gender identity should remain a protected class.

02-24-2025

Adam Powell

I would like to express my opposition to HSB 242. The harassment and attempts at exclusion and villianization of one of Iowas most vulnerable communities is disturbing. I may not be an active or practicing member of any organized religion, but I grew up with the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Would you want your rights limited? Would you want to be made a scapegoat for a hateful movement? This bill isnt about protecting anyone, its about control and keeping anyone who is seen as other in what a select few see as their place. This is not what i am about, this is not what this community is about, this is not what Iowa is about and this is not what the founding fathers intended this Nation to be about. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Janice McCoy [Tim McCoy]

I'm not sure what Republicans are scared ofjust let people be who they areeven if you don't understandwhat is it hurting anyone? You're making Iowa look like a bunch of bigoted hicks we can do betterwe must do better. Love, respect, PROTECT and represent EVERYONE.

02-24-2025

Anne Drannen`

Why are you wasting time and resources on crap like this? For the love of God, the people of Iowa do not want their civil rights infringed upon, which this bill does! Please stop hating those who are different from you. These children especially need our love and support or they will die. FULL STOP.

02-24-2025

Nic T

I strongly oppose HSB242. This does absolutely nothing to better the community, its about control and making the trans community feel even more marginalized. Trans people arent going anywhere and we need to stop wasting valuable time trying to make their lives miserable.

02-24-2025

Theresa Miller

Our liberties we prize and our rights we shall maintain is garbage if we keep continuing down this path of restricting freedoms. Other peoples gender identity is their own business and doesnt need legislating like this. Let Iowans be free to be who they want to be. I used to be proud to be an Iowannot anymore. This isnt what your constituency wants; please stop allowing the few loud voices to control the lives of the majority.

02-24-2025

Katrina Serfling

Please do not pass this bill, it is an over reach of power for legislation to decide these things about our personhood, education, and bodies. As a mental health counselor, I can firmly say that this bill will increase mental strain in the community. We need laws that support mental health of everyone and this is discriminatory. Please listen to the people and do not push this bill through.

02-24-2025

Kristin Vogel

Transgender people are part of our communitiesthey are our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Everyone deserves fair treatment when it comes to jobs, housing, and public services. No one should face discrimination just for being who they are. Stand for equality and vote NOT on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Rachael Terhaar

Honorable legislators, I am in full support of this bill. The distinction in gender is BY DESIGN. This does not infringe on anyones right to practice their alternative lifestyles, it preserves and conserves the origins of nature. The less complicated systems the better for functionality

02-24-2025

Lori VanLo

It is absolutley necessary to oppose this bill. People being allowed to be themselves is absolutely crucial to a free nation. And besides any time in history when people were discriminated against it mostly hurt women, so arguing that these help women is just a lie. Women are the ones that will have to prove who they are constantly. They good people in history are never on the side of oppression, this is your chance to stand up to this oppression.

02-24-2025

Sara McSweeney

This bill is cruel and not reflect the values of the majority of Iowans. Not understanding someone or something does not need to equal fear and hate and removing them from existance. I beg you to vote against this bill.

02-24-2025

Emily Davis

Please note my opposition to this bill. This bill is designed to restrict the rights of parents, restricting a performance that is already catered to the audience of the moment, and creating dangerous rhetoric towards the arts. Many people will say this will limit our theater, and that is correct. Before that, it shows our queer community that they are in danger, they are not wanted, and they do not exist. They do exist. We will keep fighting.

02-24-2025

Donald Brown [None]

Please do not vote for HSB 242. If I have learned anything in my 90 years on earth, it is that I am fallible and can be wrong. I have also been raised to believe in prayer, and I do. Every morning I ask my creator to grant me the grace to not impose my beliefs unjustly on others. I believe that HSB 242 imposes beliefs unjustly on others, without justification. Transgender people are usually not criminals, and deserve to be treated as noncriminals. Their lives are difficult, and you should not be making it more difficult. I was born on a farm near Ruthven in Palo Alto County and apart from a stint in the Navy, I have been a resident of Iowa all my life. Please accept that we are all fallible and should not inflict damage on others if they are not a public threat to person or property. Do not contribute to the pain and suffering that transgenders and their families go through. And HSB 242 does inflict undeserved pain and suffering, and cannot be justified. Don Brown

02-24-2025

Karey Bader [Just a concerned parent]

Why does the new American culture seem to be built on hate? And lack empathy for anyone "different?" It is such a sad image for our kids to witness.Have you gone into the schools and met with any trans kids directly? Have you really listened to them without judging? Transgender individuals just want to be happy and live their lives, just like the rest of us. They are not hurting anyone. Please be compassionate and show grace.

02-24-2025

Heather Waldschmitt

Please do not pass this bill and take away basic human rights from Iowans. Iowa's motto is Freedom to Flourish this freedom should be for ALL Iowans not just those who fit a box on a list. Please think of the harm this would do to so many and treat those who may be different from you as you would want to be treated.

02-24-2025

Sandy Thurm

I ask you to support this bill. No one should be given special rights that allows them to ignore the rights of others. Women and men do not want someone of the opposite sex in their private spaces. The innocence and welfare of children should not be jeopardized. The trans community is still protected by basic human rights without listing them in a separate category.

02-24-2025

Lesley Wright

I ask you to oppose HSB242 removing civil rights for trans Iowans. This Bill flies in the face of Iowa's proud role as a leader for civil rights for everyone, even when it was unpopular to do so. Our trans neighbors deserve the full protection of the law as they live their lives and contribute their talents to their families, communities and state. Civil rights protections ensure that every Iowans will have healthcare, a livelihood, and be safe in our state. If we deny rights to anyone, we risk everyone's rights. Do not vote this bill out of committee.

02-24-2025

Katherine Voss

Writing a law that removes gender identity does not REMOVE gender identity. Trans people have always existed and always will. What are you so afraid of and why do you want to make life difficult for people? Those of you planning to support this bill have you sat and talked with a trans person and truly believed they don't deserve the same protections as everyone else? Your job is to protect ALL citizens of the state, not make it easier and lawful for people to treat others as secondclass citizens. If passed, this bill will set Iowa back even more. I am a native Iowan and year after year I become more disappointed in the direction of this state from education to economic policies, and now civil rights. Do better.

02-24-2025

Heidi Wubben

Vote YES! This bill will still protect the rigids of a person to identify how they choose, dress how they choose, and all of their other rights, just the same as the rest of us. This bill will simply protect our female designated spaces for biological females only, including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, sports and will end the practice of the stateOf Iowa paying for hormones and gender surgeries.

02-24-2025

Ed BlueSky

Vote no on HSB242.It threatens to roll back progress in protecting the rights and dignity of all Iowans. This bill seeks to remove critical safeguards against discrimination, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to harm and inequality. It is imperative that we oppose this legislation, not only because it undermines the principles of fairness and justice but also because it fails to serve the interests of anyone, even those who may believe it benefits them.Civil rights laws exist to ensure that every individual, regardless of their race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, has equal access to opportunities and is treated with respect. HSB242 would weaken these protections, creating a dangerous precedent that allows discrimination to flourish. For example, businesses, landlords, and employers could potentially deny services, housing, or employment to individuals based on personal biases, all without legal consequence. This is not the Iowa we know: a state built on values of inclusivity and community.Moreover, Iowas strength lies in its diversity and its commitment to fairness. By opposing HSB242, we send a clear message that our state values every individual and will not tolerate discrimination in any form. This is not just a moral imperative; its an economic and social one. Inclusive communities attract talent, foster innovation, and create a stronger, more vibrant Iowa for everyone.HSB242 is a step backward for civil rights and a threat to the values we hold dear. It would harm marginalized communities while offering no meaningful benefit to those who support it. We respectfully urge you to oppose this bill and reaffirm our commitment to equality, justice, and the dignity of all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Diane churchill

Male/female are two biological sexes that individuals are born into but sometimes, as an individual grows, they realize their gender identity is at odds with the sex they were assigned at birth, which means they are trans.This realization is often accompanied by extreme unease with ones body and gendered roles, which is known as gender dysphoria. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a dysphoric individual will face severe mental health issues and negative selfimage if they are forced to live with a gender identity they do not feel comfortable in. This is also why trans individuals have significantly higher rates of suicide.Biological sex is binary and this is a scientific factThere are a number of ways that we are starting to understand that even biological sex may not be as binary as previously believed. For example, 2% of the population are born intersex, or with genitalia that doesnt fit the male/female binary. This is a massive number thats the same amount of greeneyed people worldwide. After decades of intersex babies being subjected to sex reassignment surgeries at birth, intersex activists are now talking about the ethical problems with that practice, especially as it has no health benefits.Another example: hormones are commonly believed to be deeply tied to biological sex. But we now know through endocrinologists that the levels of socalled sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, also exist on a spectrum, and are present in varying amounts in male and female bodies. Case in point: women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have high levels of testosterone in their bodies, but are still women.Plus, a person may have high levels of testosterone merely because their body is not efficient at using the testosterone it produces. To combat this inefficiency, the body simply produces more to ensure proper usage. This does not change ones sex, nor is there any medically accepted threshold for how much testosterone or estrogen qualifies someone as male or female.Chromosomes are not binary either. There is a common misconception that XX/XY chromosomes are the only two combinations that exist to denote a male/female binary. But some people are born with XXY and XXX chromosomes too, and these are only two examples of multiple chromosomal variations Intersex individuals, for instance, may have four different types of chromosomal variations. Some intersex individuals with mostly male chromosomes can also carry fetuses to term if they have the anatomy necessary for pregnancy.So in summary, even biological sex, which most people believe to be binary, is far more complicated than a strict malefemale binary.

02-24-2025

Mark Ponto

I am commenting on HSB 242.Changes in the bill will negate or restrict existing statutory protections for Iowans. It will create a subclass for our residents that subject them to possible harrassment and discrimation for no other reason than who they indetify as.Our current statute in no way puts undo harm or burden on others so why are we proposing changes to benifit no one and harms those who some may not agree with.I have many friends and family members that may not be considered to fall into the "norm" regarding sexual or gender intendity. The are all loving, productive members of their communites, and state, and I see no reason for changing existing statutes because some members of the legislature, or consituents, my disagree with those social norms.I would ask that subcommittee members vote no on furthering this unnecessary bill.

02-24-2025

Shiloh McClanahan-Mortenson

To allow this bill to move outside of its current limit is to openly declare to a good portion of Iowan citizens that our freedoms do not matter. I would like you all to be reminded that the very declaration we signed to announce our departure from the English very adamantly declared our rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. How is one expected to Live within the confines of legislation so suffocating? How is one expected to experience Liberty if they are limited in what freedoms they can cherish? And How is one expected to Pursue Happiness when the state government is so quick to rip up the paths that we would use in our pursuit?? Should these "inalienable rights"as our founding documents refer to themonly be accessible to the white, Christian, men who fit the standard mold, and benefit from the false idea of an objective human experience?Truly, what harm does gender divergence cause anyone who does not participate? The answer is none. You don't have to put on a frilly dress and cake your face in makeup to, at least, mind your own about how someone else chooses to live.

02-24-2025

Sara Montgomery

This is a travesty. Anyone who stands behind this bill does not believe in freedom and justice for all. Our LGBTQ and trans kids, friends, family members, and neighbors deserve better. Rep. Steven Holt, I encourage you to focus your efforts on feeding hungry children instead of targeting good, kind folks with your HATEFUL BILL.

02-24-2025

Morgan Clark

Please VOTE NO on HSB 242. I was born and raised in Iowa, and I've lived here my whole life. I remember a time when Iowa was leading the nation in civil rights as one of the first to legalize gay marriage. Today we're still a leader, as this bill would make us the first in the nation to actually REMOVE our citizens' civil rights. I am not proud to call myself an Iowan today. This bill is cruel, discriminatory, and WILL increase the brain drain as educated professionals continue to flee the state. In addition to the negative economic impact, this will be incredibly costly to taxpayers in litigation to ultimately not be upheld anyway. Maybe you should look to our state flag for guidance: "OUR LIBERTIES WE PRIZE, AND OUR RIGHTS WE WILL MAINTAIN."

02-24-2025

Judith Heggen

Please vote no on HSB 242. Why does this committee want to introduce legislation that permits discriminatory practices against a group of people. Who does this serve?? And this discrimination can be based on the assumption that someone is transgender. If Iowa takes this backward step, what will be next?? Do you think Iowansthe people you are supposed to be working for want this? No!! They dont. Its legalized cruelty.

02-24-2025

Greta Levis

Reverend Greta Muller LevisAs an ordained person, straight, retired, white, and female, I strongly urge you to reject HSB242. My work as a teacher, university professor, adviser, and ordained minister require me to act out of respect for the dignity and wellbeing of every individual crossing my path. The American Dream I was raised on was one where I respect the rights, dignity, safety and freedom of expression for all people no matter how similar or different they are from me. Any law that is passed should follow these standards. HSB242 does not. It is horrifically discriminatory towards people who are born to different from the majority. It is exactly the opposite of what our country was created to be. Please reject HSB242.Respectfully,Rev. Greta Muller Levis

02-24-2025

Simon Knoblauch

The is a vile bill and yet another reason why Im ashamed to be an Iowan as the states policies slip backward and do absolutely nothing to advance our quality of life. Trans people deserve respect and protection, not to be scapegoated and ostracized. Why is the government wasting valuable time and resources persecuting people who just want to live their private lives and be respected for who they are? Trans people will always exist even if hateful bigots want to make them invisible. Kill this bill and use your resources to actually make a positive difference for all people. Im sure the people supporting this bill consider themselves good, upstanding citizens but I am embarrassed they feel the need to go after a vulnerable group and call that a win. It's making the world a less tolerant place. Do better.

02-24-2025

Payton Scroggins

This is completely discriminatory and will eventually be deemed unconstitutional. Absolute waste of our tax dollars and resources. There are so many actual issues affecting the state of Iowa that we should be focusing on. The highest cancer rates in the country, our horrible water, our nurse staffing issues just to name a few. Jesus made it very clear how we were supposed to take care of the marginalized.

02-24-2025

Katelyn Brinkerhoff

This bill, if approved, will be extremely harmful and potentially deadly to trans Iowans. Removing civil rights for Iowans is so clearly a step in the wrong direction. We will be repeating a dark history. Transgender individuals exist and always will. Not protecting them puts them directly in harms ways. We can do better. Its time to be Iowa Nice and care for one another. I do not support the proposed bill.

02-24-2025

Patricia Bowen

I am writing in opposition of HSB 242. This bill does nothing for the people of this state. This is a hate bill, nothing more.It is trying to legalize discrimination No one should have their rights taken away from them. Please concentrate on making the lives of Iowans better. Be brave stand for what is right. Please vote no!

02-24-2025

Danetta Dobre

I OPPOSE HSB 242 and ask you to vote against it. Two sentences in this bill are "The term 'equal' does not mean 'same' or 'identical'" and "Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." These are insane callbacks to Plessy v Ferguson which have no place in America today. Taking away Civil Rights sets a dangerous precedent and goes against Iowan and American values. Please vote NO on HSB 242

02-24-2025

Christen Everett

I strongly oppose this bill. HSB242 would roll back essential protections for transgender, nonbinary, and all gender nonconforming Iowans, opening the door to discrimination in employment, housing, education, and more. Instead of uniting us through fairness and respect, it forces outdated, narrow definitions on our diverse communities. Iowa has a proud history of defending the rights of every citizenthis bill undermines that legacy. Our state should be a place where everyone can live safely and authentically, free from prejudice. I urge our lawmakers to protect, not punish, their fellow Iowans. Please vote NO on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Michael Roberts

I OPPOSE HSB 242. This bill removes civil rights protections from marginalized groups and legalizes discrimination. This is a part of the cynical republican campaign to victimize trans and nongender conforming people. Please reject this bill. Say no to hate in our state.

02-24-2025

Katie Hoth

Please do not advance HSB 242. Why are trans people a political tennis ball being slammed back and forth? Let them live their lives in peace. Diversity is a beautiful, valuable part of Iowa and our country. I also have deep concerns that anti D.E.I. rhetoric is code speak for Neo Nazi values. Liberty and justice for ALL

02-24-2025

Liza Alton

Please vote no on this bill. This bill is unnecessary and extremely hurtful. I do not understand why you are wasting your time and my tax dollars with this. Transgender persons deserve the same rights and privileges as all people.

02-24-2025

Helen Waldmeir

After reading this bill, it is easy to become afraid for all my neighbors and friends who may see aspects of their identities similarly crossed out and thus face discrimination. Before going down that "slippery slope," I beg you to reject and oppose this bill. At worst, it endangers all ages and demographics of an already vulnerable community who asks only to be respected and accepted as they are. At best, it shows your own neighbors, friends and family that your support and respect is conditional. Please do the right thing for your constituents, community and country by opposing this bill.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Brown [Jennifer Brown]

I strongly oppose HSB 242. The Iowa I grew up in has stood for loving your neighbor, not hatred for the sole purpose of hating one different from the norm. Gov Ray sent an amazing example for me in my youth in leading an Iowa that welcomed the refugees from Vietnam. But I now find myself living in an Iowa that I don't recognize, one where hatred in the norm and I'm sick of it!

02-24-2025

Kelli Hunter

Please vote NO to this bill! This is a gross and unnecessary step backwards in our state. I have yet to hear anyone ( or for that matter a whole group of individuals) who have been harmed by this group. Why are we wasting so much time and money to legislate against trans people when they are such a small group of individuals and once again where is the proof of an actual problem. We DO have problems in this state, lots of them in fact and we would like you to DO your JOB and fix them instead of legislation like this!

02-24-2025

Lisa West

Please reject HDB 242. THIS WILL HURT MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS.I DO NOT WANT THEM TO BE HURT IN ANY WAY!!!!THIS COULD CAUSE MANY IOWANS TO LEAVE OUR STATE AND THERE WILL BE LESS MONEY FOR PEOPLE AND THE STATE. THERE IS ALREADY ALOT OF BUDGET CUTS THAT ARE HURTING PEOPLE NOW!!!!!PLEASE REJECT THIS BILL!! AS A MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, SISTER, AUNT, COUSIN, NEICE I ASK TO PROTECT MY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02-24-2025

Christine Lunseth

02-24-2025

Troy Jensen

I wish it to be known that I oppose this bill with every firmer of my being. I know that I am not affected by this bill, but ai recognize the harm that this can and WILL to a small group of Iowa Citizen. This does nothing to protect anyone. Reynolds and the GOP should be looking to actually help the greater good of Iowas citizens so that we can all live without fear of being marginalized or discriminated against.

02-24-2025

Mayeken Yoder

Dear Subcommittee Members,I beg you to not pass this bill. The harm that this bill will cause for very real people in my life will be tangibly felt. I'm not sure if you are in community with any people who identify as transgender or have ever spoken with someone who has lived through the experience of body dysmorphia. My guess is that you have not or you would not be considering this kind of legislation. This will harm children, adults, and families who are already vulnerable.As I drive through rural Iowa I often see signs that Republicans promise to have smaller governmentthis is the total opposite of that. This kind of overreach into people's civil rights is large government at its worst as it seeks to destroy and discriminate rather than to protect its people.Please, please do not pass this bill. Trans and nonbinary people deserve to live full lives free from hate and prejudice. People deserve the right to be themselves.Please reconsider; please.Sincerely,Mayeken Yoder

02-24-2025

Craig Weber

I find it absurd that our government is even considering HSB242, which addresses an absolute nonissue, when there are so many REAL problems faced by Iowans. I urge our representatives to put Iowans best interests ahead of Washington politics.

02-24-2025

Matthew Hepworth

60 years ago, we watched men like Representative Holt use fire hoses, dogs, and billy clubs on black men and women throughout the South fellow citizens and human beings who were treated unequally simply for the color of their skin, for who they were, as they peacefully advocated to be recognized as equals deserving of dignity and protection under the law. 80 years ago, we witnessed men like Representative Holt systematically round up and destroy Jews, disabled people, migrants, and yes, LGBTQ people. This past weekend, we saw masked cowards with these same hateful views openly marching in Des Moines, emboldened by this proposed legislation. Iowa's protection of gender identity against discrimination exists because it is necessary and morally correct, no different than any of the other immutable characteristics protected by law, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all people in this state. Removing this protection leads Iowa down a dark road to a shameful destination and spits in the face of our state's history as a leader in recognizing the equality of all of its residents. I firmly oppose this bill in solidarity with my transgender and queer fellow Iowans.

02-24-2025

Heidi Bowden

I am writing to express my deep and unwavering opposition to HSB 242, which seeks to strip civil rights and protections from transgender and genderdiverse individuals in our state. This legislation is not only unjust, but it is also harmful, dangerous, and fundamentally at odds with the principles of dignity, equality, and respect.Policies that target and marginalize vulnerable populations do not protect anyonethey endanger lives. Transgender and genderdiverse individuals deserve the same rights, freedoms, and protections as every other person in our state. By advancing this bill, we send a message that difference is something to be judged and ridiculed rather than honored and protected. That is not the kind of world we should be building.I urge you, as a leader and representative of all people, to reject this cruel and discriminatory legislation. Stand on the right side of history. Stand for human rights. Stand for the safety and wellbeing of our transgender and genderdiverse community members.

02-24-2025

Conner Stanfield

I strongly opppose the passage of HSB 242. It is appalling that this bill is even being considered, as it does nothing to address the real issues affecting Iowans, especially our young people, such as high rates of cancer, gun violence, inadequate access to mental healthcare, and the defunding of public services including education. In a country that claims to espouse freedom and equality, it is absurd, backwards, and regressive to propose removing civil rights for a group of vulnerable Iowans. Despite what some may argue, transgender people exist in all of our communities in our workplaces, our neighborhoods, our churches, and our families. By nature of their humanity, they each make unique and valuable contributions to every space they exist in, and they deserve the same rights and protections afforded to all other Iowans. Research indicates that transgender people are subjected to more violence and experience worse mental health than cisgender people. The state of Iowa should be working to defend and uplift these marginalized members of our community, not bullying them and worsening their oppression. This bill should die in committee.

02-24-2025

Jessi Galligan

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain is Iowas state motto, but this bill does exactly the opposite. Stripping Iowans of their rights is abhorrent and a step backwards for Iowa. As someone in the tourism industry, this will have negative impacts for the tourism sector and far beyond. If you want people to flourish in our state, I implore you to prioritize the rights of all people.

02-24-2025

Jenni Mitchell

Every human being is created with equal inherent value. If you try to "play God" by selectively granting rights to some and denying rights to others, you are violating not only our state and US Constitution, but also committing the Biblical sin of idolatry. Imagine how you will feel knowing that you ruined lives of people based on what they look like, and ask yourself how you would feel if society deemed some of your inherent traits as "wrong" or "bad". We are no longer cavemen so let's not pretend like we are only able to conceive of issues in black and white, when we all know that there are a million shades of gray within every human trait, all of which are valid. Now imagine how good it will feel when you encounter a trans person and you can honestly feel at peace in your heart knowing that you held the power to keep them safe and you did your job and stopped HSB 242. I thank you for your service to our state.

02-24-2025

Michael Sullivan

As a mental health therapist and resident of Iowa I just want to express my deep concern for this bill. I see people in practice who are discriminated against regularly even with this protection in place. The difficulty this will place on healthcare workers, but more importantly, the LGBTQ+ population are terrible. This is draconian and not reflective of America in 2025. We protect the marginalized not the oppressors. Please be on the right side of history. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Angie Arthur

I strongly oppose this bill and urge you to vote no. This bill would remove protections for our Iowa citizens. Iowa has been a leader in civil rights through its history. Lets remain leaders. Removing protections would allow discrimination.

02-24-2025

Ashley Gray [Orchard Place]

I am writing to you as a healthcare professional with deep concern regarding the rights and protections of transgender individuals within our state. As a nurse, I am deeply committed to the wellbeing of all individuals under my care, regardless of their gender identity, and it is crucial that our laws reflect this same commitment regardless of personal opinion. I urge you to stand in support of transgender rights, as their humanity and civil rights must be safeguarded.Transgender individuals deserve the same rights and respect afforded to all people. According to the 2020 National Transgender Discrimination Survey, nearly one in four transgender individuals has experienced discrimination in healthcare, and more than one in ten has been refused care outright because of their gender identity. This highlights a critical gap in care and underscores the need for policies that ensure equal treatment in every aspect of life, including healthcare, employment, and public services.The transgender community also faces higher rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The American Psychological Association reports that these issues are often exacerbated by discrimination, social stigma, and lack of support. Policies that protect transgender individuals can help reduce these harmful effects, offering a foundation of acceptance and security that is necessary for mental and physical wellbeing.It is essential to acknowledge that transgender individuals are, above all else, human beings who deserve the same dignity and civil rights as anyone else. Legislation that protects the rights of transgender individuals not only ensures equitable treatment but also promotes an environment of inclusivity and compassion, which will positively impact public health outcomes.As a nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the power of affirming care and the positive difference it can make in the lives of transgender individuals. By passing laws that ensure equal protection for all, we take a step toward a society that values every person for who they are. I urge you to consider the health, wellbeing, and humanity of transgender individuals and vote in favor of measures that uphold their rights.

02-24-2025

Teddi Yaeger

My husband, two children and I moved to Iowa in 2014. Both of us filled fulltime jobs here. Our children, then 8 and 10, are now entering and attending colleges here. Since moving here, both of my parents individually, and my sister and her two kids, have moved here as well. We are what Iowa wants workers, new residents, young adults who will fill jobs. Yet every year since we moved here, the Iowa legislature has become more and more extreme, attacking our most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Every year it becomes apparent that Iowa is not the place for us. It is increasingly an unwelcoming and exclusive place. I happen to work in tourism here. We hear from potential visitors that they will not spend their vacation days here until this changes. We will go to places that truly mean that they welcome all people, that protect the fundamental rights of all citizens, and do not waste valuable time and resources on such unnecessary legislation. Just imagine how many would flock here if Iowa had the best public education, job opportunities, affordability, housing market, infrastructure, clean water and healthy environments, and inclusivity. How about spending your time passing legislation that helps us achieve all of that?

02-24-2025

Melissa Spencer

A ask that this subcommittee stop this insane legislation that takes away civil right protections for Iowans. Iowa has always been a welcoming place that takes pride in everyone being treated as equal individuals. Taking away rights and protections for the transgender community is the start of taking away rights for all marginalized groups that may not have the strength in numbers and voices to stand up to legislators. This is a slippery slope that is a test to see if they can get "away with it". As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and the proud parent of a transgender adult child, I am embarrassed to say I am from Iowa. I also thank God that my child is now a female in the eyes of the law before this ridiculous legislation came to be. Defeat this is in subcommittee so Iowans can be proud to stand up an say that everyone is welcome and you will be protected no matter who you are.

02-24-2025

Hannah Arant

Please vote against HSB242. This bill legalizes discrimination against transgender Iowans in housing, education, public accommodations, and credit. It also sets a dangerous precedent for exclusionary policies. As a small business owner and Iowan, I want to see our state uphold the rights and dignity of all its citizens, not strip them away.

02-24-2025

Joshua Otten

This is legislation that is both dangerous and discriminatory, eroding any essential protections for transgender Iowans while weakening any of the safeguards in place for those who do not adhere to traditional gender norms. Every individual deserves equal treatment under the law, yet this bill removes key protections and obstructs transgender Iowans from accessing housing, employment, and credit. It offers no advantages for Iowans and should be rejected.

02-24-2025

Amy Luebbert

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Taking away civil rights and protections for a small targeted minority of Iowans is just mean and morally wrong. Trans rights are human rights. Please stand for the worth and dignity of all Iowans. Stand for basic civil rights for all Iowans. Please stop HSB 242. These civil rights protections have been in place in Iowa for nearly 20 years. And the other parts of this bill would simply erase gender identity and trans Iowans from Iowa law. This bill would allow landlords to deny them shelter, business owners and government offices to deny them services, banks to deny them credit for no other reason than they are transgender. This is not right, vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Liza Vinyon

02-24-2025

Jessica Galasso

This is incredibly dangerous and harmful to Iowans. Trans children and adults are an incredibly small percentage of the population of Iowa. Attacking the rights of such a small group of people is disturbing and shameful. Im ashamed to live in a state that spends so much time harming the most vulnerable when they should be focusing on lifting them up. We want clean water, public schools funded, free meals for children, better and less expensive health insurance, housing for the houseless, the ultra rich taxed fairly, and ACTUAL freedom to flourish. We dont want or need our most vulnerable community members stripped of their rights.

02-24-2025

Shelley Wach

Im assuming the sponsors and proponents of this outlandish discriminatory bill have all straight, heterosexual members in their family and the circle of friends! Otherwise, you would see from a personal basis why this proposed bill is not necessary and is a blatant act of discrimination! I and my family DO NOT support it and ask you to rescind this atrocity!

02-24-2025

Piper Wood

This bill is a gross overreach of government control, and creates undue harm for Iowans. I am in strong opposition of this bill. It is deeply unsettling to me that Iowa legislators are wasting my tax dollars on drafting hateful, discriminatory legislation, when they could be using their time to address statewide water quality, nonexistent rural healthcare infrastructure, or our crumbling public school systems. Please, I implore you, do something meaningful with our tax dollars instead of inciting violence on a marginalized group of Iowans.

02-24-2025

Neil Salowitz

HSB242 is a reprehensible attempt to remove the civil rights of Iowans for no valid reason. I have several trans friends, both men and women. They are good people and deserve better than to be the subject of this discriminatory proposed legislation. This state has many problems, including the state of public education, water pollution and others. Deal with those issues, rather than spending time on performative displays of discrimination. The legislature has no business beating down on a small and vulnerable group of our fellow Iowans. I strongly urge legislators to vote "no" and get back to focusing on making Iowa better for ALL its citizens.

02-24-2025

Heather Minard

Reject this bill! We should not be restricting civil rights in Iowa. Transgender citizens not only deserve equal rights, but need protection. This bill would unnecessarily harm this group who is not causing harm to Iowans. Please take up legislation that is actually worthwhile and improves lives for Iowans. Iowans need affordable housing, healthcare, education, childcare and food. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Diane Bradbury

I must strongly oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).Make Iowa fair again

02-24-2025

Tilly Woodward

Please reject HSB242, which would remove protections for Iowans. Everyday Iowans who just want to work and love and live their lives in peace.All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.What is the point of preventing someone from renting and apartment or getting a credit card because they identify as something different? How are they hurting anyone?These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived.Transgender people are my friends. Your neighbors. Our family. Our coworkers. PLEASE vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Eryn Shriver

I urge the body to OPPOSE this legislation. Iowa was once a leader in accepting everyone for who they are and letting them live their lives as they choose. This is a huge step backwards to discrimination, fear, and government overreach.

02-24-2025

Meridith Spellerberg

Transgender folks and gender identity do not harm children or women (https://data.idph.state.ia.us/t/IDPHDataViz/views/Top10CausesofDeathbyCountyorStateandYearV2/StateGender?iframeSizedToWindow=true&%3Aembed=y&%3AshowAppBanner=false&%3Adisplaycount=no&%3AshowVizHome=no&%3Arender=false) Why don't we focus on helping people with actual problems? Like getting access to healthcare to help reduce the #1 and #2 common causes of death in Iowa?

02-24-2025

Amanda Beaman-Paulsen

Our government thinking they have a right to dictate a citizens gender is absurd! We do not need ANY regulatory bills passed into our state law regarding gender identity. None. Trans rights are human rights. Equality hurts no one.

02-24-2025

L Cyr [Home]

This is so sad that everyday the politics get crazier and crazier while not prioritizing any of the ACTUAL problems arising. My name is L Cyr and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject this bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. As a community member of Iowa City I have a lot of trans friends who have had their fair struggles in life before dump's presidency (first or unfortunately as fuck the second jesus christ I thought felons couldn't work a lot of jobs but supposedly president of the fucking country isn't get on that list). Since his presidency and the quick promotions of his billionaire narcissistic pieces of actual nyc rat shit he placed in positions of power to hitler salute at publicized events such as the fuckoing inaguration he has made living a nightmare for my trans friends. I get calls of them crying or often just seeing some now and again saying they will be in treatment or going back into the hospital due to the detrimental decline of their mental health.All peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. I think that the paint lickers in the positions of power choosing to decline living circumstances (or anything close) to others because of such rediculous and unreasonable matters should be school teachers as that is also going to shit so they'll be right at home and maybe shot (not that I WANT that, I'm just saying that their focus on turning drag in front of a minor into a felony is hilarious when that minor could literally FUCKING GET SHOT AT SCHOOL BEFORE GETTING TO THE FAM FRIENDLY EVENT) because why make guns illegal or hard to obtain when you look at our gun death stats. AAAAnyways Please burn this fucking bill, unsigned, with gasoline, tequila and liberal piss.Fuck reynolds.

02-24-2025

David Glenn-Burns

I am contacting you with a deep plea to vote against HSB242. As a 40+ year resident of Iowa, I am deeply troubled and saddened by the heartless cruelty of this act. No one should have their rights taken away from them. For so many years, Iowa has been known as a state that values citizen rights. Our official state slogan/motto is "Our liberties we prize and rights we will maintain!" Upon moving here after graduating from seminary, I was impressed that Iowa actually seemed to live by that motto. Over these last 10+ years I have observed a reduction of the influence of this motto. In my work as a pastor, I have come to know many people who are transgender individuals. I am absolutely convinced that they are beloved children of God as are straight, white, cisgendered men who seem to be driving a lot of the anger and resentment expressed in this bill. If white, straight, cisgendered Iowans need to erase the civil rights of others in order to preserve their own civil rights, then they are poorly advised and misguided. We can do better! This is a moral issue.This is also about neighbors and family. Transgender Iowans are around us every day. They contribute to our communities and support our families. When it comes to earning a living, finding a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, I want our neighbors and family to succeed like the rest of us. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination. We can do so much better!Finally, as a person of faith, dedicating my professional career to studying and living by example the teachings of the Bible, I find it very confusing how people can justify discriminating against transgender individuals based on their interpretation of the Bible. Gods promise to care for all children of God, mentioned throughout the Bible, means everyone should be treated as such. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination upholds Gods promise. We can and must do much better!

02-24-2025

Irene DeMaris

Oppose HSB242 Every Person is SacredAs a Christian and a religious leader, I strongly oppose HSB242. My faith teaches me that every person is sacred, made in the image of God, and deserving of love and dignity. This bill does not reflect those values.Yesterday in church, my pastor preached on 1 John 4:19: We love because God first loved us. That love means:*Because God first loved us, we dont have to earn our worth.*Because God first loved us, our starting point isnt shameits grace.*Because God first loved us, were free to love others not as rivals, but as family.HSB242 does the oppositeit seeks to erase and exclude people based on their gender identity, stripping away dignity and legal protections. As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors, not to legislate harm against them.I urge lawmakers to reject this bill. Love and justice should guide our laws, not exclusion and discrimination.

02-24-2025

Geralyn Jones

It is VITAL that we PASS this bill! We must continue to stay grounded in what is real truth. The protections of Gender Identity are secured under the Constitution. End this warped reality of entitlement and pass this bill to ensure all men are created equal. I look forward to the passage of this bill. Thank you for prioritizing this issue.

02-24-2025

Rafaela Cadena [Paralegal, Child Advocate, former ICAB member]

I support the passing of this bill. It removes gender identity from the Civil Rights code placing it back under Americans for Disabilities Act protections. It was erroneously/wrongly added in 2007. Correcting this will ensure protections based on biologic sex not ideology. This prevents a biological male who identifies as female from using a womens restroom. This protects women. This error has caused many injuries in sports, prisons, womens shelters, locker rooms and bathrooms where biological males were allowed to enter this space at time ending up in physical sexual mental harm to a woman. There are many instances of women in prison being impregnated by biological transgenders in the prison. A volleyball player was permanently injured and that not only ended her career but will have lifelong medical issues.We must protect women everywhere! From Rep Golding:"Here is what the bill does and does not do:Iowa and Federal Law Will Continue to Protect:All Iowans from employment and housing discriminationAll Iowans freedom to present to others as our gender of choiceAll Iowans freedom as an adult to undergo bodyaltering surgeriesAll Iowans freedom of speechAll Iowans freedom of religionAll Iowans freedom of assembly and protestAll Iowans right to due process of lawAll Iowans right to propertyAll Iowans right to voteAll Iowans from bullying in schoolAll Iowans from assault and other criminal or tortious behaviorAND..Much, much more.This Bill Will Not Protect:The ability for biological males to gain access to prison cells, homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters, and other spaces designated for females.The ability for biological males to participate in sports designated for females.The ability to use public bathrooms, dressing rooms, and showers designated for the opposite sex.Free sexreassignment surgeries or hormone treatments paid for by Iowa taxpayers.The ability to file legal complaints against a business or an individual that believes sex is binary and acts and speaks accordingly."If you are going to oppose or support something at least read and understand it.

02-24-2025

Bridget Laflin

Please reject HSB 242. Many of my friends are transgender and nonbinary. You would be erasing their identity. Gender identity is not as simple as male or female. Just one example is that about 1.7% of people, or over 55,000 Iowans were born intersex, which means they have indeterminate sex organs at birth. And there are so many other complicating factors which affect so many more people. Please do not erase the lives and experiences of so many people. No one is being hurt by letting people express their true selves through gender identity. Allow people the freedom to live their lives. As a religious professional, I believe that all people have inherent worth and dignity, and our trans and nonbinary siblings are whole and holy people.

02-24-2025

Brianna Lyons

I urge House representatives to reject this bill, which seeks to remove the civil rights protections of transgender Iowans. As a cisgender woman, I feel far more threatened by the existence of this bill than the existence of transgender people. I have never been afraid to share a bathroom with a transgender person, and never will be. I have never been afraid to work alongside a transgender person and I see it as a sign of our states progress that they are protected from being fired simply for their gender identity, just as I cannot be fired simply for being a woman.As an Iowan, I wish to see my representatives respect our state motto: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. If this bill is confirmed, I will have to accept that the value of that motto is nothing more than dirt and we, as Iowans, will have to accept that civil rights protections provided to any other protected class can be taken away just as easily at any time.

02-24-2025

Jody Boyer

As a citizen of Iowa, I do not support this bill. As the aunt of a child, born with Turners syndrome, which is one of many gender related chromosomal conditions, this bill is not medically sound. 3% of the human population is born intersex genetically. Additionally, we have moved as a democracy towards inclusion of people, regardless of gender, or gender identity. This bill does not reflect the compassion and kindness that Ive come to believe is at the heart of being ann Iowan and an American citizen. I ask you to vote against this bill and represent all people in Iowa fairly and justly.

02-24-2025

Sarah Hiemer

Please do not pass bill HSB 242. It is cruel and hateful legislation. Never in our history have we given a marginalized group of individuals civil rights only to have them taken away. We need to support and love our neighbors, not strip away their basic human rights.

02-24-2025

Kris Lindemann

Please do not pass this bill. There is no need to continue moving our proud state, once a beacon of progress in the Midwest, further and further into the past. Please, instead of continuing to kick down at minority groups in order to score shallow political points, consider passing bills that will benefit ALL Iowans. You were not elected to make people's lives more difficult. You were elected because your voters believed you could make everyone's lives better and stripping rights away from a small group of individuals does not achieve that purpose.

02-24-2025

Kim Warren

I do not believe that removing a protected group is productive for our state. While this change will impact a small number of Iowans, everyone deserves dignity and respect. Also, our state doesn't have enough population to support the number of job openings. This bill if passed, will not show Iowa as a welcoming state.

02-24-2025

Marcia Barlage

I am strongly urging a no vote on this bill. It is imperative that these innocent people are not punished for being who they are. Can you not imagine how it must be to have an outward appearance that conflicts with your inner picture of yourself? Denying trans people their rights is an abomination right up the Hitler/Nazi line of thinking! Please, do the right thing and vote no to HSBC 242!

02-24-2025

Jennifer New

I urge you to reject HSB242. This hateful bill is an attack on civil liberties. It further signals that Iowa is a place of ignorance and meanness rather than kindness and intellectual curiosity. This bill is bad for everyone.

02-24-2025

Kevin D Chandler

I strongly oppose this! This legislation does not serve the interests of Iowans. Instead, it marginalizes vulnerable communities, disregards medical expertise, and undermines personal freedoms. I urge lawmakers to reject HSB 242 and uphold the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of all residents.

02-24-2025

Melissa Dally

Strongly opposed to HSB 242. "Our Liberties We Prize, Our Rights We Will Maintain" is on our state flag. Trans folks just want to live & thrive and they deserve to be protected. Don't start chipping away at our civil liberties. Iowans deserve better. Women are stronger with our trans sisters! I have never felt in any danger from having trans women in women's spaces. Let's let this hateful bill die in subcommittee.

02-24-2025

Dana Conrad

This bill represents some of the most egregious regressions in liberty seen yet to date in Iowa. Iowa used to be a state which prided itself in looking to a better future rather than hurting people just to hurt them. I urge the subcommittee to reject this bill unequivocally and with haste!

02-24-2025

Elizabeth Krueger

I strongly oppose the HSB242 legislation. Since moving to Iowa more than 2 decades ago, I have always felt privileged to live in a state with the motto "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."The proposed legislation is the antithesis of this idea. By stripping away rights from a class of people, the legislation would obliterate rights to a small class of people. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human. I believe in treating others as I want to be treated. I believe every person is a child of the divine and should be treated accordingly. This proposed legislation is actively harmful to a group of people who are simply trying to live their lives and support themselves and their families.

02-24-2025

Caroline Williams

Many people have spoken to the harm this bill will do to transgender and nonbinary Iowans, but I would like to speak to how this bill and similar actions taken by the Iowa legislature will harm Iowa and Iowan businesses. In my experience in hiring, it is already difficult to recruit young professionals and new talent to Iowa. We are usually only able to recruit people who are originally from Iowa and are seeking to return to the state. We have a very difficult time recruiting people who are not from Iowa originally, and they often leave within a few years after they find an opening in their home state. Gallop published new survey results this month that showed that over 20% of the incoming work force (Generation Z) identify as LGBTQIA+. Bills like HSB 242 send a clear message that LGBTQIA+ employees are not welcome in Iowa. This is going to make it exceptionally difficult to outside talent to Iowa.Additionally, a survey from Iowa Safe Schools reports that 60% of LGBTQIA+ Iowan high school students plan to leave the state after graduation and not return. Therefore, bills like HSB242 will decrease our ability to recruit new talent to Iowa as well as our ability to retain our current talent. Exclusionary efforts such as HSB242 repel not just transgender and nonbinary people, but also members of the broader LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Our company has already experienced major harm to our workflows because talented and critical employees have moved away from Iowa, feeling that they are not safe and no longer welcome here. Bill HSB242 provides no real benefit to Iowa or the Iowan economy, but it could provide major harms to Iowa's ability to maintain a robust and healthy workforce. If Iowa wants to continue to recruit and maintain the talent it has, we need to move away from exclusionary laws like HSB242 that will drive these people away.

02-24-2025

Marcia Barlage

02-24-2025

Lauren Pass

I strongly oppose this bill. I grew up in Iowa. And while I no longer live there, I retain close ties to my family and loved ones in Iowa, many of whom are trans. This bill sets a dangerous precedent and removes rights and protections for trans people. Importantly, signing this bill into law means that Iowa would be the first state to remove a protected class from civil rights lawand I deeply believe that no state should have the authority to determine which citizens have more civil rights than others. Trans rights are human rights, and allowing for the discrimination based on sex is unconstitutional and a violation of civil rights. All humans should enjoy the same rights, regardless of gender identity or sex assigned at birth.

02-24-2025

Megan Garrett

Jesus Christ spent time and broke bread with those the Romans wished to cast aside. Iowa may have differences on how we handle educating but I do not feel we have differences on how we show Iowa nice and equality. Im proud to be born and raised in a state where we were once a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Im horrified that there are those trying to go back to days where people would have to hide their truth or would feel suicide is their only option to achieve peace. I urge my friends in the Iowa government to not allow this type of lawmaking to continue. We have so many other things to be concerned with, such as our polluted waters and decaying family farms. Please break bread with your people and stop listening to the rhetoric of out of touch, ultra wealthy individuals who use lawmakers as pawns to legislate with fear mongering and division. They may cast you out for not following them, but the Iowan people will welcome your opposition with open arms. Please for the love of god protect your people. Dont go back with this legislation.

02-24-2025

Alexis Newport

Dear Representatives,Please do not pass HSB 242. I have been a life long Iowan, born and raised in Cedar Rapids and go to school at Iowa State. I am also dating a trans woman. Shes the absolute love of my life, helping me through lifes ups and downs as well as being a great cat mom. I cannot put into words just how detrimental this bill would be to us. Please have mercy on us and stop this bill. Thank you

02-24-2025

DENI C

That our elected officials are considering this bill is an embarrassment for the people of Iowa. What problem are you fixing by taking away a groups civil rights? The motivation behind this bill seems to be either fear or hate, or most likely a combination of the two. It would be hard to believe that a court would not see the animus here and overturn it. It hardly seems like a good way to use your time and resources when there are so many real problems that need to be addressed in our state.

02-24-2025

Samantha West

Dear Sirs and Madams,I'm writing to you today to talk about HSB242 First, some background on me. My name is Samantha, and I was born and raised in Iowa. I have served my communities endlessly, never asking for anything in return. I still do this today, though not in any official capacity.I have ten years as a fire fighter. Fourteen as an Emergency Medical Technician. Twelve as a hazardous materials technician on a stand alone hazardous materials response team that covered 7 counties. Six years as a cop. All of that as a volunteer.I spent fourteen years protecting Iowa's only nuclear power plant, and the surrounding communities.You may be thinking that that is an impressive amount of service. I know I have friends and family that agree. Apparently though, since I'm a transgender and nonbinary individual, none of that means anything. To those of you reading this at least.You see, you seek to erase me. You seek for me to no longer be able to live a happy and meaningful life. You can say that you don't want that, but if that's true, why is HSB242 even a document? Does anything I've done in my 44 years of life even exist at this point? Do I need to track down the countless people I've helped? The dog that survived a house fire because of me? The people that still have that house because I was there that day? Without me, who would have been on that nozzle that day? Do I need to track down the young man that was lost and I was able to reunite him with his parents?You see, I've made a difference during my life. I never asked for any compensation for many of the things I've done. You, however, asked for people in the communities that you serve, to elect you to a paid position with the expectation that you do what is right for those same people. Nothing wrong with getting paid, until you start going against the wishes of those same people.You want me gone. You want those like me gone. Would you prefer that I take myself out of this world? Would that make you feel better? Would it ease your budget somehow if I where no longer alive? By passing this bill, that is exactly what you are doing. You are killing those that you were elected to protect. It's bad enough that national politicians want me gone. I really shouldn't have to fear my fellow Iowans as well.Please reconsider passing this bill.Your fellow Iowan,Samantha W.

02-24-2025

Susan Kosche Vallem Kosche Vallem

As a mental health professional, this bill would cause so many bad consequences and outcomes. It borders on cruel and unjust. Please cote it down one more time and move on to real issues that needed to create a strong and welcoming Iowa. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Spencer Brown

I am entirely opposed to this bill. We should not open up our people to discrimination in any way as this bill would. At the end of the day, if this passes, people will die including children. If you care at all about the actual lives and wellbeing of the people in this state, this will not move forward.

02-24-2025

Sam Caster

Trans people have always existed and always will. Codifying your bigotry into law cannot change reality. Do something useful with your power and influence instead of bullying already marginalized people. Iowans dont want this.

02-24-2025

Matthew Poss

Do not pass this bill. Do not throw away decades of progress. Do not rob people of the right to exist as they are. Bills like these drag us backwards and cause pointless division. They hurt all of us, not just our trans brethren.

02-24-2025

Sandra Houts [Interfaith Alliance of Iowa]

This bill to deny people their civil rights protection based on sex, sexuality, gender or any other attribute determined by elected officials in the state is absolutely diabolical, inhumane, backwards thinking, indicative of irrational fear by those in power of people who have done no wrong but have made the mistake of being different or thinking differently from those in power. I returned to Iowa after 45 years exploring the world and country because it was "home." I still love the state, I feel confident that most people are still moral, decent, ethical and fair, unlike those in the majority of state government. I join the thousands who sincerely hope you do not vote for this most immoral, indecent, unethical, unfair bill.

02-24-2025

Jill Bjorklund

Its not too late to change course and stop this bill from advancing. Its OK to recognize when things have gone too far. When youre stripping away rights for an entire class of people and youre the first in the nation to do it, you know you are on the wrong side of history. Denying trans people protections in employment, education, and housing (etc) does NOTHING to protect women. Stop lying to people and yourselves so you can sleep at night. Vote NO on HSB 242!

02-24-2025

Jackie Romp

Please oppose HSB242. Our trans neighbors in Iowa are valued members of our communities who simply want the same rights the rest of us enjoy, nothing more. This bill will license discrimination against our fellow citizens who deserve equal protection. I urge you to reject efforts to move HSB242 forward.

02-24-2025

Trevor Jackson

Please vote no HSB 242, a solution in search of a problem. There is no crisis posed by fewer than 7,000 Iowans who identify as trans. But you will create a crisis for them and for other marginalized populations by telling them they are less deserving of legal protections than their neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. It is time to move on from this nonissue. There is no threat worth this or any level of unconstitutional assault.

02-24-2025

Ashley Lappe

While I feel like Im wasting my time even typing this, I have to ask you to vote NO to this bill. It is unconstitutional, majority of constituents dont support this, and its just cruel and bigoted. There is no reason this should be removed from being a protected class. Trans folks are hurting no one and this will only continue to victimize, stigmatize, and create barriers for people who are just trying to live their lives. For once, do something that makes Iowans proud. Vote no.

02-24-2025

Beth Peters [NA]

Vote YES for HSB242.I praise Honorable Representative Dr. Steven Bradley for the courage to stop all this gender verbiage on school curriculum and Vital records. This HSB 242 is tough love stopping this charade, giving special treatment and civil rights for gender dysphoria.Our Iowa citizens are tired of being required to choose our gender.Iowa citizens very well know there are only 2 genders and we dont want to hear this nonsense anymore ! Only our heavenly creator chooses our gender & DNA at birth. Amen!

02-24-2025

Chelsey Palmer

I urge you to reject HSB 242, a bill that removes basic protections for transgender Iowans and creates unnecessary complications for others who dont fit its narrow definitions. All hardworking people, including transgender Iowans, deserve fair and equal treatment under the law. Denying someone housing, employment, or financial services based on their identity undermines a merit based system and makes it harder for them to provide for their families. This bill also weakens protections against sex stereotyping, leaving non transgender women vulnerable to discrimination. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Legislators should focus on real issues affecting all Iowans; like affordable housing, rising cancer rates, childcare shortages, and our lagging economy... not laws that strip people of their rights. Please vote against HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Julianna Wegman

This bill is clearly indemted to discriminate and create hostility towards transgender and intersex individuals. It further displays a complete lack of basic understanding of human biology, physiology, and sex variation. This shows a lack of care for your constituents

02-24-2025

Maureen Heffernan

Vote NO on HSB242.This legislation sends the wrong message to Iowans and the nation as it proposes to remove civil rights protections that have been in place in our state for almost two decades.Our elected representatives should work to enhance rather than tarnish Iowa's reputation as a pioneer in the civil rights arena.

02-24-2025

Amber McNamara

I strongly oppose this bill. This is a dangerous attempt to allow people of this state to be discriminated against simply because of who they are. Please stop trying to remove the rights of Iowans and focus instead on the work of housing, food insecurity and health care. There is no place for this kind of discrimination in our society.

02-24-2025

Steven Hill

I oppose HSB 242. This back tracking of Iowa citizen rights serves no purpose other than inspiring fear and encouraging discrimination amongst the populous. Not only does this allow discrimination in hiring proceedings, pay, healthcare, housing, business negotiations, education, and many other facets of life. All of which are things that fall under basic human rights. All to be stripped away for what reason? This is a balantant gross overreach of power to target a community that has broken no law or a commited sin while trying to live and find their place in this world.I vehemently and profoundly disagree with these changes not only because this provides no benefit to the people of Iowa but, I also morally object that this is wrong to do to any human/group on this planet as taught by almost any religion on this earth.

02-24-2025

Emily Shearer

I implore you to vote no on HSB242. This bill is not only hateful, it is the antithesis of what this legislation stands for. There has been such an emphasis on what a great place Iowa is to live and work, to operate a business, to raise a family, and to be part of a community. Bills like HSB242 do nothing to welcome anyone to our state or make them want to live or work here. Business owners won't want to open or operate in a place with openly cruel policy; Iowa will become a leader in stripping a critical part of our community of their rights, which is not something to be proud of; and members of our community who contribute through taxes, time, and talents will move away, further diminishing our population and weakening economies. Please vote no on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Jen Weber

Please vote NO to HSB 242. Iowa was once a state that led the way in inclusive policy, and as you know, this bill would be a regressive move towards outright discrimination of fellow Iowans. Please put yourself in the shoes of those affected and make the right choice. VOTE NO TO HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Rebecca Michener

I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill is a direct attack on the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary Iowans. Gender identity is a recognized aspect of human experience, and erasing it from state law will only lead to increased harm, discrimination, and isolation for an already vulnerable community.As an Iowan, I believe in fairness, equality, and the right of all people to live authentically without government interference. Our state should be fostering inclusivity and respect, not enacting policies that strip people of their legal recognition and protections. I urge you to vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Michael Bates

I am deeply disturbed by HSB 242 and its attempts to define gender as a strict binary based on the genitalia Iowans had at their birth. Not only does this completely ignore the complexities of people born intersex, whose parents and doctors often make a decision for them at birth (a decision that time and normal development demonstrate was incorrect and barbarous), but it is a wholly unnecessary exercise, cynically designed to to score cheap political points at the expense of Iowans who are already marginalized and powerless. It has no tangible benefit and will do nothing but harm those people it targets. I am offended that you would rather spend time on this than address actual problems facing Iowans, such as the upcoming trade war, fighting the avian flu that is wreaking havoc on our poultry industry, or improving our crumbling schools and bridges. I find supporters of HSB 242 are willing to embrace vindictiveness and cruelty for shortsighted political gain, and I believe this bill encapsulates everything wrong with politics both in Iowa and on a national level. I urge you to vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Julia Larson

I would like to register my strong opposition to this bill. Not only is it unconstitutional, but it is a waste of government time and in no way benefits the people of Iowa. Stop scape goating minorities and try actually addressing some real problems.

02-24-2025

Joshua Carpenter Brown

You were NOT elected to play God with peoples bodies. This bill is no more than POLITICAL GRIFTING. EACH of you will be associated with that Grift during the next election cycle quite vigorously should this bill pass through.

02-24-2025

Amanda McCurley

This bill does not improve the lives of Iowans, or give Iowans Freedom to Flourish. It is cruel and inhumane. When in history has restricting the rights of groups of people ever been beneficial or not seen as being on the wrong side of history? Do not support this bill. Focus on making our lives better for generations to come.

02-24-2025

Cate Unruh

As an Iowan, taxpayer, mother, and educator. Im asking you not to advance this bill denying civil rights based on gender identity. I used to be proud to be an Iowan, that we cared for one another and making our state great. We were top in education and employment. This bill will help ZERO Iowans, but will punish many for simply living. It is cruel and a waste of legislative time. Please move on to actual legislation that Iowans need.

02-24-2025

Ashley Vratny

I strongly urge you to vote NO on HSB242. This bill is yet another example of Iowa leadership prioritizing partisan interests over the wellbeing of its residents. Under Governor Reynolds administration, we have seen a pattern of policies that strip away individual freedoms, undermine public services, and prioritize political ideology over practical governance.Instead of addressing real issueslike Iowas struggling healthcare system, underfunded public schools, and a shrinking workforcethis administration continues to push extreme policies that do nothing to improve the lives of everyday Iowans. HSB242 is no different. It threatens rights and will have economic consequences, further proving that the current leadership is more concerned with national partisan trends than actually serving the people of Iowa.Iowa deserves better. Vote NO on HSB242 and start focusing on policies that truly benefit our communities.

02-24-2025

Hannah H

I do not support this bill. The individuals who created this could have put their effort into areas that would help Iowans, but instead, they are focused on the oppression of trans individuals. I'm truly disappointed with this state.

02-24-2025

Jackie Witkowski

This bill is atrocious and I oppose it in full. I think/feel/believe that any one person should be able to legally declare their own gender irregardless of what is indicated on a birth certificate and no one should be able to tell them they cant. We should be teaching our children the entire spectrum of humanity and give them the capacity for empathy so many adults currently lack. We need to treat humankind with KINDNESS. Its a NO from me on this bill.

02-24-2025

Joanne Olhausen

I am against HSB 242. Why should Iowa encourage hatred of trans people? How do they harm each of us by living their normal everyday lives? I dont see a need to allow people to be discriminated against. This is obviously an issue for trans people, or it wouldnt have been put into law. If you dont feel that discrimination against trans people is real, please just leave the law alone. It hurts nothing. Why do you want to make it more difficult for an Iowan to get a job? Why do you want to make it possible for people to not allow Iowans to rent housing, shop at their businesses, perhaps not eat in restaurants? Why do you want to make it okay for Iowans to be paid less for reasons not related to their job performance?If this change is made to encourage what amounts to bullying, which group in the laws is to be targeted next gay people, people who we can tell came from other countries, women (think of that if youre a female elected official and would like to keep your job)? And at what point does encouraging hatred of an other group hit home for each of you? This is not Iowa Nice. This is also not our new slogan, Iowa, Freedom to Flourish. Do better for our citizens.

02-24-2025

Erin McKinney

Please do not support this legislation. Do not deny any Iowan their civil rights. Please spend your time writing (your own) bills that will better the lives of Iowans. Stop focusing your time and energy on 1% of the population, working to devalue their humanity. Have you checked out the reports on our waterways? The safety of the water that we all drink? Do something about that. Give me anything that is helping anyone. Give me something that I can support, and be proud of.

02-24-2025

Katherine Fuller

I find it deeply upsetting that this legislature, when presented with the fact that laws they are attempting to pass conflict with the Iowa Civil Rights Act, seek to remove Civil Rights rather than pursue a different course of action. How many more rights will you remove when they become inconvenient for you? How are we, as Iowans, to have any faith that you will uphold our rights, when this is your response when those rights get in your way? Who is next on your chopping block of inconvenient people? And who do you think you are, to tell the free people of Iowa who they can and can't be? Support for this bill sends a clear message that you care more about political grandstanding than you do about protecting Iowans. Shame on you for even considering it.

02-24-2025

Diane Norden [Larson Office, LLC]

Please do not strip LGBTQ+ people of their rights as citizens of our great state/nation. Who are you to sit in judgment of another human being? Only those who play God and do not follow the teachings of Jesus would do something like that! Shame on you if you pass this legislation!!!

02-24-2025

THOMAS CARSNER

The Declaration of Independence clearly states that all people "are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights." It is not the role of legislators to take away or contract the rights granted to all peopleto all Iowans. Rather it is the role of legislators to defend and expand thee civil rights of equality under the law. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Melissa Daniels

Please reject HSB242. This measure serves no purpose besides abject cruelty toward an already marginalized group of people. As representatives, arent you supposed to protect the rights of ALL Iowans? This is unnecessary and wrong. Please do not move forward with this bill.

02-24-2025

Jim Miara

I strongly oppose HSB 242. It is unconscionable that our legislature is considering stripping away civil rights from any group, especially the most vulnerable. I realize this is a difficult concept for our legislatures to understand but be better.

02-24-2025

Jayne Hawks

Please vote YES to HSB 242 to protect biological females. This is a fight for females! The term "Gender" is farce, sex is what matters. There are only two sex's, male and female. We don't get to choose that. God did when He created us. We as a society should not have to compromise truth to cater to feelings. Truth is truth. Male and female. As a mother of a boy and a girl, I am extremely uncomfortable with biological males sharing personal and private spaces, like a bathroom or locker room, with my daughter. She should never be put in a position that could make her be afraid to use a private space with someone of the opposite sex. She is an athlete and she should never have to compete with a boy/man calling himself girl. A biological fact is that males bodies are stronger than females, with or without hormone replacement. How can anyone fairly compete? It isn't safe!Our girls have no future in athletics if boys, who think they are girls, are allowed to compete against girls.This goes against God's design for humanity. Boys are boys and girls are girls! This truly is common sense.Thank you for your service.

02-24-2025

Britta Loftus

I am writing to encourage legislators to oppose HSB 242. As a bornandraised Iowan, this bill devastates me; Iowa has a long history of being one of the first in the nation to recognize the equal rights of Iowans (including women, minorities, and the LGBQT+ community), yet this bill would take away rights of Iowans. As a lawyer, this bill goes against everything I was taught about equal rights under law. As a human, this bill just seems so cruel; people I know and love identify as trans and nonbinary, and they are just trying to live their lives like the rest of us. I truly do not understand the legislature's fixation on targeting this community and removing their rights. Please stop this horrible bill from moving forward.

02-24-2025

William Hoffman

Like many of the lobbying groups, I am "monitoring" this bill. (Actually, waiting for the circus shenanigans at the capitol today.) Let's quit pretending that identifying as one thing or another makes you entitled to something more or less than the person in the next town, County, or State over. As I discussed this with colleagues last week we came up with a list of suggested of protections we should demand:People that identify as not liking pineapple on pizza.People that identify as cat lovers.People that identify as dog lovers.People that identify as left lane dwellers.As you can see, the door is open and pretending or identifying as something makes for a very interesting but more comical situation than Civil Rights Codes ever intended but here we are having to debate junior high biology.

02-24-2025

Blake Parker

This is an unjust bill. Please note that I stand staunchly against it. If a person, whoever that may be, is discriminated against, that person should have a right to come before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to prove that the alleged activity was illegal. The statute has been in place now for over a decade without creating any conflict to Iowans. Please do not move HSB 242 forward.

02-24-2025

Amanda Gran

Reject HSB 242. All people deserve civil rights, equal protections under the law. This bill would harm trans folks, and any other people who do not fit into arbitrary gender norms. It is immoral to harm people just for living their lives. Dont let this become the beginning of a slippery slope leading to the policing of our freedoms as Americans. Maybe next women have to wear our hair at a certain length? No more pants? Trans people arent bothering you, leave them alone and feed the hungry, house the homeless, clean up our water, deal with our high cancer rates.

02-24-2025

Alina Beltrami

I am strongly opposed to HSB 242 and feel that it does not represent what I believe to be true human values of loving your neighbor and letting differences standing between us. This bill is harmful to so many Iowans who only want to live their lives and be members of a community that is welcoming of differences rather than fearful. These bills don't provide safety or security for those they claim to and will cause more harm than good. Being in medicine I know the importance of leaning about gender and biological sex and the nuances that come with both as they are not black and white but multiple colors and shades. Do not cause further harm and oppose HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Kelly Bailey

I am urging committee members to reject HSB 242. Regardless of your religious affiliations or how you feel about the LGBTQ+ community, these are still people Iowans whom you swore to represent 'faithfully and impartially'. HSB 242 is worded in such a way that blatantly allows for discrimination toward people who deserve to be treated fairly and equally to any other Iowan. If you allow this bill to pass through, it will be detrimental to our state and the values of liberty and equality that we have always held.

02-24-2025

Will Kapp

Do not pass this bill. When it takes many minutes to scroll through the public comments and nearly every single one is against your bill, you are not listening to your constituents. Stop doing what you want and start doing what Iowans want. This is our state.

02-24-2025

Bridget Carberry Montgomery

I urge you to vote no on HSB 242. We have a very powerful and succinct motto in our state, our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. All of us should work towards ensuring that the rights of all Iowans are maintained, not stripped away. This bill will bring significant harm to many Iowans, including my godson. Please leave people alone to live their lives.

02-24-2025

Carter Moser [N/A]

Dear Members of the Iowa State Legislature: I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Study Bill 242. This bill seeks to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, effectively eliminating protections against discrimination for transgender individuals. Such a change would greatly harm a vulnerable community and contradict our state's values of equality and fairness. As someone who works in suicide prevention, I see firsthand how vital legal protections and affirming environments are to the wellbeing of transgender individuals especially youth. This bill will directly jeopardize lives by increasing the risk of discrimination, isolation, and mental health crises. Research consistently shows that transgender youth face significantly higher rates of depression and suicide when subjected to discrimination. Removing these legal safeguards sends a dangerous message that their lives are not valuable and unworthy of protection.I urge you to vote against this bill and uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of all Iowans. The decisions you make today will have life or death consequences for some of our most vulnerable residents. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Carter Moser

02-24-2025

Katie Carlson

I oppose this bill. Trans people are human beings. While their identities may be confusing to some, that does not mean that they are not entitled to equal protection under the law as human beings. This bill is cruel and inhumane and dangerous. Let's not go backwards.

02-24-2025

Thomas Brantseg

"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" is the state motto, but this bill would make it a grotesque lie. Transgender people have the same inalienable human rights as anyone else, and that the legislature is even discussing this kind of legal discrimination against them is disgusting. Please vote against this bill.

02-24-2025

Susan Junis

This bill is a betrayal of the promise written on the Iowa state flag: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain". I'm not sure what the Republican obsession is with transgender people. There has never been a world without transgender people and there never will be. Trans Iowans are our brothers, sisters, siblings, parents, loved ones, children, and beloved community members. I don't know why we even have to say this removing rights from entire groups of people is fascist, authoritarian behavior. You are saying to Iowans, and to the world, "there are some people who do not deserve to be treated as full human beings." You do not get to decide that. To the Iowans reading this who do not support transgender rights, I say that in the future you will look back in shame at the harm you have caused. To trans Iowans, I say that you are loved and needed. Please do what you need to do to protect yourself. Your mere existence is resistance. I will stand by you, always.

02-24-2025

Diane Duncan-Goldsmith [none]

Please do not support HSB 242I do not understand the purpose of HSB 242 other than a piece of legislation designed to take away the rights of transgender Iowans. These Iowans are our friends, neighbors and those with whom we work and attend school, church and social events. In other words they are simply Iowans. Therefore, why do transgender Iowans need to be removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and from other areas of the Iowa Code. They have done nothing wrong to have their civil rights removed from our state codes.This piece of legislation would do the following:Legalize discrimination against transgender Iowans in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and credit. Replace the term gender identity with gender theory in various areas of law, thereby erasing Iowans who are transgender under the law.Remove the ability of Iowans to update gender on their birth certificates.In other words for anyone who does not fit into gender norms, their protections under civil rights will be erased. Absolutely no one deserves to have their civil rights removed. Transgender Iowans must be treated like anyone else and not face the discrimination which will result should this legislation be passed. For example, our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.

02-24-2025

Kate Schaechter

HSB 242 is a gross attack on transgender Iowans. Trans people make our communities brighter and deserve to be treated equally. Please oppose HSB 242 and any other bills aimed to harm our community's most marginalized people. Put humanity first. Iowa can do better and we can all be better, together.

02-24-2025

Randy Mayer

This bill is so disappointing. It doesnt follow science. How quickly we forget that whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me. Human rights shouldnt be subject to the will of a majority or faction thereof. Iowa was once a leader in recognizing everyones human rights. Dont take us back to a time when that was not the case.

02-24-2025

Heather Riley

I am the parent of a transgender adult, now 25 years old. My child, who grew up attending K12 classes in the Winterset Community School District, struggled terribly during adolescence yet came through it using therapy and with the embrace of a wildly supportive family and circle of friends. He is now a college graduate, an accountant in the Des Moines area, selfsufficient, and a firstclass human. It makes me SICK that the very state where my child was born is raised is now suggesting to take away his civil rights protections and send the message that he is unwanted and unwelcome.The transgender population is a very tiny percentage of Iowans, yet each year, bills such as HSB242 are proposed which seek to diminish the humanity of these Iowans and make life even more difficult. Singling out this minority group for potential discrimination, mistreatment, persecution, and harassment is unacceptable, wrong, and dangerous ideology. This proposed legislation solves no problem (other than proposed hypothetical situations) and in fact creates additional problems for this small subset of Iowans who just want to be left alone, free from government interference in their lives. Please do not support this bill and focus, instead, on issues that advance the lives and livelihoods of ALL Iowans. The state of Iowa as a place to live, love, raise a family, and thrive should be welcoming to EVERYONE. This is absolutely not the way to do it.

02-24-2025

Edward H

Finally a note of sanity creeps into the Iowa legislature. In the face of nonexistent 'science' expounded through obscenityladen rants, a bill to return equality in law for all Iowans comes before our elected representatives. I can only hope they have the courage to do what is right and stand up for true justice in our state. It is time for the legislature to firmly state we will no longer use the law and courts as a cudgel to beat the good and decent citizens of this state into submission to placate the small howling mob of raving lunatics espousing fantasies. Bring common sense back into our laws. Pass this bill for the good of all Iowans and restore the concept of equal justice under law in all our jurisprudence.

02-24-2025

Eric Smith

Please vote against HSB242, which would strip away protections for Iowans who simply want to live, work, and love in peace. Every hardworking individual deserves to be treated fairly and equally under our states laws, with the opportunity to earn a living and support their families. Denying someone the ability to rent an apartment or obtain a credit card based on their identity is unjust and harmful. These fundamental antidiscrimination protections are crucial for a meritbased system, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. Please stand with us and vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

K Gonzales

Please reject HSB 242 and do not let this go out of committee. Iowa has long been a state that has done what is right because we have been a state of values not one that is succumbing to major news pundits and lobbyist that don't even live in our state, nor have even grown up here. Eroding the Iowa Civil Rights Act by just this one item will pave way to erode the rights of other Iowans and this language as it is written will also adversely impact women. Do not be a pawn in the outside money that is trying to divide our state and nation, Iowans are better than this and we have always been better than this, from our early acceptance of refugees, to building world class universities, Iowa is better than this, do not pass this out of subcommittee, stand up to big money and outside influences in our state.

02-24-2025

Eileen Jackson [none]

You have been elected to represent the rights and well being of ALL Iowans. Today you must decide whether you will lean into the unjust erasure ANY segment of our society. Because if they (you) can erase one person, they (you) can erase anyone. Trans and nonbinary people are IOWANS, who you represent and they exist regardless of how much you try to force them out of our world. The religious right does not have a corner on morality, in fact I wonder somedays if they even have loose directions to a moral world. So here is a thought from a member of the religious left. ALL people have inherent worth. Do away with this evil bill that asserts any other truth.

02-24-2025

Jessica Culotta

VOTE NO on HSB 242. The United States is the land of the free and the home of the brave. So, why, in the land of selfdetermination, are we prohibiting a citizen's RIGHT to selfdetermine their gender and express themselves in kind? It is the OBLIGATION of the State of Iowa to legally recognize the civil liberties of it's constituents, rather than legally discriminate against them. This bill is in direct violation of the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States. Furthermore, the bill does not serve Iowans as a whole, it only serves the interest of one specific group's beliefs that are based in ideology, not science, not law, and not reason. The government should not misappropriate tax payer dollars and misuse the law to target it's own constituents! VOTE NO on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Lauren Constable

Please reject this bill. Do not remove gender identity as a protected class. We should be supporting our fellow Iowans and not reprimanding them for being true to themselves. This law will hurt people I respect and care for. If you start removing protected classes, who is to say with certainty that another protected class will be safe?

02-24-2025

Minnie Richardson

I am writing in opposition to this bill. I do not understand why the state that I love is trying to legislate discrimination and hate!! Trans rights are human rights and this bill only serves the purpose of harming humans who are already marginalized. Trans Iowans deserve love and acceptance, not hateful attacks!! Do Better!

02-24-2025

Jenna McCarthy

I oppose HSB 242 and urge the subcommittee to vote against it. The mere thought of passing this is a disgrace to the state of Iowa, "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain" clearly means nothing to those in power who are willing to sell the quality of life of Iowans to the highest bidder. I was proud to be an Iowan and am increasingly becoming more and more ashamed.

02-24-2025

Barbara Sterns

Our society is made up of many individuals, each being unique in their own way, but we have a long history of deaminizing small groups of "others." This bill does nothing to benefit society, keep us safer or positively impact the economy. A gender marker is a personal expression, much like changing your name. I am very concerned that our political bodies have demonized our transgendered Americans and are using this very small group of God's children to scare up votes. Let's be real, the people of IA are not afraid of anyone who changes their gender marker from what was typed on a birth certificate, we don't care because it's non of our business. There is not a revolution of anyone who's trying to tell anyone how to live, what to see or how to be, EXCEPT for politicians and zealots, who by the very definition, have to fine someone to hate. Let's focus on the items that impact Iowa, like tariffs, government layoffs, the price of gas and groceries to name a few.

02-24-2025

Linda Schreiber

Dear Lawmakers HSB 242 addresses the rights of transgender persons. What it does not do is define transgender. As a young person, I worked at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, now the University of Iowa Health Care. My primary function was to schedule outpatient appointments with numerous hospital department staff for indigent, county and clinical pay patients. Sometimes, diagnoses challenged my organizational and administrative skills. I would frequently ask department staff (doctors and administrative) for additional information to better understand a patients situation. The more common diagnoses were frequently encountered, diabetic, cardiac, and pulmonary. In the Pediatrics Department, where my young son was seen in the Well Baby Clinic, a trans diagnosis would appear. So I asked Kathy, the department outpatient secretary at the time, what that involved. To this day, I recall her response. Well, Linda, sometimes babies are born and the sex isnt determined. My young Mothers mind raced. That happens? What do the parents do? What do they tell family and friends? What if they get it wrong? Kathys response was direct, Those are the infants we see in the clinic. Fast forward to the 21st century and the issues that surround transgendered individuals. The legislature is not fully informing Iowans about issues and individuals who are different born differently. Those Nerdy Girls website explains how sex chromosomes determine our reproductive body parts. https://thosenerdygirls.org/sexchromosomes/ They answer Biologic sex is much less straightforward than most of us have been taught. Humans come in a variety of combinations of body parts (anatomy), hormones, and X and Y chromosomes. Most people either have XY chromosomes and develop typical male anatomy or have XX chromosomes and develop typical female anatomy. But this isnt true for everyone. Some people are XXY or XO and have slightly different anatomy and hormone levels than their typical XY or XX counterparts. Even when the sex chromosomes themselves are XX or XY, body parts dont always develop into strictly female or male anatomy. For example, some XX individuals are born with testes, penis, and scrotum and some XY individuals are born with a vulva and vagina but no uterus. Other times, the external anatomy looks like something in between a penis and vulva and is called ambiguous genitalia.This variety is possible because of how our body parts form in the first place. For the first 6 weeks after sperm meets the egg, all embryos have the same anatomy, regardless of whether they will later develop male or female parts. We all start the same! Externally, we have what looks like a tiny penis with folds of skin on either side. As the embryo develops, the tiny penis may become either clitoris or a penis. The folds of skin may become the vulva or the scrotum. Internally, we all start with two sets of tubes. One set of tubes can turn into a uterus and fallopian tubes, and the other set can turn into the vas deferens (tube that carries sperm) and other maletypical structures. How those parts develop depends on a complicated dance between many different genes and hormones. If a certain gene is altered, a receptor is missing, or a hormone level is too high or too low, you can end up with different combinations or slightly altered body parts. This happens in about 12% of humans. Some variations are obvious at birth, such as ambiguous genitalia. But others can be subtle, so not everyone who has a difference may even be aware of it.So, even at the level of chromosomes and body parts, things are not always black and white or pink and blue! Humans exist on a spectrum of biological sex, not binary. This is the reality of human bodies, even though its not commonly taught or recognized.For more information: https://thosenerdygirls.org/sexchromosomes/Legislators may not personally know a transgendered person, or like many folks, may not have learned to understand differences because it is not commonly taught or recognized but it is reality. Now you know. Do not advance this discriminatory bill. Linda Schreiber

02-24-2025

Chad Williams

02-24-2025

Jill Kimm

The State of Iowa is erasing intersex people by stating, ignorantly, that there are two sexes and that every person must be declared at birth to be one or the other. One baby of every 1500 births is an intersex baby with genetic and/or physical features of both sexes. Your laws declare that these people do not exist.Your legislative treatment of transgender citizens is cruel and unusual and never seems to reach its unkind end. Please stop your unhealthy obsession with trans people and focus on cleaning Iowa's waters.This bill is poorly written to the point of almost being meaningless. I read it several times and still cannot summarize what I read. Please do not pass HSB 242. Please start expanding the rights of all Iowans and please stop demonizing this small group of people who don't look and act exactly like you.

02-24-2025

Maddison Rath

DO NOT PASS THIS BILL! There's not a single person that truly benefits from this being passed. This will only target a very small amount of already targeted people in a negative way. Frankly, I don't care about a person's gender identity as much as the government does, and I find it disgusting and wasteful that this is how our representatives are choosing to spend their time. This isn't going to reduce grocery costs or support the needy. Find better, more important issues to harp about instead of how a person should be referred to.

02-24-2025

Cadence Finch

I am strongly opposed to this bill. Removing protections for gender will subject many Iowans to increased discrimination and runs the risk of affecting any Iowan, transgender or not, who does not fit into a narrow definition of male or female.This type of legislation only serves to weaken Iowa and push away people from wanting to live here and contribute to this state.

02-24-2025

Sarah Letourneau

Please reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Gary Goudelock

This bill is a betrayal of basic Iowa principles that predate the creation of the state. From its territorial days, Iowa has been at the forefront of recognizing civil rights for all individuals. Iowa recognized a formerlyenslaved person was not property decades before the Civil War and ensuing federal constitutional amendments recognizing the same. Then, nearly 100 years before the US Supreme Court recognized the right of all children to attend schools together in Brown v. Bd. of Educ., the Iowa Supreme Court rejected the notion of segregated schools, holding that our government was founded on the principle of equal rights for all. Iowa was again ahead of the curve in 1873, recognizing that public accommodations were required to allow equal access to all persons. Iowa was the first state in the country to admit a woman to the practice of law. In our more recent history, Iowa was one of the first states in the nation recognized that all individuals have a fundamental equal right to marry regardless of gender. Iowa's commitment to equality and protecting the rights of all Iowans is codified as the very first section of our state constitution. We have a monument to Iowa's rich civil rights tradition on the grounds of our Supreme Court. Our state flag proudly displays the motto that we prize our liberty and will protect our rights. That protection means nothing unless it extends to protecting the rights of all people to equal treatment under the law. Rather than maintaining those rights, this bill seeks to remove rights that have been recognized and protected for nearly two decades. And to what end? What is the compelling necessity for removing protections from discrimination on the basis of gender identity? The clear answer is that it is required in order to allow a petty group of Republican legislators in this body to encode further discrimination into our law. This is immoral and unconscionable. The only types of government that remove recognized legal protections from subsets of the population are fascist and/or theocratic governments. This weekend, we saw conservative political figures giving Nazi salutes at the Conservative Political Action Conference. We saw white supremacists marching just outside these doors in the East Village. We have seen the recapture of Afghanistan by the Taliban and their removal of recognized rights and protections for women, girls, and other oppressed groups. To be clear, a vote in favor of this bill is unequivocally a vote aligning yourself more with these groups than with Iowans and our proud history of recognizing and protecting civil rights. Please do not allow this bill or this state to proceed further down the path of fascistic, theocratic rule. Vote no.

02-24-2025

Lizzy Fitzsimmons

Reject HSB242. A threat to anyones freedom is a threat to the freedom of us all. May I remind you of the history your parents or grandparents lived through:First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a Jew.Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me.Martin Niemller

02-24-2025

Sarah G

02-24-2025

Kelsey Turnis

This bill directly goes against protections against discrimination based on gender identity that are protected under the constitution. This is a huge step backwards for our communities and is blatant outright bigotry. These are valued and important members of our communities who have every right to exist and express themselves. Why isnt it a felony to parade around in KKK masks? Thats the real danger to everyone in our community.

02-24-2025

Emily Brannon

Please vote in opposition to HSB 242. Transgender Iowans have the right to be able to own and rent homes, be employed, and every other activity that guarantees them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those sponsoring this bill are telling us that they want to be able to discriminate against people, and that they should be the arbiters of who has rights and who doesnt. Do not vote to take Iowa backward. Do not give in to bigotry and hate.

02-24-2025

CD Greer

I vehemently oppose this bill. Iowa has a long and storied history of leading the way in civil liberties & rights. You only need to look to the south of the very building you're meeting in to be reminded via, "Shattering Silence". Bills should be introduced as a means of progress. To promote growth of our society and further advance freedom, liberty, and protections for all. They shouldn't be introduced to rewind father time, setting us back decades. Earlier commenters have already mentioned Iowa's motto of, "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will remain" and how this is in clear violation. I'll take it a step further and use Governor Reynold's new age motto of, "Freedom to flourish". The phrase "freedom to flourish" evokes a sense of optimistic empowerment and liberation. It suggests an environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential without constraints. The word "freedom" implies a release from limitations, obstacles, or oppression, creating a foundation for personal and collective progress."Flourish" adds depth to the emotional resonance, conjuring images of blooming, thriving, and experiencing joy and success. It suggests concepts of personal development, creativity, and wellbeing. Together, the phrase implies a harmonious balance between liberation and personal growth, suggesting an ideal state where individuals can pursue their passions, develop their talents, and contribute positively to their surroundings.Overall, the phrase embodies a hopeful and encouraging sentiment that embraces the idea of empowerment and the pursuit of a fulfilling life, underscoring the intrinsic value of both freedom and growth.With both Iowa's historical and operational mottos in mind, how can anyone read this bill and believe this fits the Iowa we've built and share today? Please don't entertain this bill for a minute more.

02-24-2025

Kevin Fowler

Please stop this bill, LGBTQ+ people are human and deserve the same rights as everyone else, we work the same as others, we pay our taxes like everyone else, we deserve to live free like everyone else, this is appalling that this is even a consideration.Thank you,

02-24-2025

Chase Caster

This bill is absolutely and completely unacceptable. It is founded in hatred, and will do nothing but harm to Iowans of all types but especially those in some of the most vulnerable situations in our state. The government exists to *defend* the defenseless, not demonize and exclude them. We cannot allow the erosion of the civil rights we as a state have fought so hard to enshrine. This bill is an act of violence, and must be opposed.

02-24-2025

Rebecca Luers

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HSB 242, which seeks to remove gender identity from Iowas Civil Rights Act. This bill would strip essential legal protections from transgender Iowans, exposing them to increased discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public spaces.I believe that all Iowans deserve equal rights and dignity under the law. Removing these protections would send a harmful message that transgender individuals are less deserving of legal recognition and protection. Furthermore, such a measure could negatively impact Iowas reputation, driving businesses and skilled workers away from our state.Rather than advancing legislation that marginalizes a vulnerable community, I urge you to stand for equality and inclusion. Please reject HSB 242 and any effort to undermine the rights of transgender Iowans.

02-24-2025

Alison Oliver

I oppose HSB 242 and the relentless targeting of people based on gender identity and expression. We have to dedicate our energy and attention to the many things that are affecting the health and wellbeing of Iowa communities.

02-24-2025

Mary Jane Woodman Brazle

I am adamantly opposed to this bill which takes away basic human rights from our LBGQ community. It is pathetically wrong and discriminatory. I strongly suggest that our representatives vote NO on this divisive bill, which is inhumane and totally ridiculous

02-24-2025

Kyle Buddin

Please reject this bill. We as a society should work towards making the world a safer place for all to enjoy the right to live safely and without prejudice. This bill only looks to strip rights away from people. Live up to our States motto "Our liberties we prize and our rights we maintain." That is such a wonderful sentiment to base governance on. However moving this bill forward reduces that statement to less than sentiment. We need to stand by our actual core values that we all share as Iowans regardless of party.

02-24-2025

Rachel Anderson

I am a lifelong Iowan, the descendant of generations of Iowans, and the parent of 4 Iowans myself. I have always been proud of my Iowa roots, and I am saddened to think that we have a bill before the house that would actually remove civil rights from a class of people that is currently protected. Civil rights should be given not taken away. We can do better than this. Please do not make Iowa the state where civil rights come to die. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Heather Riley

I am the parent of a transgender adult, now 25 years old. My child, who grew up attending K12 classes in the Winterset Community School District, struggled terribly during adolescence yet came through it using therapy and with the embrace of a wildly supportive family and circle of friends. He is now a college graduate, an accountant in the Des Moines area, selfsufficient, and a firstclass human. I am absolutely sickened that the state of Iowa, where my child grew up, now is proposing legislation to remove his civil rights protections and create an ugly, unwelcoming atmosphere.The transgender population is a very tiny percentage of Iowans, yet each year, bills such as HSB242 are proposed which seek to diminish the humanity of these Iowans and make life even more difficult. Singling out this minority group for potential discrimination, mistreatment, persecution, and harassment is unacceptable, wrong, and dangerous ideology. This proposed legislation solves no problem and in fact creates additional problems for this small subset of Iowans who just want to be left alone, free from government interference in their lives. Please do not support this bill and focus, instead, on issues that advance the lives and livelihoods of ALL Iowans. Our state should create policies and programs to welcome everyone to our state to live, love, thrive, work, and establish roots. HSB242 is the wrong way to do that.

02-24-2025

Audrey Keith

Please register my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242). This too broad an action for what nuances related to gender segregation are being wrestled with in jails and schools. This will not improve safety and wellbeing overall. Thanks for reading.

02-24-2025

Carolyn Greenfield

Please drop this attempt. Transgender people are people. They are just like you and me. They should not have their rights taken away just because some people do not understand them. This will only increase the hate and make it harder for trans to have a somewhat normal life.

02-24-2025

Mason Koelm

Hello, I am Mason Koelm. I have lived in Iowa for twenty years, and recently graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law. Never in my legal studies have I seen a bill as dangerous as House Study Bill 242. The implications of this bill have far reaching consequences that impact all areas of life for Iowans, from custody, employment, insurance, and civil rights.Requiring all state subdivisions to collect data on sex would add to administrative bloat and burden. In many cases, it just doesnt make sense for agencies and subdivisions to collect this data. But there is no room for nuance in the language of this bill. The extra time it takes record keepers and service providers to input the newly required data would place additional burden on taxpayers who fund the salaries of those workers.Altering section 144 of the code is an affront to the administrative process laid out by our state constitution, Iowa code, and the Governor's executive orders and goes beyond the enumerated duties of the legislature treading upon those of our agencies. Currently, the Department of Public Health is responsible for adopting rules for changing public records. The Department of Public Health is scheduled to review that section of the administrative code in 2025. By altering the enabling act in section 144, you would be interfering with the Departments ability to create and administer rules in line with the Governors priorities. This has the potential to set a dangerous precedent in which the powers of our agencies in the executive branch are significantly weakened by the legislature.Removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act would be the first time any state in this country removes a protected class. This would set an extraordinarily dangerous precedent for other protected classes. Introducing this legislation would allow future assemblies to consider and remove protections at their whim. The best thing to do for Iowans is to leave the law as it is.If these changes are introduced, it will have dire consequences that increase the tax burden on Iowans and severely alter the existing checks and balances between branches of our state government. I can not urge you enough to stop this bill.

02-24-2025

D Ross

Echoing this comment from Pamela Mohr:Please register my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242). I share this quote from Alok Vaid Menon: "Gender is not what people look like to other people; it is what we know ourselves to be. No one else should be able to tell you who you are; that's for you to decide." Isn't this the ultimate definition of Freedom? All Iowans should have the Freedom to live their lives exactly as they know themselves to be. If this bill is passed, it will impact almost everything an adult Iowan needs to function and thrive in our state, including:Employment: Iowans could be fired, not hired, paid less, or provided fewer benefits. Employers could advertise that people will not be hired or employed based on their perceived gender. Iowans could be prohibited from joining a union or expelled from union membership.Housing: Iowans could be evicted, denied a lease, charged more rent, denied a mortgage, or denied purchase of a home or property. Realtors could refuse to work with someone. Realtors could refuse to allow Iowans to work in brokerage firms. Appraisers could devalue property. Hotels could refuse to rent rooms. Shelters could refuse service and/or force sex segregation or advertise that people are not allowed the safety of shelter.Public Accommodations: Any business could refuse service, charge more, or advertise that they will not allow certain Iowans are not allowed on their premises.Education: Iowans could be denied college admission or expelled from college. Banking and Insurance: Iowans could be denied loans and credit, along with related life/accident insurance coverage.If you still aren't convinced as to why this bill strips Iowans' rights and is extremely harmful, please understand this bill also affects the safety of women in Iowa. This bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that aren't included in Iowa's sex discrimination statute. Rep. Aime J Wichtendahl also explains how women may be harassed under the suspicion of being trans in Iowa, While this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.You were elected to represent the people of Iowa to ensure we have an Iowa that works for ALL Iowans. Doing anything less is discrimination and not protecting Iowans' freedoms. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-24-2025

Kate Davies

I am in strong opposition HSB242, and I am pleading with our representatives to vote NO. Just because someone is different than you does not mean they are not worthy of the same rights as you. Transgender people have always existed and they always will. All this bill is doing is causing unnecessary harm to Iowans who are just trying to work, live and grow in Iowa. This bill enforces and even *encourages* discrimination. By proposing and advancing this bill, you are telling all transgender Iowans they do not belong here. You are telling them they dont deserve basic rights simply because of who they are. You are telling people they are not worthy of having their basic human needs met unless they conform to your hateful and ridiculous standards. Make no mistake this law will have dire consequences. It will continue a shameful pattern in Iowa that shows we are clearly moving towards making sure everyone knows that you dont belong in Iowa unless you are a white, straight, Christian cisgendered individual.

02-24-2025

Brittany Van Fosson

My name is Brittany Van Fosson, and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242. As a social worker that serves Iowans of all creeds, colors, backgrounds, and identities, I believe that this legislation is antithetical to our values as a state, and as a country. One of my favorite things about our state is our motto, "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." How can we as a state that so deeply values individual freedoms and liberties consider legislation that would strip some of our most vulnerable citizens of theirs? Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Tim Smith

Note my absolute condemnation of this bill, which makes me embarrassed to be an Iowan. Beyond its evident cruelty and vindictive nature, echoing that of our president, it is naive and insensitive, and will only serve to further reinforce images of our state being "backward" and unwelcoming. HSB242 does not even deserve discussion. Reject it outright!

02-24-2025

Ellen Daly

I oppose this bill as a citizen and as a mental health professional, wholly and completely vote NO! This is a shameful and discriminatory bill that is deeply disturbing and will undoubtedly traumatize countless citizens of our state. Peoples'/families'/children' lives will be harmed and generations following us will continue to feel the violence and shame of this kind of decision. Please VOTE NO.

02-24-2025

Ellen Daly

02-24-2025

Rachel Lavender

I am in opposition of HSB 242. Not only is it a critical hit to ALL Iowan's civil rights but a huge step towards the already out of control divide that is being created in Iowa. If our state government continues to take these obscure and bias steps to pacify a minority of people, it will not end well for Iowa. If anything we should be encouraging unity in our state. You cannot continue to treat people with disrespect because you don't understand them. It is absolutely mindblowing to me that in this day and age, with everything we know, anyone would choose to willing degrade not just part of a community but the entire community and it's allies. It's time for the state government to put some boots on the ground and realize this is NOT what the people of Iowa want or need! What are you guys doing?! People are dying from not having access to medications, children are starving & abused, the justice system is broken, our elderly are being kicked out to the street because nursing homes everywhere are closing. DO SOMETHING THAT HELPS. Taking away civil right from ANYONE does NOTHING to help Iowans. If anything it is going to cause a dangerous political climate, more so than we are already experiencing, & everyone will suffer from it. You cannot continue to abuse people that think there are no consequences. Just because the group you are targeting seems like the minority, it really is not. There are so many allies that will stand up for them. Whether you believe it or not, by allowing this, you are perpetuating bigotry & telling your shittier constituents that this kind of disrespect is acceptable. They will go out into their communities and act of this. People will end up hurt & you don't care. This insanity has to stop. Grow up, do your jobs, and stop ruining Iowa with these hateful actions that do nothing to further us whatsoever.

02-24-2025

Olivia Hockey

In case you forgot, Iowa's motto is "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." This bill is a direct contradiction of our state's core belief and hurts the citizens our government claims to care for.I remember growing up feeling excited that Iowa was one of the first states to legalize gay marriage. Now the government wants to continue being a trailblazer by being the first state to strip a protected class of their rights! This is a horrible bill that hurts thousands of Iowans, whether they identify as trans or not. How are citizens supposed to pay their taxes if they are denied employment? How are students expected to get a quality education if they are harassed by the people around them? What are you supposed to do if you don't feel safe? Where are you supposed to go when the government legalizes your suffering? This bill will ruins people's lives. This bill will kill people, whether by their own hand or someone else's. This bill will kill children. This type of legislation has ALREADY killed children. Their blood is on your hands. Don't add more.Oppose HSB 242. Never bring it back.

02-24-2025

T S

Please vote YES on HSB 242. It is time for truth and common sense to be brought back to Iowa. Once again, the hyperbolic claims by the opposition that this would be "erasing" trans people or they would have no rights anymore are ridiculous.

02-24-2025

Gretchen Lawyer

I oppose H.S.B. 242 and demand that you vote this down today. H.S.B. is nothing but a perfect example of WASTE, FRAUD, and ABUSE in our state government. It is WASTEFUL because it would expand the bureaucracy of our state government, with the state further creeping into our lives and create more red tape with the changes that state employees would have to do in regards to birth certificates and changes in terminology as written in this proposed ridiculous bill. Seriously? This is a waste of our taxpayer money solely for the purpose to divide people just to hurt Transgender Iowans and to take away their rights. Have you no shame? FRAUD: While people are worried about the price of groceries, gas, and getting by, youre deflecting away from the what the state is not looking out for, working Iowans and instead trying to erase a whole group of Iowans who contribute to our economy. Its disgusting . ABUSE:This bill would pave the way to strike ANY OTHER protected class in Iowa code. That means people with disabilities, people of color, senior citizens, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Iowans, women and yes even veterans could be the next group to be targeted. If youre in support of this bill, be careful what you wish for. Vote no on this bill.

02-24-2025

Nicole Yeager

Please vote NO on HSB 242. Please proudly and confidently preserve & defend our citizens civil rights. Gender & biological sex are both spectrums always have been and always will be a complex spectrum that our laws should protect. Our intersex & trans & nonbinary friends, neighbors, and colleagues are worth defending.

02-24-2025

Kayla Bailey

Support this bill. Transgender people aren't getting their rights stripped they're just getting the same rights as everyone else without special treatment. Separate accomodations are in certain instances needed for people's health safety and privacy. For the last few years women/girls/females especially have been dealing with the loss of separate spaces. Men and women both deserve separate spaces in certain situations. Even if some men or women don't mind sharing space the majority are not ok with that and we shouldn't be ok with forcing people to give up their space or share, it's ok to say no. Who here is willing to tell my young daughter she is fine showering next to a biological male next time we go to the pool? Who here is willing to say it's fine for her to compete against biological males when she's in high school even when the top female can be bested by nearly a hundred males her age? It's not wrong to be against both of these scenarios, it's common sense. This bill backs the obvious that biological males don't belong in women only spaces and visa versa. Trans people still have rights and they still will if this bill is pass. This will just ensure like everyone else their rights don't get to trample the rights of others. For those who didn't read the bill, those who are legitimately intersexed at birth are provided protection as stated A person born with a medically verifiable diagnosis of disorder or difference of sex development shall be provided the legal protections and accommodations afforded under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and applicable state law.

02-24-2025

Patricia Peterson

I strongly urge you to vote against this regressive bill. As a proud grandmother of a child who identifies their self as "non binary", I cannot imagine a world which would place their safety, their future, their physical and mental health at risk. In 1989 and 1990. as director of education for Planned Parenthood of Iowa, I worked with a coalition committee of educators, parents, religious leaders and concerned citizens to create a statewide conferenceon of the FIRST in the nation aimed at exploring how our society treats youth who are LGBTQ, nonbinary, gender fluid. It was an earth shattering experience for me and for the 400 participants in attendance. Following that event, the Des Moines Public School Board passed a policy disallowing bullying and harming students on the basis of gender issues. I am prouder of that work than of most anything I ever accomplished, except for giving birth and raising two bright, caring engaged children. Sadly, they as is true of many of their friends in their respective high school classes, will not live in Iowa because of the extreme political and social policies enacted here. They and their families lived abroad for many years. They carefully thought about their decisions to return their families to this country, given the dangers children in schools face from the danger of guns and death. This is a sad testimonyone which we should take to heartwe are losing people who have much to give our state and our nation, but these regressive, cruel policies drive them away. Vote against this bill.

02-24-2025

Julie Neff

Transgender Iowans are first and foremost, Iowans. As Iowans, persons of ANY gender identity are entitled to the same civil rights protections under the Iowa Civil Rights Act as ALL Iowa residents are provided. Representatives Holt and Fett are attempting to dehumanize Iowans who are transgender simply because they personally do not support or acknowledge gender identity that is different from their own. One does not have to agree with everything about another person to recognize their humanity, their individuality, and their right to protection against discrimination. I strongly oppose HSB 242 and urge the committee to let this horrendous bill designed only to dehumanize transgender individuals die in committee.

02-24-2025

Tierney Israel

I DO NOT support this bill. This bill is not rooted in scientific fact around biological sex nor does it do anything to protect the people of this state. Trans people exist. Nonbinary people exist. Intersex people exist. All this bill seeks to do is legalize hatred and discrimination against people who do not conform to narrow ideas around gender and how that should be expressed. This bill is a waste of time and money solely to harm people for existing. I do not support codifying hate and taking rights away from individuals in this state. Rights are not infringed upon by trans people existing and taking part in our communities.

02-24-2025

Sarah Lilleholm

What an awful thing to do!!! What's the point of the US Constitution? Our beliefs are our rights! You're going to allow a student to be bullied for what they believe in?? Male or Female, weather your transgender or not, you are still a male or female, however you make yourself out to be! Despite how I feel about one becoming transgender, NO RIGHTS should be taken from those who are US citizens, period! This isn't a DICtatorship. Sorry, but there are bigger and better issues to be bringing forward other than the beliefs of others! Thank you.

02-24-2025

John Waldmeir

Please do not move this bill forward. I know this is part of a national partisan agenda, but making the nation great again does not need to mean taking it back to times when it really was not great for lots of Iowans. Please allow yourselves to put faces and names to the people who would be hurt by thisthey have their dignity and they deserve your respect. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Sarah Gaps Bonsall

I am writing you today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. Please do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. I ask you to not support HF 242. Preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.Sincerely,Sarah Bonsall Riverbend, Des Moines Iowa

02-24-2025

Jaclyn Duke

I amstrongly opposed to this bill. Passing this WILL NOT get rid of trans individuals. There has never been and never will be a world without trans individuals. This bill is solely fueled by homophobia, transphobia, and hate. Anyone pressing for this to pass is a VILE human being and should consider for a moment how this could impact someones life. Put yourself in their shoes. Strip yourself of your privilege for just a moment and just see what that might feel like being stripped of your identity. Do better.

02-24-2025

Fintan Slattery-Grafe

This bill is another example of an attempt to follow national trends to score political points with the far right, rather than addressing real issues facing Iowans. Removing legal protections for trans, and gender nonconforming people is not about protecting women's rights, or children's innocence, or any other bad faith narrative. It is simply another way of using legal restrictions to try to make life harder for an already victimized minority. This bill should be thrown out, as should all other needlessly cruel bills introduced in this Assembly.

02-24-2025

Angela Jasper

Dear Members of the Subcommittee,I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to remove gender identity as a protected category under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.First and foremost, it is imperative to acknowledge that all humans deserve equal protection under the law. Any attempt to undermine this fundamental principle by targeting a specific group of people is not only unjust but is also counterproductive to the values we hold dear in Iowa.Removing gender identity from the list of protected categories would open the door to rampant discrimination based on how an individual chooses to dress and present themselves. This regressive step would effectively create hostile and unsafe environments for individuals who do not conform to arbitrary and outdated dress codes and societal norms. No one should have to fear for their safety, employment, or access to services simply because of their gender identity or expression.Moreover, focusing legislative efforts on stripping away the rights of a subset of our fellow Iowans is a misuse of both time and taxpayer money. We should instead be working toward initiatives that promote inclusivity, fairness, and equality for all. Our collective energy and resources should be directed toward uplifting our communities, not marginalizing them.In conclusion, I urge you to stand on the side of justice and equality by rejecting any proposals that seek to remove gender identity as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Let us continue to protect and affirm the rights of all Iowans, irrespective of their gender identity.Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely, Angela Jasper

02-24-2025

Jacqueline Horsfall

I urge you to vote against HSB242, a bill that would remove protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for others who dont fit narrow definitions.All Iowans deserve a fair chance to work, find housing, and participate in our community without discrimination. This bill undermines our meritbased values and could unintentionally weaken protections against sex stereotyping, impacting nontransgender women as well.Transgender people are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They deserve the same opportunities to contribute to our community without facing discrimination.

02-24-2025

Nicole Valentine

02-24-2025

Steven Lischer

I oppose this bill because it negatively impacts my friends, family and neighbors by removing liberties that were guaranteed to them and have been guaranteed to them for nearly 2 decades. Taking people's rights away is disgraceful and dehumanizing.

02-24-2025

Leah Otting

This is a regression of civil rights and a step in the wrong direction for Iowa. It is cruel and unnecessary. Who is this helping? It will only do harm. Please stop the trans hate and focus on the issues that will make Iowa a better state to live in. Reject fascism; reject this bill.

02-24-2025

Margaret Towers

Vote no on this legislation. It seeks to demonize my friends and neighbors for simply being themselves. It is mean spirited. It is wrong. It does not make the lives of our fellow Iowans better. It is misguided. It will hurt many people and families and cause great damage and hurt. Vote no.

02-24-2025

Michal McFarland Bascom

I highly oppose this action as it would allow humans in this state to be unfairly treated. All people, even those who are transgender deserve the same rights and protections as all other citizens. Removing protections is a slippery slope that will only harm individuals who are just trying to live their lives the same as anyone else.

02-24-2025

Elizabeth Lundberg

There are so many reasons to vote NO on this bill. Beyond the many detrimental effects on trans people themselves, who deserve the same civil rights as everyone else, it will also have unintended consequences for cisgender Iowans and will worsen our workforce crisis and inability to retain or attract young people to the state. Antitrans legislation is a distraction from the real problems Iowans want you to solve. Reject this bill!

02-24-2025

Keyla Minard

This bill limits freedom for Iowans. Freedom that does not harm anyone and is causing no problems. We are worried about housing, we are worried about buying groceries, we are worried about education, we are worried about so many things that are actively imposing negative impacts on Iowa families. If you care about your constituents, you will spend your limited time on important issues that actually prevent harm and improve the lives of Iowa citizens.

02-24-2025

Caleb Uitermarkt

I do oppose HSB 242. We, as Iowans, are a community. We have to stand by each other, love one another, and protect one another. No matter where you stand politically, stripping protective rights hurts people in our community. We have to stand together, not tear each other down, and this bill will certainly do more to tear people down than lift anyone up.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Tomlonovic

HSB 242 will strip rights away from Iowans. That isn't a move should want to make. Taking away the rights of others is never good. This act will harm teens, adults, seniors from all religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It will harm Iowans in our cities and in our rural communities. I urge you to protect the rights of these fellow Iowans! Stand up for justice. Reject HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Jane Daniels

I strongly oppose HSB242 and any legislation that removes civil rights protections. I urge you to focus on policies that support inclusivity, safety, and equal treatment for ALL Iowans regardless of their gender identity. I urge you to reject HSB242!

02-24-2025

Blake Hendrickson

HSB 242 is a regressive bill because it seeks to roll back civil rights protections for transgender individuals in Iowa. By removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, the bill would strip transgender individuals of legal protections in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations.This will lead to increased discrimination without legal recourse.The bill defines sex as strictly male or female, based on biological observations at birth, and equates gender with sex.This disregards widely accepted medical and psychological understandings of gender identity as separate from biological sex.If progress means expanding rights and protections for marginalized groups, then HSB 242 is regressive. It shrinks legal recognition and equality rather than expanding it.

02-24-2025

Rachel Fredericks

As a Christian pastor and a mother in rural Iowa, I urge you to oppose this bill removing the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and gendernonconforming Iowans from our Civil Rights Act. Trans people are our coworkers, our children, our family, our friends, and our neighbors. They deserve to be protected under the law of their government. They deserve to live their lives fully, without fear of harm and without the undue hardship and harassment that this bill will undoubtedly normalize towards an already vulnerable group of Iowans. If this bill passes, Iowa becomes a dangerous place for people I love to visit, let alone live in. Please do the right thing and OPPOSE the removal of gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Protect trans kids and their families. Protect trans adults. Protect the trans people you've been elected to defend and represent.

02-24-2025

Sylvan Myers

HSB242 serves only to remove basic protections for transgender Iowans as well as create significant difficulty for any Iowans who do not slot into the bill's various limiting definitions, such as those in the intersex community and even nontransgender women.Every person matters. Every person inherently deserves to be treated fairly and equally legislatively. Every person deserves to live. Denying any person the opportunity to rent an apartment, acquire a credit card, and/or obtain insurance is denying them life in our society.It is also important that your subcommittee take the time to reflect up on the glaring flaws in this bill. For on thing, much of the language of this bill is highly problematic. As an example, I noticed that the phrase "Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." was unabashedly included in this bill. I am certain I do not need to remind you how that has been a historically racist phrase. It is absolutely unacceptable that this concept should be further codified into law in any way, shape, or form. Similarly, I object to the definition for "gender theory", which among other issues asserts that an individual *should* identify and live consistent with their internal sense of gender as if gender theory is doctrine and not a tool of choice. It also includes only an extremely limited and inflammatory passage about how gender transition works (at puberty), ignoring the broad spectrum of just what gender transition looks like. Additionally, the use of the terms "sex", "gender", and "gender identity" seem to be repeatedly confused with one another. These are just a few of the issues I have regarding this bill.I truly feel that a bill like this could not be forwarded if legislators saw us as people, as our basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness would not be in question if we were seen as such. It baffles me that your assembly would waste time on modifying these critical protections and establishing a dangerous precedent as pertains to the rights of the populace when the bill itself acknowledges critical issues that still need to be addressed, like the wage gaps for protected classes of people.Transgender people are us, our friends, our neighbors, our family, and our coworkers. No one would ever wish upon anyone they truly care about that they become unable to earn a living, have a place to live, or access a business or government office. Discrimination is not the American or Iowan way. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Anne McCullough Kelly

I respectfully ask you to oppose the advancement of HF242, which seeks to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This proposed legislation runs counter to our state motto Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain, as well as the messaging recently supported by by Governor Reynolds that Iowa be a state where people have freedom to flourish. Removing gender identity as a protected identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act will make Iowans vulnerable to being refused housing, employment, credit applications at banks, and possibly even education opportunities to name a few examples.We do not want or need to be known in this country as a state whose legislature and governor promotes discrimination and thats exactly what HF242 proposes legitimize. We can have our differences of opinion and beliefs on gender identity, but I hope we can come together with a unified voice against discrimination. Prejudice and discrimination that hurts some Iowans hurts all of us in the end. Passing this legislation could create a dangerous precedent for challenging other sacred held civil rights of others in the future.This legislation does not protect us from what we fear. It threatens hurts members of our community who work hard, positively contribute, and deserve access to the same rights and resources as those not protected by gender identity (though, since we all have a gender identity, arent we all included anyway?).There are better paths to addressing our concerns than removing civil rights protections from a group of people. Join me in opposing the legalization of discrimination so we can show Iowans and those outside our state that we truly do prize and protect the liberty and freedom to flourish for all Iowans.Respectfully,Anne McCullough Kelly

02-24-2025

Taylor Hanson

Please oppose this bill. All people should be treated equally under the law regardless of gender, gender identity, sex, etc. Historically, discrimination has never been a good thing and it should not start again in 2025. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and community members and deserve to be protected from discrimination as all people do.

02-24-2025

Gianfranco Berardi

In 1897, Indiana infamously tried to pass a law to establish the value of the number pi to something other than what it was. It was ridiculous then, and while it never became an actual law, we are right to ridicule them for it.Today we're seeing attempts to pass laws to legislate LGBTQ+ people out of existence, much the same way that Indiana tried to square the circle through legislation. It can't be done, and if this law passes, it will be a lot more damaging and dangerous. In the 1930s, the Nazis burned books that were seen as subversive or representing ideologies opposed to Nazism. Not well known by many is that was Institute of Sex Research, and many of the thousands of books burned involved research, biographies, and more, much of which was the state of the art in our understanding of sex and gender. Anyone on the right side of history looks upon these book burnings with contempt.Recently we learned, thanks to a tip off from an Iowa State student, that there was a neoNazi group grooming minors worldwide, including here in Iowa. Last week actual white supremacists marched in front of the Iowa Capitol building. Why are Iowa Republicans continuously trying to make Iowa less safe for families and more safe for Nazis?

02-24-2025

Jamie Simmons

This bill is an atrocious attack against a vulnerable community for no other reason than to spread hate and discourse. Iowa used to be a national standard for policies protecting marginalized communities, and now we are going back decades on the work we have done. I oppose this bill and urge lawmakers to listen to their constituents, not fake facts and news.

02-24-2025

Catlin Curry

Please register my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242). In 2025, we should not being rolling back protections to any Iowans. Our state needs to defend its citizens and not make it easier to discriminate against someone because of their gender identity.

02-24-2025

Virginia Ibrahim-Olin

Dear Committee Members and fellow Iowans,I am writing to you regarding HSB 242. I am an Iowa taxpayer, voter, and Christian who opposes this legislation. I disagree with the proposal for several reasons:a) There are much more pressing concerns that Iowa lawmakers need to be worried about the challenging state economy, or the lack of mental health support available to Iowans. b) Changing the law will not eliminate transgender Iowans. They are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends. They were born here and stay here to support their multigenerational families who love and care for them. I have several transgender coworkers who have contemplated leaving the state for more supportive environments, but don't want to leave the families who depend on them.c) This is a moral issue. As a person of faith, I am compelled to follow Jesus and recognize the humanity in all people. To take rights away from transgender Iowans rejects their humanity. I reach out to you in the hopes that you will act with bravery and compassion to reject this proposed legislation. Our fellow transgender Iowans deserve to be treated with the respect of any other taxpaying, law abiding citizen.Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can elaborate further.

02-24-2025

Mary Copper Clancy

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and strongly urge you to vote against it. No Iowans should be stripped of civil rights protections. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the hate from fellow Iowans to other fellow Iowans. Let our friends and families and neighbors live in peace as everybody has the right to do. The ramifications of this bill would be far reaching in our communities with abysmal outcomes. Choose to love your neighbor.

02-24-2025

Lisa-Ann Johnson

Reject HSB242, which would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.Our state mottos:Freedom to Flourish and Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. For me and my community these are more than words. Its is a calling to all people in our state that Iowans believe in freedom and the rights of ALL Iowans to THRIVE within our state. All peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Vote against moving forward with this HSB242.

02-24-2025

Erica Eis

Please vote no on HSB 242. Stripping any marginalized group of their civic rights is unconstitutional; treating our LGBTQIA+ neighbors with such discrimination does not reflect Iowan or Christian values. Please help keep and make Iowa a safe place for all by voting no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Jaqueline Giltner

DO NOT ADVANCE THIS BILL. I cannot believe in 2025 we are STILL fighting to maintain basic civil rights. Where do you get off maintaining that the GOP is a) for small government and b) fiscally responsible? We could be using this lawmaker time to be doing things to help Iowans but once again the GOP is concerned with peoples genitalia. Again. Dems, please advance a bill that everyone in Congress and at Terrace Hill that supports this bill needs to do a full panel genome on their dime and share results publicly. I bet a few surprises will make them think twice. Genetics are complex.

02-24-2025

Audrey Vander Schel

I strongly oppose HSB242. The removal of protections and civil liberties for anyone affects us all. Transgender people are people with lived experiences, families, friends, hopes, & dreams just the same as any cisgender person. This is an important time to remember our humanity. Those who are different from us in some way are not objects, they are people, humans, the exact same way we are. We are all here for such a short time on this Earth, I cannot fathom why we would spend that short time making life harder for another persons short time.

02-24-2025

Allison Bielenberg

Please reject HSB 242. Policing gender expression is inhumane. Passing this bill will be a detriment to EVERY Iowan as Trans rights are indeed human rights. Lawmakers should try to focus their energies on the actual needs of Iowans; excellent public education, clean water, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, etc... not dehumanizing our trans and nonbinary community members. Iowans need and deserve more access and support, not criminalizing bodies. Sincerely, a currently embarrassed Iowan and cis ally.

02-24-2025

Brice Hughes

Transgender persons exist in our society, that is a fact which no law can change. No harm to anyone else has been demonstrated by another person living as the gender they know to be their own. This bill is cruel in its intention and all but declares open season on the harassment and bullying of transgender citizens who have committed no offense except to be openly who they know themselves to be. Vote NO on this bill.

02-24-2025

Hannah Bousek

I strongly oppose HSB 242. I am a native Iowan. All people deserve to have the same basic access to services, housing, opportunities and protections when living their life. To permit discrimination on the basis of gender identity will damage the lives of all Iowans we, as a state, would become less civil, humane, and free. This bill sets a dangerous precedent that must be stopped. All Iowans deserve to be free including our transgender friends and family.

02-24-2025

Hannah Bousek

02-24-2025

Regenia Bailey

I am writing because this cruel legislation to disenfranchise Iowans directly affects my family and friends. This bill sends a message that some Iowans are not worthy of protection or recognition, which is contrary to your responsibilities as lawmakers. Your job is to govern on behalf of ALL Iowans. I urge you to tap into your human decency and empathy to do your job representing all Iowans and reject this legislation.

02-24-2025

Lori Wunder

I want to register my OPPOSITION TO HSB 242. Science and genetics tell us that gender is not simply male or female. This bill takes away protection from Iowans who fall outside of that binary. History is never kind to those who take civil rights away. This bill is immoral, and cruel, and has no place in Iowa.

02-24-2025

Michael Acevedo

Vote no on this bill. Trans people exist and this bill will just take away rights from a people that are already marginalized. Iowa has a history of supporting civil rights, do not reverse this. This bill is unnecessary and cruel.

02-24-2025

Simon Clark

I VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE THIS BILL. DO NOT PASS THIS BILL IF YOU CARE FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS. In this bill, there are several instances where the legalese related to definitions is abhorrently vague, misleading, ambiguous and dubious at best. To outright change the definition of established and agreed upon words dating back centuries would go against first amendment principles, dictating what citizens can say. Continuing onto the rest of the bill: to akin transgenderism as a disability immediately leads to the postulation that to be part of the LGBT+ community could become a disability. There is no reason to make transgender identity listed beneath ADA. As a citizen of Iowa, and a person who believes all people are created equal, this bill infuriates me in ways that I have difficulty putting into polite, professional terms. If this bill is passed you will be setting a precedent for horrific acts of cruelty to your constituents, and you will be sealing your doom as a political figure.

02-24-2025

Andrew Barsky

The only purpose that this law serves is to make it legal to discriminate against transgender people. Civil rights protections are an absolute necessity in order to protect marginalized groups; this law is absolutely abhorrent. This law includes the direct quote "Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal" Justice Earl Warren had something to say about this mentality back in 1954, in his famous decision in Brown v Board (though he was discussing race, I think the general principle still very much applies especially given the specific wording here). I vehemently OPPOSE this bill. Please VOTE AGAINST THIS BILL.

02-24-2025

Melody Griesdorn

I am extremely opposed to HSB 242. Removing civil rights protections from anyone is shameful and should not be tolerated. Transgender Iowans deserve to be able to live their lives and have essential protections in areas such as housing, employment, and simply existing in public. Iowa is better than this, we need to be on the right side of history.

02-24-2025

Matthew Pistilli

Please reject HSB242, which would remove protections for Iowans. In no way, shape, or form do I condone or support the actions proposed in this bill. It is unclear to me how protections for a group of individuals takes away from protections for any other group of individuals. This bill will legislate discrimination. Beyond that, I don't know how a law can change the following two things, much less any other welldecided science and reality: * Section 1, 4.1A, pag 1, lines 57 please consult scientific experts here. A nice discussion can be found on this website: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sexredefinedtheideaof2sexesisoverlysimplistic1/In short, however, there are many combinations of the X and Y chromosomes: XX (female); XY (Male); XX Intersex; XY Intersex; Gonadal Intersex; XO (one X chromosome); XXX, where individuals have an extra chromosome that results in ambiguous development of sex; XYY (Jacobs Syndrome); XXY (Klinefelter syndrome); X0 (Turner syndrome).Beyond any of the scientific things, this bill, along with many other this legislature is intent on putting into law, is focused on a Christian/Biblical ideal of what a human should be and/or how they should act. Legislating religion is unlawful and against the Constitution of the United States. Further, people should be allowed to be who they are. Their practices and lifestyles in no way take away from those who choose a heteronormative life. No tax dollars need to be spent on new forms of birth certificates. There is no need to remove human rights protections from people who choose a gender identity other than a man or a woman. This is a state where rights and liberties are cherished values, and removing someone's RIGHT to be who they are and the LIBERTY to express themselves as they wish runs antithetical to those ideals. Vote no on this bill.Ignoring science here discriminates against how one is biologically created and, as a result, their human existence.* Section 1, 4.1A, page 1, line 26 the word "equal" means "same" or "identical" please consult a dictionary.

02-24-2025

Grant Manwaring

Please do not pass this bill. The removal of trans people as a protected class in Iowa would allow for employment and housing discrimination against vulnerable Iowans. The passage of this bill would be a slap in the face to civil rights and workers rights across our entire state. Think of your constituents, do not pass this bill.

02-24-2025

Teresa Wellman Wellman

I vehemently oppose this bill. As a 67yr old woman, I can safely say I have never concerned myself with the genitalia of the human being in the next bathroom stall! Nor have I inspected the others in locker rooms to be sure they were built like me! This bill protects no one and serves to further marginalize a tiny fraction of our citizens. It is cruel and wholly unnecessary.

02-24-2025

Diane Amonson [DRD Farm]

Please vote Yes to this bill: "Because of a court decision citing gender identity in Iowa code, taxpayers have been paying for hormone treatment and sex reassignment surgeries for Iowans on Medicaid," Grassley said. "Additionally, we have recently passed common sense protections regarding girls sports, locker rooms, and restrooms and prohibiting sex reassignment surgeries on minors. These are common sense policies Iowans have begged us to take action on and supported in subsequent elections. It has become clear because of that court decision, that those popular policies are at risk as long as gender identity remains specified in the civil rights code."

02-24-2025

Kaitlyn Howell

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and find it disgraceful that this bill is even under consideration. Under absolutely no circumstances should our lawmakers be making efforts to REMOVE CIVIL RIGHTS from any group of people. Transgender and gender diverse people need and deserve protection under the law. If Iowa values rights the way we claim to, this bill should die in committee.

02-24-2025

Kayla Cleland

Please REJECT HSB 242. Iowans do not want to move backwards, and this legislation directly targets hardworking Iowans that we all know personally. Removing civil rights protections under the law from a group of people is both beyond evil and beyond reprehensible, and it is NOT WHAT THE PEOPLE OF IOWA WANT. I urge the subcommittee to remember their humanity and vote against HSB 242. As an Iowan looking to start a family soon, I will be moving my family and as many loved ones as I can out of this state should this legislation pass, as it will no longer be the state I hoped to raise children in we have already been looking to move due to our state representatives not paying attention to real issues harming us (highest rising cancer rates in the country, anyone?) and instead focusing on nonissues such as this that only harm people. Reject and VOTE NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Gray Fredericks

I am shocked and dismayed by the language of the bill being considered. As a friend and family member to queer people, I fear for their safety in such a cruel and callous piece of legislation. This bill does not represent the kindhearted nature of Iowans, but serves to disadvantage and punish those who do not fit within a hetero normative paradigm. This is an attack on civil rights and a petty move which only serves to empower the already privileged. Where is your heart? Stop this bill!

02-24-2025

Brittany Orzola

HSB 242 is unconstitutional as it removes gender identity protections from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, violating both federal and state law. It is a breach of the Equal Protection Clause by targeting transgender individuals and conflicts with Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), which recognized gender identity discrimination as sex discrimination. The bill also undermines due process rights, contradicts Iowas history of protecting LGBTQ+ rights (Varnum v. Brien), and suppresses free expression. Given these conflicts as well as moral and ethical concerns as a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the state of Iowa and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am urging you to stop HSB 242 from moving forward.

02-24-2025

Hannah Green

As a lifelong Iowan I vehemently oppose HSB 242. The government should be used to protect people not single people out and deny them basic necessities needed to live in our complicated current world. Trans rights are human rights.

02-24-2025

Milo U.

I OPPOSE this bill!We are a loving and understanding community, we do NOT need HSB 242! Please consider the folks in our community just trying to live their lives like everyone else.This bill will do much more harm for the community than good. This harm can and will expand past transgender folks. No one is safe from prejudice or discrimination, and this bill encourages both. If it starts here, where does it end?

02-24-2025

Kelly O'Berry

02-24-2025

Kelli Cartee

Good Morning. Or at least I can say it is an okay morning for myself. For other fellow Iowa constituents who are LGBTQIA+, or who have a different gender identity than what they were born with, I am sure they are not have a great day because of bills that you and your fellow colleagues are trying to pass, like HSB 242. Bills and legislation like these, are harmful and unempathetic. These bills do nothing more than harm people who are just trying to be true and authentic to themselves. To erase someone's gender identity is cruel. PLEASE oppose house study bill 242 pass. If you consider yourself a good people, you will try to empathize with the people that this bill would directly affect and try to understand how this would inevitably make their lives harder. What kind of cruel person would want someone to feel isolated? May your moral compass guide you to do the right thing. Oppose HSB 242!

02-24-2025

Elliott Tucker

Support and understanding are the only way to make a community safe. Forcing people's identities to comply with what is easy to be understood will only make communities suffer, but will also see the increase of death by suicide among the affected populations. This bill will not keep people safe, but will do the exact opposite.

02-24-2025

Lilly Jensen

I wish to state my unequivocal objection to HSB 242. Regardless of anyone's personal beliefs regarding gender identity, all people deserveequal civil protections. All people have a fundamental right to have equal access to employment, housing, public spaces, education, and financial credit. Stripping these protections from individuals based on ANY part of their personal identity is not Christian, Iowan, or American.

02-24-2025

Bethany Melendy

I wish that our representatives would actually do their jobs and real work instead of attacking .01 of Iowa's population for points from right wing extremists. This bill is atrocious and I do not support it at all. Neither should any of our representatives, support this heinous bill.

02-24-2025

Ana Salgado

I oppose HSB 242. This is government overreach and an infringement on the freedoms of the American people. This is an issue that should be regulated within the home. This will necessitate increased bureaucratic oversight as different states have different regulations. Iowans don't need additional "translators" in government to interpret the documents from other states, nor do Iowans need the additional bureaucracy to oversee the private lives of Iowans. This legislation will increase the size of government, increase government spending to meet the additional oversight duties, and infringe on the privacy of citizens. Stop government control; limit the size of government; protect the liberties of Iowans.

02-24-2025

Thomas Trinidad

I urge you to VOTE NO AND REJECT HSB 242. There are many real issues targeting Iowans; this is not one of them. I am a firm believer in separation of church and state, and in allowing everyone to seek freedom and happiness in America regardless of who they are or what they look like, as I thought our Constitution laid the foundation for. You all are seeking to reverse that. As an Iowan, I am asking you to listen to your constituents and vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Peggy Calvert

As a Grandmother, I am appalled that the state that I grew up in is even considering such a bill as the HSB 242???? I'm confused by the fact that so many of our state legislature members seem to think that they were appointed to decide the fate of all humans in the state. Yes, it is a matter of "Humanity" !!! No one has the right to determine who does and does not deserve basic needs and rights??? And so I would plead with you to look into your hearts and decide if this is really what you think is right?? Do you know how many lives you will be destroying or do you care?? If you cannot do what is right and oppose this bill, then I will say I am ashamed to be an Iowan!!!!!!!!!

02-24-2025

Lisa Martincik

I oppose HSB 242 and ask that you abandon this bill. This nationally unprecedented and for good reason removal of human rights would be a huge stain upon the state of Iowa and make a mockery of the state motto. The very inclusion of separate but equal language alone should be cause for alarm to any reasonable person. Looking to societies that historically have taken similar actions, the most prominent is the Nazi party at the end of the Weimar Republic and the active implementation of repression and fascism. Trans people are just people, existing, in Iowa and around the world. To target them or any group of people for the removal rights, essentially an endorsement of discrimination and harassment, is shameful and nonsensical. The majority of Iowans do not want this bill and what it represents.Separately, the attempt of legislators to assume the role of trained, experienced, experts such as scientists and healthcare providers in defining sex and gender is not only dishonest but foolish and unsupportable. Please turn your efforts toward legislation that addresses material problems and supports all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Nickole Miller

House Study Bill 242 removes gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, effectively allowing for statesanctioned discrimination in housing, employment, education, and services simply because of a persons gender identity. And the bill does not stop there it also makes it impossible to get state identity documents that match a persons gender and modifies Iowa rules and statutes to write transgender Iowans out of existence. This bill is dangerous and puts Iowans unnecessarily at risk for harm. When Iowa added gender identity to the Iowa Civil Rights Act in 2007 it had good reasons to provide protections to this vulnerable population. Those reasons still exist today. A 2016 report, Where Do I Fit In? A Snapshot of Transgender Discrimination in Iowa, found that transgender adults and children in Iowa encounter discrimination, intolerance, or prejudice in nearly every aspect of daily life resulting in high rates of suicide, violence, and housing instability. Those findings are consistent with the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey. Now is not the time to pull back protections. Our neighbors, friends, and family need our support.

02-24-2025

Barry Groos

it is time to actually focus on serving the constituents of the state of Iowa and what really matters. Iowa is the second state in the United States as far as statistical rates go. That is an immediate three alarm fire that should be addressed by all of the representatives in our capital. Its also time for the rhetoric of so many of our Iowa representatives reporting to be Christian to actually have that rhetoric match actions and the teachings of the Christ that they allegedly stand behind. Stop dehumanizing transgender people and let them live their lives just as Jesus would want you to. show your Christian and upper midwest values and stop being cruel to others and focus on issues that really truly on the daytoday matter for the average individual and family in Iowa

02-24-2025

Kellie Nath

I am writing in velement opposition to the Unconstitutional bill HSB 242. Removing Civil Liberties from a protected class is inconceivable in today's climate. Iowa legislators should be focusing on supporting Iowans NOT making them more unsafe.

02-24-2025

Abby Williams-Cleary

As I think you probably know, HSB 242 is unconstitutional. You might not know that this bill will literally kill Iowans. Your neighbors, your kids and their classmates, the clerk at the Walmart, the waiter at your favorite restaurant, your doctor, your nurse, the person who walks your dog so many of the people in your life, you dont even know it, are trans people who will suffer greatly when their rights are removed. Consider your responsibility to ALL of your constituents.

02-24-2025

April Pearson-Decklever

Please reject HSB242, because its unnecessary, unscientific and just plain mean. It violates citizens' rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What's more, censoring school curricula on gender theory denies students access to knowledge they need to operate in an increasingly global community. An ignorant society is a weak society.

02-24-2025

Michael Brodie

Iowa lawmakers, history will remember this moment, not as a debate but as a disgrace. Stripping legal protections from trans Iowans isnt policy, it is statesponsored cruelty, a desperate attempt to punch down while ignoring real issues like healthcare, wages, and education. No ones life improves by taking rights away from others. This isnt leadership, it is cowardice wrapped in bigotry. The people of Iowa deserve better than politicians using hate as a distraction. We see through it, and we wont forget.

02-24-2025

Stephanie Youtsey

I am the mother of a trans woman. I would love to live in a state where her rights are protected. Please do not allow unfounded fears and bias to cloud your judgement of other human beings. ALL people should be allowed equal rights and protections. My daughter is a loving and caring person. It would break my heart to see her discriminated against because she is being true to her authentic self. I wish I had the courage to be true to my authentic self at her age, but I was too worried about what others would think and how they would judge me. Please do not allow your own worries to hamper the ability of trans people to thrive.

02-24-2025

Robyn Bles

Please vote against HSB242. Iowa is not a state which legalizes discrimination this bill would do just that. All people have the right to housing, seeking employment, and safety. This bill puts Iowans at risk, and is a step against our community values. Trans people deserve protection.

02-24-2025

Juliana Huegerich

HSB 242 is an absolute embarrassment to Iowa. Protect human rights, let people live their lives in peace. We have SO MANY other issues to worry about, and wasting time revoking human rights is NOT in the interests of Iowa or its people. These are lawabiding people who get up and go to work every day, and have hopes and dreams. Do not waste Iowas time revoking basic human decency. The Midwest is supposed to be famous for politeness, but HSB 242 is going out of your way to be rude. This is NOT how we treat people here.

02-24-2025

Daniela Sanchez

Dear Members of the Iowa Legislature,I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Study Bill 242, which proposes significant changes to the recognition and rights of transgender individuals in Iowa. As an engaged and informed voter, I will be taking this legislation into consideration when casting my vote in the next election.This bill seeks to remove gender identity as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, redefine "sex" in a manner that excludes transgender individuals, and impose restrictions on the documentation and acknowledgment of gender identity. Such measures not only undermine the dignity and rights of transgender Iowans but also contradict the principles of equality and inclusivity that our state strives to uphold.By eliminating gender identity protections, the bill exposes transgender individuals to increased discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. This regression in civil rights is alarming and poses a threat to the wellbeing of a vulnerable population.Furthermore, the proposed redefinition of "sex" disregards the complexities of human biology and identity, enforcing a rigid binary that fails to encompass the diverse experiences of Iowans. This narrow perspective not only marginalizes transgender individuals but also sets a concerning precedent for governmental overreach into personal identity matters.The administrative implications of enforcing such definitions and restrictions are also considerable. Mandating specific designations on official documents may lead to discrepancies and conflicts, particularly for those who have legally transitioned or do not identify within the binary framework. This could further entrench systemic biases and hinder access to essential services for a segment of our population.In light of these concerns, I urge the legislature to reconsider the implications of this bill. It is imperative that our laws reflect the diversity and complexity of our society, ensuring that all Iowans are treated with respect and fairness. I advocate for policies that embrace inclusivity, support the wellbeing of all residents, and uphold the values of justice and equality.Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue.Sincerely,Daniela Sanchez

02-24-2025

Katherine Thomas

Iowans are struggling just to afford food and housing, our school quality is slipping and healthcare access is declining, especially in rural areas. We have healthcare deserts and Iowans are forced to drive to the nearest large city to even have a routine doctor's visit. We have more families without housing than the previous years and it just continues to rise. Food banks do not have enough food to feed everyone who needs it. We are one of the worst states in the country for access to emergency mental health care. By so many measures, the quality of life in Iowa is worse than it has been in the past and some of the worst in the country. Yet, you, our elected officials, continue to focus on issues that do not improve the quality of life of everyday Iowans, and instead only serve to harm people who are already at risk in our society. No one benefits from this bill. No one's life is improved if it passes. No one will be able to be better able afford their groceries. This will not put a roof over anyone's head. Our school quality will continue to decline. This will not help the shortage of medical staff in our state (and in fact may cause it to continue to decline as medical providers leave because of draconian laws.) Trans people are our neighbors and though you seem to have forgotten they are YOUR constituents. You have an equal duty to protect them and improve their lives, just like the rest of your constituents. Instead, you are spending time and taxpayer money actively harming people who are already vulnerable in our community.The trans community is beautiful and vibrant and will continue to thrive no matter how many times you try to write them out of existence. The trans community is resilient and will survive. Instead, you will go down in history as hateful people who were afraid to let others simply live their lives. You will go down as elected officials who wasted money and resources for personal vendettas based on your own fear. You will not be celebrated and you will not be honored. You will be a cautionary tale.

02-24-2025

Thomasin McCoy

This bill has dangerous implications for not only the mental and physical wellbeing of all American citizens, but for basic human rights and must be rejected. We must reject any legislation which threatens to deny the autonomy, liberty, and humanity of a group of people solely on the basis of their identity.

02-24-2025

Fiona New

Please vote no on this bill. It is unconstitutional, both in Iowa and federally. To strip taxpaying, lawabiding citizens of their basic civil rights is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the entire state. This is people's LIVES. This is children's LIVES. Mother's, father's, siblings', children's lives. Please consider this with honesty and sympathy. We will not forget your actions come voting season.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Graber

My name is Jennifer Graber and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. I am the mother of a transgender child. We unfortunately are unable to come to the capital today to protest. My son is a senior in high school and he needs to focus on graduating. He needs to be focusing on enjoying his senior year. He just turned 18. He is ranked top if his class. President of art club. He is a mentor at his school. He just scored a 30 on his ACTs and didn't even prep! He was accepted to his top college choice. Unfortunately it isn't Iowa. He isn't welcome here anymore. Well at least when it comes to our government lately. He is however loved by so many. People look up to him as a role model. He is a human being!All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242

02-24-2025

Simon Clark

02-24-2025

Tiara Bales

02-24-2025

Mike Wahlin

Along with the large volume of comments opposing this bill, I would like to add my voice as VEHEMENTLY opposing this bill. The title of the bill itself says it all the removal of civil rights. In our world, country and state, where we have seemingly moved forward over many decades of providing basic human rights and freedoms to all our citizens, we are now moving backward with removing the civil rights of those who merely want to pursue their own life, liberty and freedoms (some of the basics of what our country is based on...). I encourage you to take the time and really read the comments listed below (voiced by the members of your constituency and your fellow Iowans) and to truly ask yourselves why we are even considering stripping away the rights of anyone i today's world.

02-24-2025

Seth Thill

This bill is disgusting and does absolutely nothing to help Iowans. Trans people do not deserve to be pawns in a hateful political agenda. The authors of this bill and all who support it should be ashamed of themselves. Getting into politics to strip people of their rights rather than defend them is cowardly and vile. Iowa has become an increasingly worse place to live under the leadership of people who support these kinds of bills, and this bill does nothing to help anyone.

02-24-2025

Jessica Musil

I oppose this bill! Why are we trying to legalize hate and discrimination? This bill feeds into fear rhetoric...and to what end? Trans people just want to live their authentic lives. Everyone deserves protection from hate and discrimination. Do NOT pass this absurd bill and focus on what matters.

02-24-2025

Sheryl D Tenikat [Self]

HSBI oppose this repulsive bill aimed at removing the civil rights of Iowans. This is a step backwards playing to homophobic fears while denying people their freedoms. It would impact hiring, housing, mental health, and civility in society.

02-24-2025

K Dietz

This bill is needless, unnecessary and wasting my taxes. Iowa used to be progressive thinking. But this bill will lead to discrimination and violate civil rights. We are going backwards! I am afraid for those who are being labeled and single out, that their rights and pursuit of happiness is endangered. This is not the Iowa government I grew up with.

02-24-2025

Anna Forrester

I strongly oppose HSB 242, a dangerous piece of legislation that threatens to erode the civil rights of transgender Iowans. Every Iowan deserves the freedom to live authentically. I urge you to reject this bill and instead work toward a future where all Iowansregardless of their identityare treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. Iowa should be a community where every citizen feels truly valued and protected.

02-24-2025

Devin Brown

I oppose this bill and I hope that all legislators will as well. The trans community has done nothing to deserve being treated like the boogeyman the right has made them. They just want to live their lives in peace. Please, let them be.

02-24-2025

Samantha Brown

Transgender people have rights just like all of us. Please dont take them away. When you took an oath in office, you promised to represent all people, and that does include transgender people. Civil rights have always been a priority in this country, lets not go backwards regardless of your political views.

02-24-2025

Madalyn Grask

Transgender and nonbinary Iowans have, do, and will always be an important part of Iowa and deserve the same rights and protections as those of us who identify with the gender we were assigned at birth. This bill is a monstrosity and will do nothing but perpetuate harm to many Iowans, including some who I have the honor to call my friends. I have lived in Iowa my whole life and am proud to be an Iowan. However, bills like these make me ashamed to call this state my home. Please do not pass this bill out of subcommittee.

02-24-2025

Lisa Griffore

Please do not pass this bill. Doing so would be a giant step backwards for the state of Iowa. Separate but equal is in the past. Let it stay there. Quit wasting so much time and tax payer money discussing genitalia and pass some bills to actually help the people of Iowa instead of hurt them.

02-24-2025

Adam Creager

I wish to express my opposition to HSB 242. All Iowas should have access to the same universal human rights, liberties, and protections regardless of race, religion, creed, gender, wealth, political party, or sexual orientation and identity. These rights have been codified by law for decades now and any discrimination towards any individuals is a violation of the most basic human principles that our democracy is based on. I work with children and adults everyday who come from a variety of backgrounds, including people who are members of the Trans and LGBTQ community. These individuals deserve the dignity and value that every Iowa is afforded.I personally do not believe that any of these individuals creates or does any harm to others in their daily lives. God has made us all different, and to alienate or discriminate against a person or group of persons violates not only their human rights but also defies one of the most fundamental tenants of the golden rule found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and many other religions which is To Love Your Neighbor as You Would Love Yourself. Trans and LGBTQ people deserve respect and the value under the law that ALL IOWANS have. If this law is passed, what is to stop more laws of discrimination? This would open the door to allow hurtful and hateful laws to be passed that existed in the United States nearly 7080 years ago that have all but been abolished. I implore you to take a look at the consequences of the actions and the precedent being set by this proposed bill. Iowans deserve equal rights, and no one should be slighted simply because they are different.

02-24-2025

Amanda Greubel

Please vote NO on HSB 242. Transgender Iowans are Iowans just like the rest of us and deserve equal protection and recognition under the law. There is no scientific evidence that providing this protection harms anyone; however, failure to provide equal protection and recognition does lead to increased rates of suicide, health issues, and assault on trans people. According to the Trevor Project (2025), 94% of transgender and nonbinary young people reported that the current state policy environment has had a significant impact on their wellbeing. 45% have considered moving to a different state. If we want Iowa to grow and succeed, we must prize the liberties and maintain the rights of ALL who live here. Source: Trevor Project (2025) How state policy affects the wellbeing and relocation of LGBTQ+ young people. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/researchbriefs/howstatepolicyaffectsthewellbeingandrelocationoflgbtqyoungpeople/

02-24-2025

Meredith Williams

I strongly oppose the proposed bill that seeks to redefine sex and gender terms, remove gender identity protections from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and alter school curricula related to gender theory. This bill should not be voted into law for several critical reasons:1. Removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act would strip away essential protections for transgender individuals, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. This regression undermines the progress made towards equality and inclusivity in our state.2. Transgender individuals already face significant mental health challenges due to societal stigma and discrimination. This bill would exacerbate these issues by invalidating their identities and denying them the legal recognition and protections they deserve. This could lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide among transgender Iowans.3. The bill's attempt to define sex strictly based on biological characteristics at birth contradicts the consensus of medical and psychological experts, who recognize that gender identity is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Ignoring this expertise in favor of a narrow definition is both scientifically unfounded and harmful.4. This will cause an educational setback. To exclude or misrepresent gender theory deprives students of a comprehensive and accurate understanding of human diversity. Education should foster critical thinking and empathy, not propagate ignorance and intolerance.In conclusion, this bill is a step backward for civil rights, mental health, education, and social justice. I urge lawmakers to reject this harmful legislation and instead focus on policies that promote equality, understanding, and support for all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Stacy Kluesner

I implore you to not allow this legislation to move forward. I am the mother of 3 children, all who are beautiful, intelligent and loved. Two are white, young adult males and our youngest our beautiful transgender daughter. All 3 of my children have been raised to be respectful and treat everyone in their life with respect and dignity. All 3 of my children deserve the same in return. None of my children ever ask for "more", they ALL deserve equality! This bill is harmful and perpetuates hate and discrimination to transgender youth and adults. There is simply NO REASON to call people out, treat them differently for being they beautiful humans they are, and even more so treat them as though they are lessthan. Again, I implore you to act with kindness and common sense to not advance this truly hatefilled legislation.

02-24-2025

Josh Pronk

"Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain"Does this only apply to people you politically or socially agree with?Is the state motto only empty words and not the guiding principles this state is supposed to stand for?Will bills like this designed to make some Iowans secondclass citizens be who we as a state become? If so, when does it end? Which group will be the next target? Will they come for someone you care about next?I oppose HSB 242 and any bill that would codify some people as not deserving of the EQUAL right to live their life as they see fit as long as that life does not deny others to do the same.

02-24-2025

K Dietz

02-24-2025

Tiara Bales

02-24-2025

Melinda Begenat

So many Iowans are opposed to this bill, it would be cruel to move forward with it. Trans Iowans are our neighbors, family members, coworkers and loved ones and to strip their rights away is a very unIowan thing to do. Please listen to your constituency when we tell you we do not want this.

02-24-2025

Elli Decker

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Stripping transgender Iowans of basic rights does nothing to benefit the state of Iowa, and will ultimately harm the state as a whole. Lots of comments here describe the irreparable harm this bill would cause the transgender community in Iowa, please look through these thoroughly. I also want to talk about a phenomenon that has been happening in Iowa for several years now. Many intelligent, collegeeducated, "liberal" Iowans are leaving, fleeing this state due to our rapidly dwindling rights. Iowa Republicans might be excited about the changes to the voting demographics throughout Iowa. But as our transgender friends and family members flee, and we follow shortly behind them, what does that do to Iowa's economy? What will you do with so many fewer doctors, nurses, public servants, teachers, engineers, and so on? On top of that, Iowa is well on its way to being added to donottravel lists for LGBTQ+ people both nationally and worldwide. Florida's tourism industry is already being impacted by its unsafe status for LGBTQ+ tourists. Iowa Republicans seem keen to join that list to the detriment of Iowa's economy. I also urge you to consider who will be next as Iowa aims to remove civil rights from its citizens. Do not be fooled into believing it will end here. Stop this now, before it continues to snowball and your own rights are on the line.

02-24-2025

Lori Keehner

I oppose HSB 242. Church and state are separatewhich is a good thing. There is no reason, other than so called "faith based" reasons to discriminate against transgender people. There is no proof that trans people as a whole create any threat to society. Moral judgements are just that; moral judgements & our personal opinions of the lifestyle choices of others should never strip them off their rights.

02-24-2025

Dawn Lorenzen

I strongly oppose HBS242. This bill is everything that Iowa shouldnt be this. Bill takes away basic human rights just because someone is different and you dont understand it to pass this bill and remove basic antidiscrimination rules from trans people or people who identify differently is beyond reprehensible. This Bill attempts to legalize hate. Please do not vote for this horrible bill.

02-24-2025

Charlie Miller

I strongly oppose this bill which singles out a small and vulnerable number of Iowans and strips them of basic rights, dignity, and signals to bigots that it is "open season" on trans people.In chatting with both supporters and detractors, it is clear to me that those who support this bill are typically poorly informed about those who are singled out (mainly trans people) and are largely motivated by either anger, hate, or judgments loosely tied to their religious beliefs (my Bible is silent on trans people, but is highly judgmental of those who acquire wealth, something most Christians ignore).To say that a transitioned female is a "man in women's clothing", for example, is ludicrous. The loudest and angriest supporters of stripping away civil rights protections typically no nothing about how transitioning changes a person such that they no longer function physiologically as a man. And to suggest that such persons take that route to attack women in bathrooms through a long and difficult process defies any logic. Thus, to suggest that that group IN PARTICULAR does not need civil rights protection is dangerously wrong and, in practice, is cruel. Putting aside the loud and angry propaganda, trans women, for example, are NO threat to anyone in using the bathroom which they clearly identify and express. To the contrary, it is THEY who are threatened by angry and bigoted individuals who mainly seem to have an axe to grind. Trans people are attacked NOW and in Iowa.Is THIS how Iowa now legislates, based upon ignorance, judgmentalism, and anger? In my case, I am an older transitioning female who has been a productive citizen of Iowa. My efforts have directly secured millions of NIH funds for biomedical research and I have also been active in scienceeducation outreach. However, with the animus displayed by the followers of Trump's scapegoating, including the Iowa Legislature and our Trumpsupporting governor, I am planning on leaving Iowa, as bills like this speak loudly that Iowa's environment is not accepting and may not even be safe for persons such as myself.There is also a noticeable age bias against trans people, with older people being not only the most ignorant, but also the most judgmental and anger. The proposed bill is, in my opinion, immoral.Is THIS who we are? For me, I know the answer. Expect more welleducated individuals to migrate out of this state, with such backward and hateful legislation.

02-24-2025

Emily Greiner

No one inculding trans individuals should face discrimination. We as a state should not want to discriminate an individual just because you disagree. This will impact children, not adults, children who already face their classmates insults, just to not be supported by anyone else, including their government. Do not choose discrimination, that is cruel.

02-24-2025

Michala Zilkey

HSB 242 is a stark contrast to the constitution of the United States that guarantees civil liberties for all. This bill is a disgusting abuse of power seeking to silence a group of individuals who create their own future. The pursuit of happiness is the american dream why must you crush ours?

02-24-2025

Zach Grissom

Repealing or removing protections within the law like this does nothing except increase the bodily risk of Iowans.Removal will impact the ability of our medical education system in the state to appropriately train future doctors, nurses, and more for the reality recognized by the scientific community. We know people exist that have gender identities that do not fit the simple man/ woman binary. Regardless your personal beliefs on that, why allow outright discrimination for something? Gender identity has been widely legally protected or understood in a similar way to the way we have gained legal protections for women generally, and for any number of different aspects integral to people's self identity.Do not support this. We are watching.

02-24-2025

Corbin Hughes

To so openly try to strip human beings of their rights is a pathetic and disgusting overreach of state government. How can you look at another human being just living their life and be so consumed by hate that you decide that they deserve to be stripped of their rights?Vote no to this bill. Don't set us back a few more decades.

02-24-2025

Kate Maxwell

I would like to state my opposition to HBS 242 and request that it to be stopped from moving forward. There is evidence of discrimination of persons due to gender identity and these persons need to be protected under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

02-24-2025

Rowan Shoppa

trans rights are human rights and i strongly oppose this bill as a nonbinary person in this community. this is a disgusting piece of legislature. attempting to erase the trans community will fail. trans people have always existed and will always exist, regardless of what a written law made by cis people says. this bill is HARMFUL.

02-24-2025

Emily McCauley

As a constituent I demand all reps including Rep Miller Meeks to oppose HSB 242, the Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act. Our State's principles should be to protect the most vulnerable. If the transgender community is not protected it will be a sign to violent hate groups and uneducated people to harm them. All humans no matter their gender, deserve to live and work in safe environments. For the love of humanity, protect your people. Treat people how you'd want to be treated. In this capitalist society we all need shelter and to make a living. If you pass this, all who voted for it will be responsible for increased homelessness and deaths. Send a message of empathy and kindness to all people. Including the ones who are different. Different is just different, not wrong.Thank you for your time.

02-24-2025

Felicia Coe

As a parent, community member, and small business owner to strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill needlessly strips Iowans of basic rights and protections.All Iowans deserve access to housing, credit, and opportunities without discrimination. In a perfect world, we wouldnt need to spell these things out in law, but as a civilized society, we have a responsibility to our neighbors. These protections exist to ensure everyone has the right to a safe and stable existence. Removing protections for any group of people is not only unnecessary but dangerous. It sets a terrifying precedent; if rights can be taken from one group, whos next? Where does it stop? Laws should ensure fairness and opportunity, not single people out for exclusion.This bill also weakens protections that impact all women. Its wasteful and unnecessary and sends the wrong message about who belongs in our communities.These types of bills are making Iowa less and less welcoming, driving out talented young people. I once imagined growing old here, surrounded by family. Now, I realize that for many, Iowa will become just a place they visit once a year. What was once a field of opportunity is becoming a place of exclusion, government overreach, and division. That's not a place where people want to put down roots.Transgender Iowans make up a fraction of our population, yet this bill targets them while a 100,000 Iowa children are going hungry. Wasting time and energy on this instead of real issues is a dishonorable misuse of public service.

02-24-2025

Alisha Iserman

Iowa has long prided itself on being a state where people have the freedom to flourishwhere we protect the rights of our citizens and ensure that everyone has a fair shot at living their lives with dignity. Our state motto today says it clearly: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." But this bill does the opposite.Stripping rights from transgender Iowans is not maintaining liberty. It is not protecting freedom. It is government overreach at its worstdeciding whose rights are worth defending and whose can be discarded. Thats not the Iowa I know, and its not the Iowa we should strive to be.If we truly believe in liberty and fairness, then we cannot stand by while our government targets and restricts the rights of a vulnerable community. I urge you to reject this bill and stand on the side of freedom for all Iowans.

02-24-2025

Emily McCauley

02-24-2025

Jenna Schlegel-Preheim

Please vote against HSB 242. I am a mental health professional in the state of Iowa and I am extremely concerned about how this bill would impact people who are trans and their loved ones.If this bill passes, people who are transgender would NOT be protected from discrimination based on their gender identity. For instance, a trans person could be denied access to a hotel room just because they are (or appear to be) transgender. Someone who is trans could get denied an apartment or fired from their job based on their gender identity. This is extremely scary for people who are trans and their families, who have already had to navigate bullying and other forms of discrimination. Please don't let Iowa set the precedent of removing a group of already protected people from their civil rights protected classes.

02-24-2025

Chelsea Cozad

This bill would be a gigantic step backwards for the state of Iowa. The last thing I want is for my tax dollars to be used to strip any Iowan including transgender Iowans of their basic civil rights. Trans people are not separate from us; they are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. It will harm us all if we allow blatant discrimination of transgender citizens. All Iowans are deserving of the equal opportunity to find housing, obtain a job, and live their lives in this state. If you will not deny this bill simply because it is the right thing to do, then hear me out on this: Iowa needs to actively recruit hardworking people to move and work here. This bill will not only drive away hardworking transgender people, but all of the people who stand with them. Removing protections from transgender citizens harms us all. I urge you to please vote NO on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Angelica Vannatta

This goes against every principle of fairness and justice we should hold dear. The truth is that removing civil rights protections doesnt solve anything because theres no problem to solve. Theres no crisis, no rampant misconduct, and no evidence that transgender and nonbinary individuals are causing harm to our communities. The real issue here is that transgender people are disproportionately targeted by discrimination, harassment, and violence. By stripping gender identity from protected classes, legislators are making these individuals even more vulnerable to things like job loss, housing instability, and even denial of medical care. And if lawmakers are willing to strip civil rights from one group, whats stopping you from targeting others? Will you go after protections for people with physical and mental disabilities next? Will you start dismantling protections for other marginalized groups? Once we begin down this path, where does it end? I urge you to reject any attempt to remove gender identity (or any other currently protected classes) from our civil rights laws. There is no reason for this legislation to exist. It solves nothing, and it protects no one.

02-24-2025

Kevin McRae [self]

This bill targets kids and adults who are sorting through their identity and attempts to determine what kind of care and legal limits should be allowed for defining who they are. This is insane and is a prime example of government overreach into areas where no government intervention is needed or wanted. The health needs of all people are private and as such, particularly since we live in a country where healthcare is privately provided, no one person or entity like our state or federal government should have the right to determine what type of care a person should or should not receive. We all deserve to be able to have care when we need it. Lawmakers keep your unChristian opinions to yourselves and get back to the business of running our state, which is something you really aren't good at. Focus on the needs of the people instead of finding reasons to spread judgement and hate.

02-24-2025

Colleen Hjort-Frederiksen [Humanity]

I do NOT support this bill. Iowa has always been a progressive state, which is a GOOD thing for our residents. If this is passed, you will be on the wrong side of history. Gender identity is important. Stop the hatred! Trans lives matter.

02-24-2025

Ann Tigges

I am urging our elected officials to vote against stripping away civil rights from individuals who identify as something other than what was listed on their birth certificate. We should not be stripping rights away from anyone just because a few people in power dont like it. Thats not how rights work and the Republican Party show know this because they were once the party of individual freedom. Whatever happened to that?

02-24-2025

Doug P

I would like to express my opposition to HSB 242. I feel that this may be the first bill in a series of bills to remove civil rights protection for many Iowans. This bill is aimed at a very small segment of the population. It is possible, therefore, that the legislators who proposed this bill felt that it may encounter little opposition. So first they start with the "T" in LGBTQ+. Then if they are successful, under the guise of protecting children and family values, our elected officials may then go after the "L", the "G", the "B", the "Q" and the "+". But don't forget, DEI isn't just about LGBTQ+. So next, legislators may go after Black Iowans, Latino Iowans, Asian Iowans....essentially anyone that isn't in the majority (i.e. caucasian Christian). Once our elected officials have removed civil rights from anyone who threatens their power, then they may try to remove or restrict voting rights. This would allow them to stay in office and remain in power. When you look at whats happening now in Guantanamo Bay detention camp, I would not be surprised to see a return to 1942 with "internment camps" popping up around the country. History can repeat itself, and sometimes it starts small. I fear that HSB 242 may set a precedent for similar bills in the near future. We need to protect the civil rights of all of our citizens. Please vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Erica Finken

02-24-2025

Clara Hess

This bill is obvious scapegoating of the transgender community. A state that values freedom and equality should not be voting on whether to strip a comminity of their civil protections based on their adherence to a narrow definition of sex or gender. Furthermore, how people dress or describe themselves should not be grounds to deny housing or a credit card

02-24-2025

Susan Grant

I want to register my vehement objection to HSB 242. Please reject this bill. ALL Iowans deserve to live and work in peace. ALL Iowans deserve civil rights and protection from discrimination. Trans Iowans are our friends, neighbors, loved ones, teachers, coworkers, etc. They make Iowa a better place. This bill does not.

02-24-2025

Jean Boller

Transgender citizens are people first and should be treated as anyone else, NOT discriminated against. As a Christian, I follow Christ's example to care for others, not shame them or discriminate against them. That is NOT what Jesus stood for.

02-24-2025

India Johnson

Every Iowan deserves civil rights, including and especially transgender Iowans. Stop demonizing and attacking our trans friends, family, and coworkers. Stop trying to strip their rights in an attempt to distract from the fact that this legislature does little to improve the everyday lives of Iowans. We want healthcare, education, and jobs.

02-24-2025

Chelsea Mumm

We should not be in the business of stripping rights from people. There seems to be a misinformed belief that by stating in the Iowa Civil Rights Act that protected classes of people deserve the same rights as any other Iowan somehow takes rights away from the average Iowan. You know that this is not the case. This bill is purely based on personal beliefs that transgender people do not deserve basic civil rights. How cruel for our government to scapegoat a community that is already more likely to face discrimination, hatred and cruelty for simply existing. LGBTQ people only make up around 3% of Iowa's population, which means transgender people make up even less. Why are we targeting this small community?

02-24-2025

Meg McKeon

HSB242 Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act is reprehensible and sets a very dangerous precedent for undermining the basic constitutional rights of every person in Iowa. I am opposed to this bill for the very dangerous precedent that it would set removal of civil rights for Iowans by the majority party. Representatives Holt, Fett, Wilburn whose rights will you seek to remove next. Please do not send this state backward. Your focus should be improving Iowa by supporting education, healthcare, employment opportunities, job growth. Please do not move this bill forward.

02-24-2025

Nicholas Seemann

This bill is absolutely disgusting and you all should be ashamed of yourselves. You're hateful targeting of a minority group that has no effect on your day to day lives it truly despicable. Enjoy your current terms because you won't be reelected if you keep this up.

02-24-2025

Christina McCleary

Please REJECT this bill, HSB 242. I have lived in Iowa my entire life. At no point has anyone else's sex/gender had an impact on my day to day life except to fight for them to be able to live their lives in peace and with dignity because of bills like this trying to make them less. Sending Iowa backwards in the way of human beings' civil rights is not the way. We all deserve to have equal protections. You don't have to agree with someone's way of living to respect that they deserve the same care and treatment as anyone else. Vote with love and openness in your heart and do not move this bill forward.

02-24-2025

Darla Chappell

I am in support of this bill. There are two genders which are male and female. God made these genders and He doesnt make mistakes. Humans do and so many have been indoctrinated to accept lies. Remember that President Trump won by a landslide in Iowa which shows what the majority of Iowa think.

02-24-2025

Denise Perez

As a constituent I am formally documenting my opposition to HSB242. This bill is malicious and does nothing to improve the lives of Iowans. It only serves the ability to discriminate against Iowans who are trying to live their lives as their authentic selves. Stop wasting my tax dollars debating bs bills, and perhaps fund education so my property taxes don't increase. That is a better use of your time.

02-24-2025

David Michael

The language of this bill echos the same language used by southern states to justify Jim Crow laws. In addition, removing civil liberties from Iowa law that are already put in place is a bad precedent and a slippery slope. I'd encourage the Iowa legislature to vote no on moving forward on this bill. This type of culture war bill does nothing to improve the lives of Iowans and hurts our economic our and public sentiment for our state.

02-24-2025

Taylor Satibanchong

This is a country and a state that was built on free will. The freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to be whoever we choose to be, ungoverned by the law. Simply being a member of the LGBTQ+ does not harm anyone nor does show casing the things we like to do, same as every other person. Our rights are the same as others and we deserve the same treatment. The is no logical reason to punish any person for living their own life the way they choose. Preventing people from doing that takes away our rights and freedoms as Americans. Taking away the rights of Americans undermines every life lost from the soldiers who fought for those rights. Without the promise of freedom that America has always promised, America is nothing, Iowa is nothing. This is the first step for the government to control who people are and who people can be. No one deserves to live in that kind of environment; the kind of environment that feeds on hatred, fear, and control.

02-24-2025

Ryan Logan

This is horrifying, that our government would consider such an act. You're talking about PEOPLE. People who have lives and jobs and votes and families, and deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. No sane human could support such a bill.

02-24-2025

Ryan Logan

02-24-2025

Rhys Black

As a transgender woman, I find this bill to be repugnant to the basic freedom of my people. It seeks to erase a complete class of people which most fully identifies me and many people I know and strip basic civil rights protections from us. Shame on you for this attack on our basic civil liberties. How dare you, as a legislative body representing the interests of your constituents, seek to erase a full subsection of your own people. We exist. Stop this madness. Please do not enact this legislation. Thank you for your time.

02-24-2025

Alexandra Stimson

Civil rights for all citizens, regardless of race, creed or gender, is a human right. This bill would be a shame and black mark on any progress for our state. My son has transitioned recently, and is happier and more engaged than ever in humanitarian causes. Please keep us moving forward towards justice and basic rights for all.

02-24-2025

Alexandra Stimson

02-24-2025

Megan McKibbin

As a woman, a wife, a mother, and a professional living in a small town in rural Iowa, I imploreall Iowa lawmakers not to support this bill.This bill does nothing to expand or preserve the liberties of Iowans, seeking only to make the Iowa trans and nonbinary population a casualty of news cycle politics.The attempt to superficially define the scores of biological processes that go into what this bill refersto as 'sex' is a misguided bastardization of the science it references. There is no application of this bill that I can see as helpful, meaningful, important, or necessary to my community, my family, or myself. Iowans are fiercelypragmatic people who value an effective legislature over buzzword brownnosing to party platforms. Please represent the values of your constituents."Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain"

02-24-2025

paige connolly

Iowa used to be a state of kindness, acceptance, and positivity. With this bill, and many others, we have become a state that repels youth at an alarming rate. All lives, with absolutely no exception, deserve the right to exist. The right to have fundamental human civil rights. The insatiable need to pick on the smallest, most vulnerable population is repulsive. Trans people have always existed and will always exist. Trans lives are human lives. Iowans oppose this bill. Stop pushing people away from our state and start remembering to act with kindness not malicious intent driven by a fear that was stoked by the fires of the media and propaganda. Remember, Iowa nice. Kill this bill immediately.

02-24-2025

Monica Basile

Please reject this bill. As an Iowan, I am appalled that my state is considering repealing civil rights protections for its citizens. No one should have to worry about being fired or denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. All people including our transgender friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Please uphold civil rights and equal opportunity in Iowa.

02-24-2025

Robert Nazario

I support removing gender Identity from Iowa Civil Law and support this bill HSB 242Stop the madness and please remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Code. We must protect women in locker rooms and showers and all the people of Iowa!

02-24-2025

Zoe Hermsen

I have lived in Iowa for my entire life. During my time in Iowa, I have known many people who this bill would affect. Nobody deserves to have their civil rights legally stripped from them. Queer people, as a whole, enrich our society. Trying to hide them away or punish them for existing does no good for our culture. I hope that you will reject this bill which is nothing but meanspirited and would accomplish nothing of value for our state.

02-24-2025

Robert Cook [Iowa Atheists and Freethimnkers]

Hello. I am Bob Cook, Vice President and a lobbyist for Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers. We oppose HSB 242.IAF advocates for a secular government that protects and respects ALL citizens. Every protected class listed in the Iowa Civil Rights Act is there for a good reason. Every one of them has been historically discriminated against and politically powerless. This bill removes gender identity from that list of protected classes. But its not just the Civil Rights Act. It erases trans legal protections everywhere in the entire Iowa Legal Code.It will disallow changing gender on passports and birth certificates, push transgender women out of domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, and healthcare centers. It legalizes discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, and credit.The groups lobbying for this bill are a whos who of Christian Nationalism. They use the language, symbols, and history of Christianity to gain political power and turn their personal religious dogma and bigotry into Iowa law. How convenient it is that their God hates the same people they do.This bill is theocratic. Its persecution. It takes away rights and scapegoats group of people who just want to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness the same as you. The cruelty of this bill takes my breath away. A comparison to Hitler seems appropriate here.If you vote for this bill, you wont be on the side of the martyrs anymore. You will be the ones opening the lion cages and cheering at your victims pain.Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers opposes this bill. We ask you to do the right thing and vote no.

02-24-2025

Marcus Ingles

Please do not move forward with this bill. This bill would continue to heavily impact a group of already extremely marginalized people and actively work towards eliminating them from the legal eye. It is a huge step backwards, and does nothing to truly address any actual issues.

02-24-2025

Katie Smith

Please reject HSB 242. This bill is harmful and ignorant and I know Iowans are better than this. Please dont continue to support legislation that allows such discrimination and will drag Iowa further backwards in terms of progress. This trend of bigoted fear mongering is so disappointing, especially for a state that used to set an example for inclusion and standing up for those who are typically been marginalized. I strongly oppose this bill and hope the members of this committee will as well.

02-24-2025

Michele Johnson

As a lifelong Iowan and Christian, Im voicing my utmost opposition to HSB242. HSB242 is hateful legislation that targets people because they don't align with some peoples' perceptions of who God created us to be. I'd like those individuals to recall that God gave every person Free Will. Im wondering why certain humans in this state (and country) think they should or can take that away. Are they more Godly than God? Im praying that LOVE defeats the HATE of HSB242.

02-24-2025

Cole Dalrymple

I am absolutely tired of my tax dollars going to the salaries of ghouls who have no actual idea how to govern. This culture war non sense is disgusting. It is a waste of my tax dollars and a stain on the historical record of iowa. Stop going after marginalized people to mask your inability to actually address the issues facing Iowans or resign. Sincerely one fed up resident and tax payer of iowa,Cole Dalrymple

02-24-2025

Charles Wellman

Please do not enact HSB242. It takes away rights from people who you may perceive as different, but, just want to live their lives in peace. Why do you pick on them? How are they hurting anyone? Please leave them alone.

02-24-2025

M Jeanine Redlinger

Iowa lawmakers obsession with peoples private body parts is despicable. There is really a serious mental problem with the supporters of this incredibly invasive law. Get your heads back on straight and try solving this countrys real problems like: poverty, discrimination, environment, justice, infrastructure.

02-24-2025

Brenda Warren

Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. That's our state motto, correct?I am writing as a constituent of Iowa to express my deep concern and strong opposition to House Study Bill 242. This bill seeks to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, effectively stripping essential protections from transgender and nonbinary Iowans.The Iowa Civil Rights Act has, since 2007, safeguarded individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics, including gender identity. Removing these protections would not only legalize discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations but also send a message that our state endorses inequality. (iowapublicradio.org)Furthermore, redefining "sex" strictly as male or female, as proposed in HSB 242, disregards the existence and rights of intersex individuals and those whose gender identity doesn't align with their sex assigned at birth. This narrow definition undermines the dignity and humanity of many Iowans.It's important to recognize that such legislation doesn't reflect the inclusive values that Iowa stands for. Embracing diversity strengthens our communities and enriches our society. By opposing HSB 242, you uphold the principles of fairness and equality that are foundational to our state.I urge you to consider the harmful implications of this bill and vote against it. Protecting the rights of all Iowans, regardless of their gender identity, is paramount to fostering a just and equitable society.Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.Sincerely,Brenda Warren

02-24-2025

Melissa Lehan Mackin

HSB 242 is hate legislation that threatens the civil rights of everyone. These culture wars are a distraction from what the people in our state need which is better access to healthcare and helping people meet their daily needs. I stand against such legislation and the evil it is trying to promulgate by stripping rights away from Iowans.

02-24-2025

Mollie Krell

Please vote against HSB242, which would take away important protections for Iowans. Regular people just want to work, love, and live their lives peacefully. Everyone who works hard deserves to be treated fairly and should have the chance to support themselves and their families. Why should someone be denied an apartment or a credit card just because they identify differently? They aren't hurting anyone. These basic antidiscrimination protections are essential for a fair system, letting everyone access opportunities no matter who they are. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. Please do not support HSB242.

02-24-2025

Tiranee Vriezen

Republicans in Iowa continue to wonder why people are leaving this state and then threaten adults and children alike, forcing parents and regular citizens to make a home elsewhere to protect themselves from discrimination. I oppose this bill wholeheartedly, find it disgusting and horrifying that it's even being considered. This blatant attempt to attract a legal fight so they can run it up to the Supreme Court and challenge trans rights in the entire country is a cowardly attack against a population that just wants to live their lives. Vote no.

02-24-2025

Lauren Ross

Transgender individuals deserve the same protections that all other people are given. This bill would allow for discrimination against an entire group of people which is unethical and meanspirited. Transgender people already are at risk for all sorts of hardships removing these protections will harm our children, students, neighbors, friends and community members.

02-24-2025

Vasilens Koteva

Dear legislators,I think that the two genders given by nature are a fact but how does one defines themselves is personal choice and not politicians job to deal with. Politicians should work to give everybody equal rights and humane conditions to live. Restricting people's rights, creatures unhumane living conditions

02-24-2025

Claire Oleson-King

Please remove this discriminatory bill . Our government and community must support the rights of all individuals and that includes protecting transgender individuals, allowing their preferred gender on state documents. Protecting employment regardless of gender. And allowing school curricula to include teaching regarding gender and transgender studies. If this bill is set in motion it will harm transgender individuals and lead to discrimination and unfair treatment throughout our society. I stand with all transgender people in stopping this bill. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Caitlin Wells

I am urging a vote of "no" and a rejection of HSB242a bill that would strip away fundamental protections for transgender Iowans and create unnecessary complications for others who do not fit its narrow definitions of sex and gender.All Iowansincluding transgender individualsdeserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law. They should have the same opportunities to earn a living, secure housing, and build their futures without fear of discrimination. If someone is denied an apartment or a credit card simply because of who they are, they are not competing on a level playing field. That is not fairness, and it is not justice.The continued political targeting of transgender peopleboth in Iowa and across the countryis unnecessary, harmful, and deeply unjust. History and our current reality show how easily certain groups are vilified simply for being different. When people seem different or look different, they become targets for discrimination. I challenge all to take a closer look at what this bill truly does. Imagine if, instead of targeting gender identity, it removed civil rights protections based on race, religion, or disability. Would proponents still find it acceptable?This bill also fundamentally misrepresents biology. It assumes that sex is always clearly defined at birth and that a simple test can determine it. In reality, science has long established that some children are born with variations beyond the XX or XY chromosome binary. Ignoring this reality oversimplifies a deeply complex issue and disregards decades of scientific understanding. I have included a helpful graphic that illustrates just how intricate biological sex truly is.This is a politically charged topic, but the energy behind bills like this is actively harming people. It is not just political stance, it is hateful ideology. Identity is fundamental to who we are, and it should not be dictated by the government or others.Our country has a long history of justifying lesser protections for certain groups under the illusion that society will "do the right thing." But history tells us otherwise. Without antidiscrimination laws, vulnerable people suffer, and the consequences ripple across generations.Transgender Iowans are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. They deserve the same rights and protections as anyone else. I urge you to vote NO on HSB242 and stand for the dignity and rights of all Iowans. Our future depends on it.

02-24-2025

Chloe Kepros

As one of your constituents I ask that you vote against HSB 242. Transgender individuals deserve equal access to basic needs like every other Iowan. The basis of our state constitution is the ability to succeed through merit and hard work. HSB 242 allows for discrimination against people based upon aspects of themselves that they cannot change. This discrimination has negative outcomes for all Iowans. Our success and growth as a state relies on the ability for every citizen of our state to be able to contribute. This is not possible when certain individuals have their rights wrongfully taken away. I will continue to vote and actively advocate for others to vote when it comes to these issues. I hope that members of this subcommittee recognize that Iowans will not stand for laws that promote discrimination. As your constituents, we will vote people into office who will support our beliefs and values.Thank you,Chloe Kepros

02-24-2025

Kaitlyn Clark

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and urge you to vote NO and to reject this bill, to remove one of the state's most vulnerable populations from the Iowa Civil Rights Act is absolutely reprehensible and dangerous. I find it disgraceful that such a discriminatory and unconstitutional bill is under consideration in the first place.

02-24-2025

Ellen Butler

I find this bill absolutely atrocious and unconscionable. Iowans deserve basic civil rights, at the very least. All Iowans. End of story. Vote against this bill. I am ashamed of the legislators who thought this was even worth filing.

02-24-2025

Leann Lockard

I strongly oppose this bill. Please reject this bill on the grounds that is is unethical, unjust, and a huge step backwards in human rights. The fear and misunderstanding of a few does not justify the removal of rights from people who are doing nothing but existing as they are. We all have a right to exist as we are, and no one's civil rights should be revoked simply for existing as they are.

02-24-2025

Hannah Davis

I do not support this bill which is a breathtakingly cruel piece of legislation aimed at making life harder for transgender Iowans in nearly every aspect of the law.This is a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Ginny Tunnicliff

02-24-2025

Ashley Merkley

Please vote no on this bill. It is discrimination and it is wrong. Any attempt to regress progress in civil rights is wrong and does not follow what a majority of Iowans want or believe in or stand for take a look at our motto. Our rights should be rights for all and transgender and nonbinary people are beautiful and simply trying to exist as the truest version of themselves incredibly brave and resilient people who deserve protections just like those of us who are not transgender or nonbinary. Let people live as who they are, believe them when they tell you who they are, and PROTECT their rights to exist and live well as who they are. Stop the discrimination and hate. It is cruel, unnecessary and disgusting. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Everett S.

As a transgender Iowan, I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill threatens to strip away the rights and protections that are essential for my community's safety and wellbeing. It sends a harmful message that we do not deserve the same respect and dignity as everyone else. I believe in a Iowa that supports all individuals, allowing ups all the "freedom to flourishing" regardless of their gender identity. I urge lawmakers to reject HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Myra Goldie

The entire purpose of a government is to protect its constituents and use the taxes we contribute to better our lives and you're wasting your time and our taxes on trying to take rights away from trans citizens who are just trying to live their lives!? There are REAL issues you could be trying to fix but instead you're wasting tax payer's money on harassing trans Americans who make up less than 2% of the US population. By focusing on these issues you are not only harming the trans community but the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, and all Iowans who are footing the bill for this insanity. Is this what you got into politics for? To harm people? Do your job and figure out a way to feed hungry children, support farmers and dying rural communities, help our public schools, or fill a pot hole FFS.

02-24-2025

Kari T

As a lifelong Iowan, parent, and business owner, I want to express my adamant opposition of this bill. The idea of taking away anyone's civil rights is shameful, and would represent a huge step backward for Iowa. There is nothing about gender identity that makes someone unworthy of basic civil rights. No one should have to live in fear of having their basic needs met or of being treated unfairly or in a discriminatory way when they need health care or a loan or any other thing that so many of us take for granted. Please, think about how bad this will be for Iowa and the safety of our citizens. No law should be rooted in hate, and that's the only basis I can see for this.

02-24-2025

Melissa McAllister [Dungeon’s Gate Games & Books]

My name is Melissa McAllister. I am a small business owner and resident in Ankeny, Iowa. I implore you to vote no on HSB 242. This bill is incredibly dangerous and harmful to LGBTQ+ Iowansto ALL Iowans. This bill is purposely cruel and without any utility. Passage of this bill would make it even more dangerous for LGBTQ+ Iowansparents, children, and families, college students, our workforceso, so many Iowansto simply exist here, let alone exist safely. The proposed bill would take away the currently protected civil rights of transgender Iowans. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. For example, our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination. Separate but equal was reversed by the US Supreme Court with Brown v. Board of Edin 1954. This bill is a blatant attempt at another kind of segregation. I cannot fathom why Iowa wants to sanction such hostility toward LGBTQ+ Iowans? This is not the Iowa I know. This is not how we treat our fellow Iowans. Stripping away enshrined civil rights is not Iowa nice. Just last week saw scores more people in opposition to this legislation. There is an overwhelming majority of Iowans opposed to this legislationplease listen to your constituents! I beg you to consider the implications of this bill. Iowa cannot become the first in the nation to remove civil rights and to create a second, lower class of citizens. Doing so would also have farreaching implications on our workforce, our college students, and our families. Iowa is not somewhere people are going to want to remain, to seek their education within, or to seek employment within. Businesses thrive when our communities are inclusive and welcoming to ALL. This legislation sends a harmful message that transgender infividuals and samesex famlies are not valued member of our community. Such a stance has real consequenss for Iowas economy and Iowans from all walks of life. My husband and I chose to move to Iowa ten years ago. We started a business from the ground up and it has grown substantially. We are now forced to (again) consider whether we must flee this state. This bill would directly negatively impact our family, our employees, and countless customers we serve from within the metro and across the state of Iowa. Please dont let Iowa create a second class of citizens. Please protect ALL Iowans. Please remember and demonstrate, Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. Please vote NO on advancing HSB 242.Sincerely,Melissa McAllisterAnkeny, Iowa

02-24-2025

Amy Casey

Please reject HSB 242. Human beings of any gender, race, sex, and creed deserve protection under the law. We cannot set the precedent that discrimination is appropriate in this world. Trans people have existed since the beginning of time and they will continue to exist. They should not be discriminated against because of the way they were born (that science proves).

02-24-2025

Alexis Tibesar

this not only seems very transphobic but also unnecessary. not sure why the government cares so much about what's in citizens' pants! seems kinda perverted! kindly fuck off and let's focus on real issues affecting Iowans.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Davis

I believe that gender is decided at the time of birth. And that record should stand as is until someone is over the age of 1821.I believe that as adults raising or helping to raise children it is our responsibility to protect the ever growing minds and innocence of children. Children do not have a fully developed brain until into their early 20's. That's been proven.If an adult wants to partake in an activity, that's their right. But not children. And especially in the schools.Please do not allow any gender ideology or the like in any form in any situation where it would harm the developing mind of a child.Thank you A concerned grandma of two beautiful little GIRLS.

02-24-2025

Susan Harper

As a woman and an Iowan I do not believe the purpose of this bill is to protect anyone. Rather, I see it as a thinly veiled attack on fellow Iowans human rights. Our state has long prized and protected the tights of all her citizens. Please make us an example of empathy and caring for all instead of a place where fear and hatred inform our decisions. I ask you to not support HSB 242. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Zoey Erixon

Please vote no on HSB242. I care greatly for the well being of Iowans and especially the LGBTQ community in Iowa. This bill does not reflect my values, and I believe causes significant harm to our entire community. HSB242 will remove important anti discrimination protections and sex stereotyping protections. Thank you for your time and thank you for voting no on HSB242.

02-24-2025

Stephanie Cavanaugh

Please reject this legislation. All Iowans have the right to protection from discrimination based on any characteristic. Approval of this would take us backward and closer to a society in which discrimination was rampant and tolerated.

02-24-2025

Samantha Michael

Do not pass HSB 242! This bill is an obvious ploy to make some our most vulnerable people suffer, rather than enable them in their pursuit of happiness. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In what way does passing this bill further those tenets? I grew up in here in Des Moines, left the state for college and stayed away throughout my life until last year. Being back here after fifteen years away has been a rude awakening. I used to be proud to be an Iowan. Now when I go out into the world, I am ashamed of this state and tell people it wasnt like this when I was growing up. This bill does not represent the type of person I want my representatives in the government to be. Dont pander to hateful rhetoric. Support the people who actually need it.

02-24-2025

Michelle DurandAdams

Please! Stop this madness! I adamantly oppose HSB 242! Iowans need you to stop speading hate. Stop trying to remove civil rights! We need you to spend time on issues that actually matter to Iowans. Public education, jobs, infrastructure, the economy, homelessness, hunger and more. Stop the hate and start caring for ALL Iowans.

02-24-2025

Charley Kapp

Stop this attack on civil rights. This bill will encourage emotional, psychological, and physical harm to our children. Iowans do not need our politics dictated by outofstate money. We will not be fooled by Donald Trump and his minions. We know wrong when we see it and this is a grievous wrong. End this cruelty today!

02-24-2025

Melissa McAllister

My name is Melissa McAllister. I am a small business owner and resident in Ankeny, Iowa. I implore you to vote no on HSB 242. This bill is incredibly dangerous and harmful to LGBTQ+ Iowansto ALL Iowans. This bill is purposely cruel and without any utility. Passage of this bill would make it even more dangerous for LGBTQ+ Iowansparents, children, and families, college students, our workforceso, so many Iowansto simply exist here, let alone exist safely. The proposed bill would take away the currently protected civil rights of transgender Iowans. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. For example, our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination. Separate but equal was reversed by the US Supreme Court with Brown v. Board of Edin 1954. This bill is a blatant attempt at another kind of segregation. I cannot fathom why Iowa wants to sanction such hostility toward LGBTQ+ Iowans? This is not the Iowa I know. This is not how we treat our fellow Iowans. Stripping away enshrined civil rights is not Iowa nice. Just last week saw scores more people in opposition to this legislation. There is an overwhelming majority of Iowans opposed to this legislationplease listen to your constituents! I beg you to consider the implications of this bill. Iowa cannot become the first in the nation to remove civil rights and to create a second, lower class of citizens. Doing so would also have farreaching implications on our workforce, our college students, and our families. Iowa is not somewhere people are going to want to remain, to seek their education within, or to seek employment within. Businesses thrive when our communities are inclusive and welcoming to ALL. This legislation sends a harmful message that transgender infividuals and samesex famlies are not valued member of our community. Such a stance has real consequenss for Iowas economy and Iowans from all walks of life. My husband and I chose to move to Iowa ten years ago. We started a business from the ground up and it has grown substantially. We are now forced to (again) consider whether we must flee this state. This bill would directly negatively impact our family, our employees, and countless customers we serve from within the metro and across the state of Iowa. Please dont let Iowa create a second class of citizens. Please protect ALL Iowans. Please remember and demonstrate, Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. I urge you to vote NO on advancing HSB 242.Sincerely,Melissa McAllisterAnkeny, Iowa

02-24-2025

Julie Sands

I urge you to please vote no to HSB 242. If passed, this would be discrimination and be detrimental to the mental health of transgender individuals and their loved ones. Our Iowa motto is Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain, so let us live to that standard for the liberties and rights of ALL peoples, and specifically for this bill at this time, transgender individuals. I work in suicide prevention and have seen the impact bills like this have on individuals health and lives. Legal protections and affirming environments are needed to protect equal rights and subsequently peoples wellbeing and safety. Policy that further marginalizes specific groups of people, as does HSB 242, is unacceptable. Vote no to HSB 242. Thank you!

02-24-2025

Gavin McKernan

My name is Gavin. Ill be 30 this July. Im a network engineer at a small ISP in the tristate (Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota) area. I went to college, got my degree, secured an internship and later a full time position here (the definition of pulling myself up by my bootstraps). We provide internet services to rural towns across these three states; places that are more often than not overlooked because of their smaller population. I am very proud of the work that I do. I have a girlfriend, we just moved in together last year. Were trying to save up to buy a house. We want to get married soon. We have three cats and a dog, they drive us absolutely crazy but we love them anyway. I am a transgender American. I didnt ask nor did I choose this. In fact, I spent years trying to avoid feeling this way. Until I could no longer ignore it. Im not sure if you consider suicide vs transitioning a choice, but I sure dont. I am not a predator. I am not a 13 year old kid you think is being mutilated.I am not all of the awful things the Republican Party thinks of transgender folks, and neither are my friends. I am an almost 30 year old adult who did years of research and self reflection to make sure transitioning is something that I needed to do. It also took me just as long to find a medical professional I trusted to provide me with guidance during my transition. On Friday, I was informed I can no longer see my doctor, or receive my prescription for gender affirming care. I am just a human, trying to live a happy and healthy life. What about my American Dream? It doesnt matter if you believe me, or agree with being transgender. You have a right to your opinion just as I have a right to mine, thats the beauty of the United States. But I also have the right to live my life the way that I know in my soul I need to. Im not harming anyone. I have a right to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, the same as you. These anti transgender and anti queer are a direct attack on my American freedoms. And I, along with thousands of other Americans just like me, are begging you to see us for what we really are: human.

02-24-2025

Jessica Eagan

I would like to state my strong opposition to this bill and request for it to be stopped from moving forward. Transgender rights are human rights. There is strong and consistent evidence of discrimination of persons due to gender identity; their protection under the Iowa Civil Rights Act is imperative.

02-24-2025

Taylor Satibanchong

The only people who support this bill due so because of their own religious beliefs. Other peoples religious beliefs should not be governed and pushed onto everyone else. America, and Iowa, should continue to support the religious freedom belief that this country was founded on. Without that, we are nothing.

02-24-2025

Jennie Plummer

As a LGBTQ+ focused therapist, I work closely with transgender Iowans. These individuals have the same goals as all other hardworking Iowans to create a life in which they can support and provide for themselves and their family. This bill could directly inhibit their ability to do so as they could be denied access to basic opportunities and services. Antidiscrimination protections are important part of any meritbased system; a system in which all hardworking Iowans can grow and positively contribute to society regardless of who they are or how they are perceived.

02-24-2025

Cate Sheller

Our state motto is our liberties we prize and OUR RIGHTS WE WILL MAINTAIN! The legislatures job is to live up to this motto, not make a mockery of it. Trans people are people trans rights are human rights. As a lifelong Iowan, a senior citizen, and a voter, I demand that you reject this proposed legislation and restore our states good name.

02-24-2025

Denise Schick

I would like to state my opposition to this bill and request for it to be stopped from moving forward. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.

02-24-2025

Madeleine Henry

This bill is shockingly regressive. Persons who are nonbinary should not be given the protections of the disabled because nonbinarism is not a disability. The length of time given to parents and medical professionals to make a decision that will affect baby forever is unrealistic.

02-24-2025

Carol Chesnutt

The Pella PAC bussed in 40 people 4 hours early to take up all the seats in the room and talking slots.How is this fair representation? Know there are more than 1,000 people waiting in the rotunda ready to speak against the HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Ulrike Carlson

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Trans people exist. They are a part of our society, of our communities, they are neighbors, friends, coworkers. Discrimination against trans people unfortunately also exists. By removing gender identity as a category protected from discrimination, you would be allowing that discrimination to run rampant and unchecked. Why do you want a vulnerable minority to be even less protected? Please vote against HSB 424 and protect your fellow Iowans.

02-24-2025

Dustin Brooks [Triton Inc.]

I am writing you as a lifelong Iowan, American, independent, Christian, and business owner. To be honest, Ive been completely flabbergasted and confused the last few legislative cycles. As a former Republican who actively participated in caucus activities, the Iowa GOP is completely unrecognizable. The party of small government has become the party of big government and control. The party that strategized to be a big tent has become the opposite of what many of your churches likely post on their website, all our welcome here. HSB 242 clearly states that all are not welcome in Iowa. Other bills that have been passed and/or are working their way through the legislative process echo this. But this one is extremely dangerous and straightforwardly unkind. And what for cause? For what purpose? Since when does government have the responsibility to control and restrict the personal, individual freedoms of its people? Per preTrump conservative principles, the governments responsibility is to protect ALL of its peoples inherent, Godgiven rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And for the government to remain small and stay out of the way. HSB 242 does the opposite. Not only does it not protect liberty or the pursuit of happiness, it restricts it. It attacks it. This is a direct attack on liberty.Another bill youre facing telling parents they arent allowed to take their own children, in a private space, to a drag story time, is also abhorrent. Those in the Iowa GOP who champion parents choice and parents rights, are the same ones writing these bills telling parents what they can and cannot do with their own children outside of school. Honestly, what the hell? When will the GOP stop peddling to Skylar Wheeler, who only attacks the LGBTQ community to cover up his own dirty secrets? Everything HSB 242 and anything like it does it not only against the principles of the United States Constitution and the Iowa Constitution, its against the Republican partys own ideologies they used to hold on fervently protecting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The government does not get to enact its biased religious and/or personal beliefs upon all constituents. That is unconstitutional. It is also just wrong and inhumane. To spend so much time, money, and effort attacking a demographic of people making up less than 1% of the population is idiotic. And every person I find supporting this bill claims to be a Christian. How? That also boggles my mind. Everything this bill stands for is exactly the opposite of what Christ taught. But yet again, we have King Trump now that people worship, instead of the One True King. Lastly, HSB 242 is going to continue hurting Iowas economy and competition with other states for business. I just started our 3rd business here and now, I deeply regret that choice. I am already planning to relocate all of our businesses in the next 5 years to another state. Feel free to contact the Iowa Dept. of Revenue to confirm the millions of dollars our companies have contributed to the State of Iowa tax base over the last few years. We proudly manufacture products right here in Iowa and export all over the world, bringing millions in revenue to our State and employing with good paying, longterm careers. Us, and many others, cannot continue recruiting employees to this State. We cannot continue supporting a State and paying the salaries of representatives who are wasting our money on fruitless, useless culture wars. The time has come, it needs to stop. The assault on our public school system. The assault on minority populations. The assault, overall, on our economy. Instead of focusing on the incredibly high costs of childcare our employees and citizens struggle with, youre worried about making sure that transgender and nonbinary folks can be discriminated against. Its time you wake up, get right with God, get right with our community, and do your damn job. Reject HSB 242 and anything else like it. Its time to make Iowa great again and stop the fixation on your neighbors genitals and choice of clothing.

02-24-2025

Di Daniels [SALUD-Multicultural Health Coalition of Storm Lake]

This bill would be a step backward for our nation. Transgender people have lived in the shadows and under a cloud of fear for far too long. In recent years they have cautiously stepped into their place in society because of affirming policies and growing acceptance. This bill threatens to do away with the safety that has been afforded them. Please vote no on this bill.

02-24-2025

Gitali Piekarska Guanel

As a medical student, I strongly oppose House Study Bill 242, which seeks to redefine sex and gender terminology in ways that could harm individuals, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. This bill's limitations on recognizing gender identity in legal documents, civil rights protections, and education will negatively impact both public health and personal wellbeing.From a medical perspective, gender identity is a core aspect of individual health. Research consistently shows that affirming a persons gender identity leads to better mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Restricting legal recognition of gender identity risks increasing stigma and discrimination, which have direct consequences on health, including reduced access to care.Moreover, the bill's restrictions on gender theory in school curricula undermine both scientific understanding and inclusive education. Teaching about gender diversity, grounded in decades of research, fosters respect, reduces stigma, and ensures that students understand the full spectrum of human identity.The medical field supports genderaffirming care and the recognition of gender identity as critical for promoting mental and physical health. Limiting these protections and educational resources runs counter to current medical knowledge and public health best practices.I strongly urge lawmakers to reconsider HSB 242 and prioritize policies that safeguard the rights and wellbeing of all individuals irrespective of sex or gender identity.

02-24-2025

PAUL WINER

You are getting a warped input inside the subcommittee room. 40 people from one Pella PAC have taken up the places in the subcommittee room. You are not hearing from the 12000 people who oppose HSB 242 outside of the room.Another act of democracy gone awry by an ultraconservative group.

02-24-2025

Jennie Plummer

02-24-2025

Chloe Jurenic

This bill will successfully dismantle a life I found worth living. Before transitioning, I was depressed and a burden with no future. Because of this, I have no friends and family. Transitioning saved my life and this bill aims to take anything I have left in life away from me.

02-24-2025

Lois Lawler

In 2007 the words sexual orientation and gender identity were added to the Iowa code. In the years since, Iowans have seen flags, books, drag queen events and public displays proliferate through our communities seeking to impose pride, LGBTQ, trans and other possible practices as normal and universal values. Indeed gender identity and sexual orientation discussions have reached the fervor of a religion, i.e. a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance (Oxford Languages). The key elements of a religion are extant: Beliefs (ideas of the nature of the universe), Practices (rituals such as drag queen events and story hours), Social Organization (a community of believers), and Totems or Symbols (flags and emblems). From Stanford: It is common today to take the concept religion as a taxon for sets of social practices, ( see https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/conceptreligion/ ) Iowa has set a dangerous path to the establishment of a religion in violation of the First Amendment by favoring one religion over another. What next? The promotion of sexual orientations such as pedophilia, bestiality, and objectophilia? Iowans value freedom, people are free to marry their car, marry a consenting adult, but we should also be free from the public demands to accept pursuits which are of supreme importance to the supporters of terminology such as sexual orientation. This is the opposite of allowing people the freedom of choices in their own lives. This is coercion. Lee v Weisman (1992) Coercion test: does the state provide direct aid to a religion in a way that would establish a state church or coerces people to support or participate in a religion against their will? Who has not experienced the cancel culture that has arisen from the inception of this into Iowa code? The proselytizing has spread into our very classrooms down to the youngest ages. Fervent believers openly defy the law and continue to promote their beliefs. In Tilton V Richardson (1971) continuous State assistance defined excessive entanglement. Leaving the words sexual orientation and gender identity in Iowa Code gives a constant source of reinforcement for a particular set of social practices. Assistance flows continuously into teacher and librarian pay, building heating, lighting, and maintenance that are not afforded to all religions. Within our schools children are a captive audience because they are required to attend classes and have limited ability to leave or choose what they are exposed to during school hours, meaning they have no choice but to be present and listen to the information being presented. This is coercion. Taxpayer dollars through the State and the language of the code provide excessive entanglement and support. The actions of supporters of the language promote sexual orientation and gender identity both as a social practice on the level of a religion. The words sexual orientation and gender identity should both be struck from Iowa Code.

02-24-2025

Julia Crowley

Please stop this legislation on Trans People. It does nothing to help Iowa. Listen to medical experts in chemistry and biology to understand these are people. It's not binary like this bill would force people into. Stop this hatred.

02-24-2025

Courtney Graham

AntiTrans legislation will never achieve anything. Trans people have always and will always exist. Trans people have existed longer than the gender binary. Legislation like this harms people across all genders and ages. This legislation is a ridiculous waste of time and money. Anyone involved is a fear mongering, hateful, idiotic waste of government resources. You should be ashamed of yourself for your continued participation. Children in Iowa are starving and youre concerned about this BS? Youre ruining this state and this country.

02-24-2025

Tiffany Deal

This is a perfect example of making a problem where there is none. Instead of trying to purposely harm people in the trans/LGBTQ community who are doing NOTHING to bother you, why not try to pass bills that actually help people in our state. Iowans are better than this harmful and petty legislation that does nothing for the good of our state or its citizens. Please stop.

02-24-2025

Tiffany Deal

02-24-2025

James F

according to the NIH "82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth." This number skyrockets when bills like these are signed. Even if you don't believe that trans people exist they are still people. People, KIDS, that are killing themselves because of bills that invalid their identity. Please do not sign this bill if you care for the children and adults of Iowa.

02-24-2025

Karen Butler

HSB 242 is unconstitutional, antiAmerican, indecent, cruel, unpatriotic, vile, childish, scientifically inaccurate, and morally repugnant. I am Iowaborn and support the rights of all people to express their humanity. Please vote No on HSB 242 and focus instead on the true problems facing our decaying state, like rising cancer rates, decimation of our K12 educational system, and threats to our food and water supplies.

02-24-2025

ann vanveen

My name is Ann Van Veen and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Kira Clouser

This is not ok and I pray more and more vote not to support a bill that will just hurt more and more of our younger kids who identify differently. The usa say we have freedom of choice but all those choices are being taken away! Gender and biological sex is different.

02-24-2025

Michael Libbie [Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications]

Iowa is one of many states that can not find enough workers. Business people tell me this every day and HSB 242 will make the situation worse. This is not a good bill for business, the economy or the fine people of Iowa. We should not be stripping away the civil rights of a protected segment of our society. This is not the welcoming gesture that aligns with the history of our state.

02-24-2025

Rosie Rowe

I am writing to strongly oppose HSB 242, which seeks to enforce rigid and exclusionary definitions of sex and gender that contradict established scientific knowledge, biological diversity, and Indigenous cultural traditions. This bill not only disregards the lived realities of intersex individuals but also erases the longstanding recognition of diverse gender identities in human history and nature.Sex is not a binary, but a complex spectrum influenced by genetics, hormones, and anatomical development. Scientific research shows that intersex individualswho are born with variations in chromosomes, reproductive anatomy, or hormone levels that do not fit typical male or female classificationsaccount for approximately 1.7% of the population. The existence of intersex people directly refutes the claim that biological sex is strictly binary.Further, genetic studies have identified conditions such as Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY), and Turner Syndrome (XO) that illustrate how human biology does not always conform to simplistic male/female distinctions. Policies that enforce rigid binary definitions ignore these scientific realities and contribute to the unnecessary medicalization and discrimination of intersex individuals.Sex and gender diversity are not unique to humans; they exist throughout the animal kingdom. Over 1,500 species exhibit behaviors or biological traits that challenge binary notions of sex and gender. For example:Clownfish undergo natural sex transitions from male to female in response to environmental conditions.Male seahorses carry and birth offspring, showcasing role reversals in reproductive biology.Several species, such as the spotted hyena, display femaledominant societies with characteristics traditionally attributed to males.These natural occurrences demonstrate that rigid humanimposed sex and gender binaries do not reflect the diversity found in biology. Laws that fail to acknowledge this scientific reality are built on flawed premises and risk harming individuals whose identities and experiences do not conform to outdated definitions.Many Indigenous cultures have long recognized and respected gender diversity beyond the Western binary framework. TwoSpirit identities among many Native American tribes represent a deeply rooted, spiritual, and social understanding of gender fluidity that predates European colonization. Similarly, cultures across the world, including Hijras in South Asia, Faafafine in Samoa, and Muxe in Zapotec communities, acknowledge nonbinary and genderdiverse individuals as integral members of society.The erasure of these identities through legal definitions that enforce binary gender categories is a form of cultural oppression that disregards Indigenous knowledge and traditions. Policies should be inclusive and respectful of the diverse ways in which human societies have understood gender throughout history.By ignoring the scientific reality of intersex individuals, the biological diversity of sex and gender in nature, and the longstanding recognition of gender fluidity in Indigenous cultures, HSB 242 is not only factually flawed but also morally unjust. Enacting laws based on misinformation and exclusionary ideology harms marginalized communities and goes against principles of scientific integrity and human rights.I urge you to reject this harmful legislation and instead advocate for policies that embrace scientific accuracy, biological diversity, and cultural inclusivity. Our laws should be informed by facts, not fear, and should protect the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those who exist beyond rigid binary definitions.

02-24-2025

Ryan Hennigan

How about actually doing something that helps Iowans instead of creating boogeymen to scare voters. This does not solve any problem except made up ones. Iowans are facing real problems in schools, the economy, and everyday life. Instead of addressing these, we have a legislature and governor that want to strips right from people and dont want our state auditor to actually identify any fraud and waste in government, as it will likely show the corruption of the current state administration. We also have an AG that either wants to strip away 504 protection from students or has no idea what she is doing when joining lawsuits ( both of which are scary thoughts for the highest level attorney in the state). Do something useful for once.

02-24-2025

Dave Hardie

I think there needs to be clarification. It appears the bill strips Trans individuals of rights. I'm sure that's not the case. But, how does the bill view transgender individuals? Could they not be given employment or housing based on their identity?

02-24-2025

Abby Gilman

It is the governments job to ensure the basic human rights and freedom of all US peoples. Personal opinion and religious beliefs have no place in legislation. LGBTQIA+ deserve every protection under state and federal law as the rest of the cisgender, straight population. This proposed bill is discriminatory, dangerous, and shameful. This is not a true representation of who Iowans are, or how we want to treat our communities. Vote no, and focus energy and tax dollars on legislation that actually protects Iowans against real dangers and threats, such as the harms of big ag, safety of our water and food and air, affordable health insurance for all, programs to rehome and lift up the houseless, caring for our veterans, and continuing the push for clean, renewable energy sources. We pay taxes in the hopes of generating a better world for allnot to fund discrimination.

02-24-2025

Chantal Rozmus

My name is Chantal Rozmus. I am a dual boarded adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist, and as part of my job I work with people who have substance use disorders. As such, the War on Drugs is something I am intimately familiar with and to this day witness the harm it has caused. To directly quote John Erlichman, who worked with the Nixon administration: You want to know what this war on drugs was really all about? The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what Im saying?We knew we couldnt make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.This legislation isn't about trans athletes. It isn't about gender theory. It isn't about "inappropriate books". It isn't about women's rights. It is AN ATTACK on LGBTQ+ Iowans under the guise of "protect our children". It is an attempt to eradicate queer and trans people who have always, and will always exist. If you are reading this and think to yourself, "nobody I know is queer or trans", I want you to know that you are lying to yourself: you know somebody they are just too afraid to tell you. They are too afraid to tell you because of the hate that you hold in your heart, despite being someone that they love.

02-24-2025

Jane Meggers [none]

If you truly prized the liberty of Iowans and served to maintain their rights you would not pass this bill. Why are a bunch of politicians taking charge of how citizens are allowed to identify their gender, but you are banning books in schools and public libraries. I am ashamed of my state.signed, a Retired 22yr State Historical Soc. of Iowa library employee

02-24-2025

Jordan Crawford

Trans individuals are human individuals and therefore deserve all the human rights. Stop the ridiculousness and focus on real issues like education, equal pay for women, lowering costs for Iowans, etc. I can think of a plethora of issues that affect Iowans more than this. Its time to stop and let people live their lives in peace with basic human rights. Thank you.

02-24-2025

Elise Lanigan

This bill is a regressive action that is completely unnecessary and hateful. No American should be discriminated against due to their gender identity. This bill will cause violence against not only transgender individuals but all people if someone else deems that they dont look man enough or woman enough. Its ridiculous that my family pays taxes to the Iowan government and they spend their time removing civil liberties instead of serving their community like they were appointed to do.

02-24-2025

Samantha Severson

Dont do it. Do not vote in favor. These are the people I work for. This is job security. These people are also treated poorly dont make it worse. If you pass this, the first death (out of many in Iowa Im sure), will be on you. I, along with thousands of Iowans will remember this at election time!

02-24-2025

Amy Moore

This bill is discriminatory and does not protect anyone. Iowa should not be taking the rights away of anyone this is the opposite of what the residents need. Residents of Iowa have a Freedom to Flourish exactly as they are. Why would you take away the freedoms of anyone in this state.I OPPOSE this bill.

02-24-2025

Andrew Adams

Government should always be there to protect for the least of us and most vulnerable and be there to support all people. Please reject this as it would be a major step backwards for Iowa as a whole and the rights of all Iowans are affected.

02-24-2025

Jill Sudak-Allison

I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-24-2025

Heidi Yang

I wanted to speak out against this bill. While I don't have all the details and sub sections memorized, I do know this will affect my friends and family that are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It will restrict the way they can identify particularly my trans friends. It doesn't harm anyone to identify as your true self. There has been no evidence to show that trans people being in a public space is disruptive or harmful, including sports. They already have enough trouble existing as it is, and I feel like this bill will make things worse. I urge anyone voting on this bill to vote no or at least seriously reconsider voting yes.

02-24-2025

Marcy Fratzke

Dear Representatives, My name is Marcy and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. I am an Iowan who has chosen to stay in the state to raise my children in a similar way that I was raised, however, the Iowa of today no longer resembles at all the Iowa I grew up in. We have allowed a landscape of hatred and fear to rule over our great state and I fear that people I value will no longer be treated with the respect and acknowledgment they deserve. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. We are at a pivotal point in our history and I encourage you to be brave and stand up for the people in your state. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Kim Long

As a nurse, a social worker and a mother, I am absolutely against this bill that will only serve to drive people from this state and terrorize the people who remain. To say that you care about children and the rights and safety of Iowans is in direct opposition to the legislation that has continued to get proposed and passed. There are critical shortages in healthcare staff already, and hateful legislation like this will impact ALL Iowans as we lose more trained medical staff. I am proud to see the number of comments in opposition of this hateful bill, and I hope that we still live in a place where our elected officials vote in accordance with the will of the people they represent.

02-23-2025

Jessica Reimer

When my family first moved to Iowa from Illinois for my husbands job, I felt confident that we were going to a welcoming state. After all, Iowa had been the third U.S. state to legalize samesex marriage! But over the past decade, I have watched attack after attack from the Iowa Republican Governors and legislators against our LGBTQ+ residents. Many of these people and their families have even left the state in protest or fear. It is beyond time to STOP THESE ATTACKS AGAINST BASIC CIVIL LIBERTIES!

02-23-2025

Kay Dahlstrom-Mendick

Please dont vote this in. Its such a blatant attempt to put Iowa back about 50 years. Many of those who are older than us fought to expand the rights for ALL Americansthis is like a slap right across their faces.

02-23-2025

Olivia King-Holevas

Reading this bill is extremely concerning. There are so many people that will be affected by this right here in our community. The reason it's called gender IDENTITY is because it is truly a person's identity. Taking that away is detrimental. Simply changing the name to gender theory does not and will never change the fact of who someone is. Trying to dismantle pieces of someone's identity and making them feel like they do not exist is such a dangerous way of thinking. Believe it or not, school used to be a safe place for kids to socialize and learn. It has now become a controversial conspiracy theory. Restricting language in schools harbors hate towards a group of people simply because of ignorance. It does NOT erase trans people and it does NOT stop kids from growing up to be who they are meant to be. You have to wonder about what's next if it's this easy to take away BASIC rights for an entire group of people, who's to say crossing out race or sex isn't next? Trans people just happen to be the target right now. This marginalized community of people has continued to be under attack, and this bill is erasing years and years of work just to get this group of people to have SOME of the rights that everyone else has. Passing this bill is going to cause harm and death to trans people right here in our community. As much as you want to erase an entire group of people, trans people have and will always exist and will continue to be a vital part of our society. There is a reason these laws to PROTECT PEOPLE were made in the first place, so why are we going backwards?

02-23-2025

Jessica Hofert

Every Iowan deserves the same freedoms, rights and privileges. Every Iowan child deserves the same education and opportunities. Every Iowan woman deserves the freedom to manage their own autonomy and health. Keep religious opinions and beliefs out of our states politics and schools. You are not speaking for your constituents.

02-23-2025

Valerie Kies

I oppose HSB 242!!! I am a lifelong Iowan. I have worked as a Family Medicine PAC in Iowa since 2008. I am a Christian, a wife, a mother of 2 children in the public school system. I ASK YOU TO OPPOSE HSB242. It is not in the best interest of anyone. I fear that if this bill should pass, Iowa will lose many people that make our state great, not just members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also professionals who are frustrated with our states recent discriminatory legislature. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, people who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.All hardworking people including those who are transgender should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state.As a Christian I believe it is our duty to treat ALL PEOPLE fairly.Protecting people who are transgender from discrimination means treating others as we want to be treated.Gods call to care for all children of God ensures all people are children of God and should be treated as such. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination upholds Gods call.Please be brave and stand for what you know is right. Taking away protections from a group of people who have been historically discriminated against is not right. Please vote no to HSB 242.

02-23-2025

L. Mack

Vote "NO" on HSB 242. This bill is an attack on the humanity of transgender Iowans, aiming to erase their identities and strip them of their rights. Imagine being told youre no longer worthy of legal recognition or basic human rightsthis is what transgender people face under HSB 242. Transgender people were among the first targets of Nazi persecution, their identities erased and rights stripped away. HSB 242 echoes that dehumanization by denying basic dignity and respect. Transgender Iowans are not a political issue; they are our neighbors, family, and friends who deserve equal rights. Voting for this bill means supporting an ideology of hate and exclusion. Reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Allison Triplett

02-23-2025

Chris Joens

Im writing to urge you to reject HSB 242, a bill that strips transgender Iowans of their basic rights and protections. As a transgender Iowan, this piece of legislation directly impacts me, my friends, and the people who choose to love me and have me in their life.All hardworking peopleincluding transgender Iowansdeserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law. If someone cant rent an apartment or access credit simply because of who they are, they cannot compete on a level playing field. These antidiscrimination protections exist to ensure opportunity for all.Further, this bill jeopardizes sexstereotyping protections for all women, not just transgender individuals. It is harmful, unnecessary, and completely out of step with Iowa values.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. They should be treated with dignity and respectnot erased from the law. I urge you to vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Lane Hensley

Why would Iowa deny Civil Rights to any human being? This is a spiteful strike against God's people who have the courage and integrity to seek and proclaim the truth about themselves at no threat, hard, or degradation to anyone. Please do the decent thing and stop proposing legislation that make Iowa a place of hate and fear.

02-23-2025

Jamie Bormann

I do not believe transgenders should have the same rights as everyone and that any bills to remove them should not be passed. For their mental health and human rights, they should be free to be the person they need to be.Thank you for listening.

02-23-2025

Katie Ingram

hsb242 Can NOT be passedit is a blatant act of hate, discrimination, and an infringement of basic human rights. If this bill is passed, we will have regressed in terms of freedoms and liberties here in Iowa. As a state we should be PROGRESSING, not reverting back to antiscience and bigotry. All citizens, regardless of their differences, deserve the right to live their life without fear of their identity negatively affecting their outcomes in life. Protections were put into place because trans people are a vulnerable community, and have had to face violent discrimination both historically and to this day. By reversing their protections, you are telling trans people that YOU do not care, they do NOT matter, and that our leaders in Iowa do not respect our constitution.

02-23-2025

Melissa Springsteen-Haupt

It is deeply disturbing that Iowa legislators would be so boldly proud to remove civil rights from trans people. The evil that exists in the hearts of those who have proposed this bill is something that I cannot fathom, but I hope there are enough good people left in the Iowa legislature to stand against this bill. Bullying is supposed to be against the law in Iowa schools, and yet the biggest bullies of all are the ones who support these relentless attacks on our fellow Iowans.

02-23-2025

Chris Collins

Iowa has always been a place where neighbors take care of each other. We value fairness, kindness, and respect. But HSB 242 goes against everything we stand for. It doesnt protect anyoneit harms people who are already vulnerable. It tells transgender Iowans, including children, that they dont belong. That is not who we are.The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors. Mark 12:31 says, Love your neighbor as yourself. It doesnt say love only the neighbors who look like you, believe like you, or live like you. It simply says to love. Matthew 25:40 reminds us, Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. If we take these words to heart, we cannot support legislation that strips rights away from our fellow Iowans.Transgender people are not political issuesthey are people. They are teachers, nurses, firefighters, business owners, and parents. They are part of our communities, our churches, and our families. This bill does nothing but make life harder for them, and that is not something any of us should stand for.Legislators, I ask you to consider the legacy you want to leave behind. Years from now, do you want to be remembered as someone who chose fear and division over love and justice? Or do you want to be remembered for standing on the side of dignity and equality? Iowa is better than this bill. We are better than this bill. I urge you to do the right thingreject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Lyndsay Nissen

As an Iowan I took pride in our advancement of human rights fifteen years ago. The state was well educated and people understood whether they agreed or disagreed with peoples lifestyles, it was not the governments job to make laws about it. We are now going backwards. I strongly disagree with this bill. It is a disgrace.

02-23-2025

Melissa Sternhagen [St. Paul Congregational UCC Oskaloosa ]

Please vote NO on this bill. This bill is immoral and creates second class citizens among us. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. People who are transgender deserve equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.This bill is not solving any problemit is creating a whole host of new ones. Not just for transgender Iowans but, because this bill has so many broad definitions, for MANY Iowans protected by the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This is about our neighbors and family. As a person of faith, I understand that protecting people who are transgender from discrimination means treating others as we want to be treated.Gods promise to care for all children of God means everyone should be treated as such. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination upholds Gods promise.The only way wrongs in this world are stopped is when good people do brave things. I believe we are all unshakably good. And I know that this bill is WRONG to its core. You have it in your power to keep Iowa from being the only state to EVER strip civil rights from a group of people granted by law. You have it in you to be brave. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Katie Ingram

hsb242 Can NOT be passed, it is a blatant act of hate, discrimination, and an infringement of basic human rights. If this bill is passed, we will have regressed in terms of freedoms and liberties here in Iowa. As a state we should be PROGRESSING, not reverting back to antiscience and bigotry. All citizens, regardless of their differences, deserve the right to live their life without fear of their identity negatively affecting their outcomes in life. Protections were put into place because trans people are a vulnerable community, and have had to face violent discrimination both historically and to this day. By reversing their protections, you are telling trans people that YOU do not care, they do NOT matter, and that our leaders in Iowa do not respect our constitution.

02-23-2025

James Timp

I am OPPOSING this bill from being passed. This is a blatant attack on the transgender community of Iowa and a disgrace towards the civil liberties this country should provide. This is a heinous misuse of government funds and a distraction from the other glaring problems Iowa is facing right now. Finally, this goes against the separation of church and state. Keep your Christian dogma out of peoples lives.

02-23-2025

John Kenyon

Please vote against this bill. Do not forward it. Do you remember when Iowa was celebrated for pushing the envelope in guaranteeing rights for its citizens? And do you remember how that had no negative effect at all? We should go back to being the kind of state others aspire to be, not get in line with the other backward places taking rights away from people.And have no doubt about it: removing these protections very much codifies a right to discriminate. If someone can be denied service because of who they are, then they are being discriminated against. That is why these protections are necessary.It is also necessary to allow people to be who they are to have a birth certificate or a drivers license that accurately depicts their identity. They need to be able to see themselves in their classwork, in books, and in the world at large.This bill will do nothing but harm with absolutely ZERO benefits. Please do the right thing, or rather, the correct thing, and kill this bill.

02-23-2025

Marty Reichert

I am once again asking you to oppose this waste of time bill. Iowa has much more important issues than to remove protections for Iowans. Removing references to gender or transgender individuals will not get rid of transgender individuals or anyone who is considered an other. We have always been here and always will be here, no matter what the old, white conservatives think.Focus on supporting those in your state rather than tearing them down and you will see how a society truly flourishes. Continue to discriminate and look to the past and you will have no future. We are the future and you cannot stop that, you will only delay the inevitable. Love will always win. We are love; unconditional love and if you vote for this to pass committee you are voting against love.Look outside your committee room doors. See all of those people. They are my friends, they are my family, they are me and we are the future. We are love and you are hateful.

02-23-2025

Jessica Wegmann

I strongly oppose this bill and everything that it stands for. The actions this bill seeks to regulate are not dangerous in any way and their policing is entirely ridiculous as well as ambiguous considering it puts an untold number of people at risk for prosecution for the simple act of exercising their free speech and positive influence in their own community. The legislators carrying this bill forward are clearly disregarding the value and lives of so many of their own constituents. Its shameful.

02-23-2025

Jill Watrous

Am increasingly outraged by (& ashamed of) Iowa's recent legislative attacks on our LGBTQ community members. Disgusting, ti fan the flames of hate crimes, especially with the recent ridiculous attack on an art form known as drag. And even children who identify as non binary or trans are now wondering what they can safely wear in Iowa... I grew up in Iowa & was proud when Iowa was early in supporting gay marriage rights... Now at 67, with Iowa becoming increasinglyovertaken by self righteous, shortsighted Republicans, I'm certain that if narrow minded thinking continues to gain momentum, I'd be happier to see my local grandchildren move away.. maybe join my other grandchildren in Montreal where LGBTQ folks aren't being attacked, and the arts are thriving without such ignorant & harmful censorship. I've been happy to see my local grandson feel comfortable putting on nail polish along with his little sister, and wearing it everywhere... but now I'm becoming afraid for kids who are creatively choosing how they'll look , breaking traditional gender boundaries. Iowans, please protest attacks on our LGBTQ neighbors, friends,and family members. Lets focus on real problems like prociding affordable housing, and food for needy folks! Jill Watrous, Plymouth Place, Des Moines

02-23-2025

Michael Eckert

All Iowans deserve equal status under law, including those who identify with nontraditional gender categories or who may change gender. The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242) violates the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States." Schools should be free to write their own curricula based on science and medicine, not political ideology.

02-23-2025

Rachel Bruns

Please vote no on HSB 242. As a lifelong Iowan and person of Christian faith, I believe our laws should treat all people with respect and dignity.These basic antidiscrimination protections are important, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are.

02-23-2025

Laurel Leuwerke

The HSB 242 bill is harmful. This bill strips people of their rights for simply being themselves. This is unacceptable as an American and especially as an Iowan. We are a kind and welcoming people who treat others with respect. This bill does not reflect that, it is not representative of the people of Iowa. Please reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Kristian Maul

Vote NO on this bill. I am a husband, father, Christian, attorney, and smallbusiness owner who happens to be a transgender man. I want the same things as most Iowansthe freedom to flourish. I worry about the same things as most Iowanswill my business continue to grow this year, will our health insurance premiums go up again next year, how will we pay for our kids college tuition and expenses in just 4, whose family are we going to spend Christmas with this year, will the Hawkeyes (or Cyclones) win this week. If this bill passes, I and all other transgender and gender nonconforming Iowans will have a whole new set of worries every daywill I be fired from my job tomorrow, will my landlord evict me, will I be denied that small business loan, will my familys favorite restaurant refuse to serve me or sit us in a separate section, where will I use the restroom in public. Ive been using the mens restroom and locker room for 20 years. No one will feel that their privacy and safety are being protected with me in the womens facilitieswhich is what this bill will require me to do.Have the guts to own what this bill is really abouterasing transgender people from the state. Those of us who have the financial means and ability will move. Many of those of us who dont will be forced to live a lie in order to keep our jobs and a roof over our families heads. Unfortunately the physical and mental toll will be significant.If you don't personally know a transgender person, I encourage you to sit down and talk to someone who is transgender before voting on this bill. I would be happy to talk to you about the real experience of living as a transgender person in Iowanot the stories circulated by groups with no actual knowledge.If this bill passes and gender identity protections are removed for all Iowans, thousands of us will have no recourse for discrimination that limits our freedom to flourish. I urge you to do the right thing for Iowa and all Iowansvote no on the Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act HSB242.

02-23-2025

Terri & John Hale

This is the message we sent to our Representative, Ryan Weldon.We are terribly dismayed by the introduction of HSB242 which removes civil rights protections from transgender Iowans. These citizens are human beings who deserve the very same civil rights protections as you and us. There are transgender people who live in your district. They work here, they go to school here, they raise families here. We know some of them. And have a great deal of respect for them. We know one thing for sure: there is no way that any of these individuals choose to be transgender on a whim. Given the way our society maltreats them, who would ever do that?There was a time when we, like many in the Iowa legislature, didn't know transgender people and were afraid of what we didn't understand. However, Terri in her long career at Principal Financial Group, got to become friends with trans coworkers. She learned that they are human beings with the same needs, desires and goals as any other person.We do not believe anyone in the Iowa legislature should vote for this harmful measure if they haven't taken the time to know and understand trans Iowans the way we have. Those who haven't are operating from a place of fear of the unknown, and ignorance of the reality of trans Iowans lives. We do not think it's fair or right for those who do not understand trans individuals to pass legislation that dramatically blocks their ability to live safely and equally in this state.We urge you and your colleagues to lead and do the right thing for the right reasons. Discrimination against anyone for any reason is never the right thing. That is not what our country was built on and it is not what the Iowa we know and love stands for.Make no mistake about it. This legislation would dramatically hurt trans Iowans and the people who love them. That includes us. It also sends an unmistakable message that Iowa is no longer a state that values freedom and equality for all of its citizens. Is that really something we want to be known for? Will that help, or hinder, Iowa's economic growth? Will it encourage people to move here, or will it chase them away?

02-23-2025

Melinda Pollmeier

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HSB242, a bill that seeks to remove critical protections for transgender Iowans and undermines the rights of fellow Iowans, coworkers, family and friends. Iowa has always prided itself on its kindness and its community values, yet this bill goes against those principles. It creates further barriers to equality and safety for transgender Iowans and opens the door for discrimination against people based on their gender identity. Discrimination has no place in our state, and I urge you to consider the real, negative impact that passing this bill would have on Iowans. We should be working to create a state where all individuals are able to live freely and with dignity, not one where they are pushed to the margins.Please vote against HSB242. Transgender Iowans deserve to be protected, respected, and treated equally.

02-23-2025

TJ Walter

No to HSB 242 ! This bill is discriminatory to Trans people. Trans rights are Human rights. You cannot and should not try to erase the existence and identity of an already marginalized segment of society. Its wrong and cruel.

02-23-2025

Betsy Fickel

A DO PASS on this piece of legislation, that until a few years ago would not have even had to be considered. Common sense has nearly become a relic of the past. It is up to the parents to teach morals and values. Schools have strayed way off their course of purpose to teach reading, writing, 'rithmetic, and history. Most importantly HOW to think, not what to think.

02-23-2025

Lisa Rock

I urge you to uphold the civil rights of all Iowans and vote NO on HSB242. This legislation removes basic protections for transgender Iowans from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and other areas of Iowa Code and creates complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. Transgender Iowans are not an ideology or a theory. Transgender Iowans, like all Iowans, are human beings who deserve the same equal protections under law afforded to you and me. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide shelter for themselves and their families. HSB242 legalizes discrimination against Iowans who are transgender in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and credit. This bill weakens protections for Iowans who are intersex and cisgender who dont fit rigid gender norms.My minister father taught me to treat others as I would want to be treated, to welcome the stranger, and to fight injustice with compassion and love for "all God's children." The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act does not reflect these values. Upholding gender identity in Iowa's Civil Rights Act and Iowa Codeprotecting people who are transgender from discriminationdoes.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote NO on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Rashad Barnes

This goes against the basic constitutional rights we were supposed to be founded on. And besides, why is this what any form of congress is worried about when we can all barely afford groceries?? Is this what our tax dollars are going to?

02-23-2025

Emily Arndt

With every ounce of my being, I oppose this bill. I am the proud partner of a smart, kind, and beautiful trans person; I am a proud friend and ally to many trans Iowans. Hear me when I say this: you will lose much more than you could possibly gain by passing this bill. If legislators claim to care about the safety of all Iowans, then I demand they prove that all Iowans mean ALL Iowans. No hateful legislation or discrimination will ever change the facts that trans folks are as Iowan as Iowa can get. Trans folks have existed for as long as humanity has by denying the rights of trans folks, you deny the humanity of your own citizens. End the madness, end the hatred. All trans people are people, all trans people are valid, and hatred of others has NEVER had a place in Iowa. Time for our elected officials to prove they care for all of us, lest the consequences of their hate be enacted at the polls.

02-23-2025

Dawn Stephens

Please reject HSB242. Iowa used to be known for its strong education system and for "Iowa nice". If we pass this inhumane bill, we will become known for being the first state to REMOVE civil rights for people. WHAT IN THE WORLD?? That is not educated or nice. Trying to erase trans and other members of the LGBTQ community is heartless and futile. They will still exist. THEY WILL STILL EXIST. We have SO much actual work to do and SO many actual problems to address, how did removing civil rights for ANYONE become a priority? It's cruel. It's terrifying. It's moving backwards. PLEASE reject this bill. Are you being "Iowa nice"? Are you prioritizing what really matters? Please reject this bill. Not asking you to like anyone in the LGBTQ community. Not trying to recruit you to join the LGBTQ community. Just pleading for you to be a decent human being. And don't rock a boat that is simply parked in the harbor. In the name of education, decency and kindness, please reject this bill.

02-23-2025

Darcie Oelberg

Please register my OPPOSITION to HSB242. This would be a giant step backwards for civil rights in our state. Stop the attack on our transgender family, friends and neighbors! Young people will leave the state in droves as a result if this is passed and that is not good for our economy and future.

02-23-2025

Taylor Beers

I strongly oppose HSB 243. This bill has the potential to create extremely dangerous situations for Iowans whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. It is the governments obligation to protect its citizens, not to create legislation that puts them in harms way.

02-23-2025

Nicole Hoag

I am urging you to reject HSB242. Our government should not be stripping Iowans of their rights. Our trans friends and neighbors deserve to live without fear of discrimination and exclusion. Do not waste our taxpayer money on these bills to target a group of people who are trying to live and work in peace. Please show some leadership and stop the attack on transgender and nonbinary Iowans. This state will move backwards if this is where our lawmakers want to spend their time and taxpayer money. We will lose valuable people, and young people will not want to make their homes here. OPPOSE HSB242!!!

02-23-2025

Megan Bannister

I implore you to vote against HSB242. Not only does this bill legalize discrimination against Iowans based on their gender identity when it comes to finding housing, securing public accommodation, receiving an education, and utilizing their credit, but it also sets a dangerous precedent by deeming that separate spaces for people based on sex are not unequal, despite overwhelming evidence that inclusive and accessible spaces are crucial for tIowan's safety and dignity.As a small business owner, policies like these make me question growing my company in a place that doesn't advocate for the rights of all citizens. As an Iowan, I find it shameful that the legislators of a state whose slogan heralds "prizing our liberties" and "maintaining our rights" spend so much time actively trying to take away the rights of their constituents.Please vote against this bill and preserve the civil rights of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Tania Schramm [Grace Lutheran Church]

I OPPOSE HSB242! As a lifelong Iowa, I have never seen an attempt to remove the civil rights from people in our state. This legislation does not create jobs, help grow our community or economy, would not protect anyone or solve any of the critical issues facing Iowans today. Instead, it seems to be born out of fear and hatred and will hurt people who are equal citizens of this state. It would among other provisions strip transgender Iowans of protections under the Iowa Civil Rights Act and weaken protections for intersex and cisgender Iowans who dont fit rigid gender norms. HSB242 does not reflect science or morality or compassion.

02-23-2025

Nick Maples

Allow me to be very clear: I am not an Iowa citizen, I never have been, nor will I likely ever be. I don't need to be, not to voice and reiterate that this bill is focused on a nonissue that has the potential to influence and harm other states in this country, when as we speak, the price of gas, basic groceries, insulin, and the general cost of maintaining shelter is rising more and more every single day. I don't need to be an Iowa citizen to recognize that tax dollars are being wasted for something that only serves to harm the people that elected representative are supposed to serve. This is a gross negligence of the privilege to write and form laws within the American Government, without due cause, or due course to enable better growth of Iowa's economy or general safety. This serves nothing, but to enable more vitriol among the aisles, for every state in the Republic, should this waste of resources pass. Get a grip.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Franksain

This bill goes against science, gender and sex are two separate things. This bill also invalidates the existence of intersex people whom may have been born with ambiguous genitalia or genitalia that does not match that of what would be seen as "normal" for the the chromosomes that "determine" the sex of an individual. Transgender, NonBinary, and Intersex people are valid and they should be treated with the same level of care and respect that cisgender individuals get.It is vital, especially for children, to be taught understanding and compassion for those who are different for them or understand that they are not "broken" or "sick" just because they don't fit into the societal norms that praise cisgendered stereotypical masculine/feminine norms and demonizes those who don't fit in those boxes. If you truly care about children and want them to live happy and productive lives you will love and support them for who they are.Teach love not hate.

02-23-2025

Jo Arendt

Anyone involved in the creation or passing of this bill should be ashamed of themselves. I strongly oppose this bill. Trans folks are not the monster underneath your bed, or your children's beds. The monster is governmental greed and oligarchy, not freedom of expression. Trans folks exist as part of a vibrant, loving community committed to caring for not only one another, but our neighbors as well. Any attempt to erase us from public life or strip away the same protections from us that cisgender folks have is a tragedy to Iowa as a community. Vote no.

02-23-2025

William Woodward

Having grown up in Iowa my entire life I can safely say I no longer wish to live here after these past several years. we have lead the nation in regressive policies. Rising cancer rates have claimed the lives of thousands including a close friend of mine only 22 years of age. This law is a clear violation of the first amendment. These protections have stood for decades and no one has been hurt by them, in fact countless lives have been saved by them. Your culture war alienates and isolates many while real problems, like rising cancer rates, go woefully unaddressed. Thank you for your time if anyone even bothered to read this

02-23-2025

Amanda Long

I am absolutely against this bill. Trans people exist, even here in Iowa. This is a slippery slope to start discriminating against anyone you don't like or don't agree with. Here in Iowa our State Motto is "Out liberty we prize and our rights we will maintain." This bill will strip rights of citizens of Iowa and a slap to the face of what our state was built on. Shame on you for even thinking it was ok to write this bill

02-23-2025

Linda Gregory

Legislators of Iowa, I urge you to vote no on this hateful, prejudicial bill that violates the basic human rights of a very small and marginalized segment of our state's population. Trans individuals just want to live in peace and enjoy the same rights and protections as any other Iowan. They should not have to live in fear. ALL human beings deserve protection under the law. This bill is beyond reprehensible. It's evil. Please do the right thing by showing kindness, compassion, and Christian charity by voting "no" on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Lisa Ferretti

You MUST vote NO on HSB 242.It is unconscionable that you would consider shrinking human rights for any Iowans, in particular vulnerable Iowans.I am a licensed clinical social worker and this bill will result in irreparable mental health harm to individuals that need more protections, not fewer protections.VOTE NO!

02-23-2025

Alexandra N

I am opposed to HB 242 because removing the civil rights protections of my fellow Iowans would be a morally abhorrent act not just toward the likely "targets" of discrimination, but toward anyone who will suffer "unintended" consequences of the removal of these protections. If discrimination is allowable based on even one harmless human characteristic, everyone is vulnerable to that discrimination, and no one wants to live in that world. There is no benefit to this for everyday Iowans only risk.

02-23-2025

Laura Webber

Vote NO on HSB 242. I believe in the state motto our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain and I believe that applies to EVERY Iowan. This bill serves neither part. This bill is dangerous, cruel, and unnecessary. A marginalized community having rights has NO negative impact on any other group of people, so this is wholly discriminatory and needless.

02-23-2025

Jody Caldwell

You cant remove someones rights to personhood bc they make you uncomfortable or I one hundred percent guarantee you wouldnt be allowed to live in the manner to which you, arrogant legislators, have grown accustomed. Thats the point. It has nothing to do with you personally. It is about human rights. Civil rights. Becoming known as a place that embraces facial not just with open arms but by running ahead to meet it is not legislation. It is crime. It is hate. Stop. Look at what you are doing. You are literally going to hurt and even kill people. Because you are hatemongering bigots who want everyone else to be as ignorant as you. I dont like a thing so Ill pretend it doesnt exist!Guess what? Thats not how it works. It wont work for us, it wont work for my disabled friends dependent on medication paid for by Medicaid to live as you try to rip that away. We are a very loud group of people and we just get louder when we hurt. Fix this. Do your job.

02-23-2025

Finch VanDyk

As a cisgender Iowan I very strongly oppose this bill. This does nothing to help our people, the Iowans for whom you are responsible. I understand that you are reasonable people, and reasonable people don't intentionally cause harm to their constituents. Vote no on this bill.

02-23-2025

Robert Kremwr

Hard 'NO!' to HSB 242A piece of legislation that will continue to push Iowa into the past. This needlessly removes protections against a sect of people who has every right to them as I, a straight white cis male, do or anyone else in the state we call home for that matter. Please redirect all of your resources, energy, and efforts you have to hate and bully your fellow citizens into something that could actually benefit this state. Like adding to education and bettering the environment. Add to our society and future; don't subtract.

02-23-2025

Ben Sever

I am opposed to this bill. Please do not pass it out of committee. History will judge harshly those who seek to remove rights and protections from those who need it most.Iowa's state motto is still "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."Live up to it.

02-23-2025

Sydney Dvorak

I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill has no positive purpose its only apparent purpose is to further other our trans community members. An America that fights for freedom and equal rights and people is an America that should accept trans people as they are not try to fit everyone into a cookie cutter mold. Trans people are who they are, and no bill will change that. This bill is dangerous for women and men everywhere. Please do not let Iowa move backwards. Do not support this bill.

02-23-2025

Karen Maass

I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create confusion and complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. As American citizens, all of our civil rights are protected. I presume this is something you believe in too. (Our state is also participating in a lawsuit trying to abolish 504 of the American Rehabilitation Act so I am no longer sure this is a common belief/value. The 1973 law bars discrimination on the basis of disability at any entity that receives federal funds.) General Milley in his undelivered letter of resignation that he shared publicly said the following: "Third, I swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States and embodied within the Constitution is the idea that says all men and women are created equal. All men and women are created equal , no matter who you are , whether you are white or Black, Asian, Indian, no matter the color of your skin, no matter if youre gay, straight or something in between. It doesnt matter if you are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jew or chose not to believe. None of this matters. It doesnt matter what country you came from, what your last name is what matters is were Americans, We are all Americans. That under these colors of red,white and blue the colors my parents fought for in World War II means something around the world. It is obvious to me that you dont think of those colors the same way I do. Its obvious to me that you dont hold those values dear and the cause I serve." Transgender people are our neighbors and friends, family and coworkers. They too have a right to earn money, a right to have a place to live and be served by business and government. They should not be discriminated against. Stop the hate!! Please vote against HSB242 because they are Americans too. Karen Maass

02-23-2025

Katie Anderson

Im in awe of the cruelty that is being proposed here. This absolutely cannot stand. Im a lifelong Iowan and I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS. Trans rights are HUMAN RIGHTS and taking away rights from our trans community members is truly so deeply despicable, harmful and pathetic!! Shame on Iowa that this has even been proposed.

02-23-2025

Keri Sweeting

It seems out legislatures have wondered into a territory of unnecessary cruelty. This bill imposes on the rights of each family and individual to make their own choices. Its a way for Iowas government to butt into the private lives of every citizen. Iowans dont want this bill. Please vote no

02-23-2025

Lorri Grubb

I implore you to reject HSB 242.I am the grandmother to 13 amazing people, three of whom are transgender. I love each of these three young women as much as I love my other 10 cisgendered grandchildren. Their transitions have been lifeaffirming. What they need to do to live their authentic, Godgiven lives is not the business of politics or politicians. It is unconscionable that three of my grandchildren will be at risk of having no legal protections because they are transgender Iowans. This bill will endanger lives, remove basic civil rights for transgender folks, and do nothing positive for the state of Iowa. In the 18 years since gender identity has been protected in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, have any Iowans been negatively impacted? I witnessed my 21yearold granddaughter being harrassed by an older woman who took her young male child into a public women's restroom. This event took place with legal protections for my grandchildren. What is going to happen when her legal rights are not protected?Please vote NO to HSB 242

02-23-2025

Lissa Kahl

Oppose HSN 242. It dehumanizes those to whom it is directed as well as everyone else by its writing and implementation. I ask you to value and respect the privacy and freedom of all people as they discern and work towards becoming who they most fully are.

02-23-2025

Leo Kremer

To our representatives, passing bad laws just because you can is terrible policy. Your insistence on pursuing punitive regulations is counterproductive. When the pendulum swings the other way you will be wondering why you are being left out. You have earned it.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Santiago

Please register my opposition to this bill. There is no reason to continue with legislation that strips the rights of Iowans. Transgender people are our neighbors, coworkers, students, and friends. Please let them live their lives in peace instead of putting their lives at risk.

02-23-2025

Anne Daggett

I oppose this bill. Please do not make this a law. We have a lot larger problems in this country than allowing people to love who they prefer. This is disgusting that you think the government should choose who someone loves or marries. You are not God.

02-23-2025

Leo Kremer

02-23-2025

Gloria Stefani

Please do not support this bill. It is wrong. It is disgraceful and discriminatory. I understand that there is a lot of controversy, but the transgendered and people who are going through heart breaking decisions and struggling with their choices really deserve to be treated fairly and with human dignity.

02-23-2025

Kathleen Stuart

I am standing up for rights of transgender individuals...and I will be holding all subcommittee members accountable for trying to take their rights away...It is a sad day for Iowans, and I am embarrassed about what many Iowa legislators are voting for...Jesus was accepting of all...

02-23-2025

Kelly H

I am opposed to HSB 242!! It seeks to criminalize and erase anyone who doesnt conform to the rights version of gender. This bill is wrong! Please stop the attack on the LGBTQ+ community! Focus on actual issues! Oppose this bill and do not let it pass!!

02-23-2025

CAROL SCHLEIHS

Our Pledge of Alliance that students are required to cite in school says "with liberty and justice for all." Currently in the United States, there are many people that feel "Liberty and Justice for All" does not apply to them!!When is enough enough? I have always been proud to tell people that I am from Iowa, not so much anymore! The State of Iowa should be a leader and do what is right, ethical, and moral and not a follower. If we truly believe in the United States of America, then we must remember that according to the Declaration of Independence "that all men (people) are created equal!!"IowaLet's do what is right!!

02-23-2025

Kate Armbruster

Absolutely opposed to this harmful legislation. Please reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.

02-23-2025

Haley Whitlatch

Amending the civil rights code will note make our children safer, will not make our women safer, will not make our communities safer. As a tax paying Iowan, I beg you to spend your legislative time on issues that would improve the lives of Iowans. Please improve our public schools and look to invest in children's health, work to train and retain medical professionals to ensure access to basic healthcare, look for solutions for our aging population and surging caregiver crisis, make our communities safer by investing in social services and public health, maintain our rich opportunities in agriculture by focusing on the needs of the family farmer, look for solutions to the brain drain and younger Iowans leaving Iowa. Please focus on what matters to Iowans. Protect our rights. Invest in all our futures. Make Iowa and Iowans better. Reject this amendment.

02-23-2025

Catherine Petersen

I oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that seeks to remove the rights of transgender and nonbinary Iowans. This bill has been proposed by legislators who often discuss their religious beliefs, so I choose to point this out directly: as a Christian, I am deeply opposed to any legislation that is designed to persecute, or remove civil rights, of any group of people. To love ones neighbor is to want the same rights and quality of life that you seek for yourself and your loved ones. This proposed legislation is antithetical to the directive to love your neighbor as yourself. Trans and nonbinary people are beloved of God. They are your neighbors, who you have been instructed to love. Iowans are sick and tired of legislation that is designed to spread hate, fear, and divisiveness. Trans and nonbinary people deserve protection under the law. Full stop.

02-23-2025

Jackie Harriman

I do not support any bill making it more difficult for trans people to live their lives the same as everyone else. Trans minors have enough trouble just trying to grow up. They don't need to be bullied by lawmakers too.

02-23-2025

Tara Misra

02-23-2025

Catherine Quehl-Engel

As Christian clergy I am asking you to please prevent discrimination against Iowans who otherwise will be denied human dignity, safety, and equal rights. All of us know from childhood kids who were wired differently and consequently were beaten up and shunned. Who lived in terror of bullies. HSB242 is the equivalent of saying that the unethical, cruel behavior these differently wired young people experienced, often while others turned their eyes, is okay. Lets not be complicit in hate. Please reject HSB242.

02-23-2025

Shirley Harris

I am writing to vehemently OPPOSE HSB 242, as it would deny the humanity and reality for some members of my family and others I do not yet know. I am personally a ciswoman who has been in my heterosexual marriage for 55 1/2 years. Therefore, I do not anticipate this bill will directly affect me. However, I feel strongly that our society is better for protecting the civil rights of all people in our state. Please defeat this bill and demonstrate your empathy for your fellow Americans.Sincerely,Shirley Harris

02-23-2025

J Scott

VOTE YES to HSB 242! Our laws should be based on truth, fact and reality. If we pass laws in this state that are based on feelings, delusions or lies we will have a society in chaos. Currently Iowa law says gender identity is a protected class in the civil rights code. Federal civil rights code does not say this. 27 other states do not have this law either. This law passed in 2007 is errant, because according to our Creator and to the biology of humans, there are only 2 genders and NO gender "identities". That is reality, truth and fact. A made up term "gender identity" is based on delusions of people who are struggling with their mental health about their identity. The most loving thing we can do for anyone is to tell them the truth, including those who are struggling with gender dysphoria. Iowans have made it clear in the past few legislative sessions with the bills we have passed to protect women and girls in their sports, their locker rooms and bathrooms, in k12 classrooms, as well as public places like the pool they want truthful and COMMON SENSE laws for PROTECTION in society. Having gender identity as a protected class in Iowa civil rights code, means that our biological daughters could have to share bath and locker rooms with biological boys and men, and compete against them in sports. It also has resulted in the state of Iowa paying for artificial hormones and genital surgeries for those who want to attempt to change their body to that of the opposite gender. Of note, there are just two of those gender options available when seeking sex change treatments. This bill will still protect the right of a person to identify however they choose, dress how they choose, and all of their other rights just the same as the rest of us. This bill will simply protect our female designated spaces for biological females only including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, sports, (which has now become Federal Law), and will end the practice of the state of Iowa paying for hormones and genital surgeries. The current President is taking away funding for states that do not comply with these common sense laws. Iowa needs to follow by voting in support of this bill.

02-23-2025

Abby Michael

Please vote against HSB242. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.

02-23-2025

Julia Franklin-Jones

I urge you to vote against HSB 242. This bill directly harms and removes rights and protections for trans Iowans. Iowa was once a leader in seeing the worth of all people. We can be that place again. You have an opportunity to embrace those who are different than you rather than allowing hate and discrimination to prevail. It takes courage and intention to love and accept, and voting no is an act of bravery that will be remembered.

02-23-2025

Stacy Wistock

I strongly oppose this bill, and any other attempt to strip rights away from Iowa's citizens. Anyone who supports legalizing discrimination is not fit to serve in public office, and deserves to be ousted from their position of power over others. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

LIZ RIORDAN

I strongly oppose this bill for numerous reasons, many already mentioned by several others already on this forum. This is a poorly crafted bill number one, obviously made by outsiders and not Iowans. As our representatives, it is your duty to protect ALL IOWANS. You don't get to strip away rights of a group of humans and still call yourself American. Do your job and protect our Civil Rights!

02-23-2025

LIZ RIORDAN

02-23-2025

Corrie Block

I am the parent of an autistic child and a strong ally of the transgender community. I am writing to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create unnecessary complications for others who do not fit within its narrow definitions.As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I know firsthand how important it is for all peopleespecially those who are often misunderstood or marginalizedto be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Every person, including transgender individuals, deserves equal protection under the law, the ability to work, and the opportunity to support themselves and their families without fear of discrimination. If someone is denied housing, employment, or basic services simply because of who they are, we are failing to provide an equitable and inclusive society for all.This bill does not just harm transgender Iowansit also weakens protections against sex stereotyping, which could negatively impact nontransgender women and others who do not conform to rigid gender norms. Discrimination in any form is a threat to fairness for everyone.Transgender people are our children, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They deserve the same opportunities and protections as anyone else. Please stand against discrimination and vote NO on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Jan Clarke

Please note my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).I am vehemently opposed to this ridiculous removal of rights for transgender people. Iowa used to be on the leading edge of the civil rights movement, first in the nation for gay marriage. How far we have fallen! There is absolutely no call for discrimination. Everyone deserves their civil rights. Vote NO on HSB 242!

02-23-2025

Carl Iversen

Iowa has always been a progressive state. One of the first to give rights to minority groups of every color, shape, and size. It is unAmerican and inIowan to strip anyone of recognition or rights. Strike down HSB 242 before we regress as a people.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Oredson

Please vote no on HSB 242! If Iowa passes this law, we would have the humiliating distinction of being the first state in the nation to grant civil rights to a minority group and then subsequently remove those rights. My family has weathered direct attacks from the Iowa legislature for the past 4 years, and we are exhausted. The state of Iowa banned medical care for my daughter, and we have had the privilege and resources to be able to take her out of state to continue receiving the care she needs for the past two years. But stripping her of her basic civil rights? Removing legal recognition of her existence? That crosses the line in a way that we cannot weather. I am a small business owner who employs around 20 Iowans, so moving out of state is no small thing. But the hostile environment has become intolerable. In 2025, are we really debating legalizing discrimination of a marginalized and vulnerable population of Iowans? Maintaining the existing rights of transgender Iowans does not in any way infringe upon the rights of others. Whenever I wade into the arena of those in favor of this bill, I am confronted with nothing but shockingly hateful rhetoric that leaves my heart broken. I've seen some of that on this comment board, although I am pleased to see those comments are in the stark minority clearly Iowans do not want this bill!Iowa is our home I was born here, and my three children have known no other life. We want to stay here with our friends, family, and community, and you have the power to let us stay. Please vote on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Jenea Veazey

I am writing to express my strong opposition to **HSB 242**, a bill that seeks to restrict discussions of gender identity in schools and limit the recognition of transgender and nonbinary individuals in Iowa. This bill is deeply concerning, as it undermines the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Iowans, particularly young people, and creates a hostile environment for those who simply want to live authentically. Gender identity is a deeply personal and fundamental aspect of who we are. For many transgender and nonbinary individuals, being recognized and affirmed in their gender is essential to their mental health, safety, and ability to thrive. By erasing gender identity from school curricula and restricting its inclusion in vital records, this bill sends a harmful message to LGBTQ+ Iowans that their identities are not valid or worthy of acknowledgment. This bill also poses significant risks to the mental health and safety of LGBTQ+ youth. Studies consistently show that affirming environments, including schools that teach inclusive curricula, significantly reduce rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender and nonbinary students. By banning discussions of gender identity in schools, HSB 242 would deprive students of the opportunity to learn about diversity, empathy, and respect for others. It would also isolate LGBTQ+ youth, making them feel invisible and unsupported in their own communities. Furthermore, this bill contradicts the principles of equality and fairness that Iowa has long strived to uphold. The Iowa Civil Rights Act explicitly protects against discrimination based on gender identity, and this bill seeks to undermine those protections. All Iowans, regardless of their gender identity, deserve to live free from discrimination and to have their identities respected in all areas of life, including education and legal documentation. I urge you to consider the realworld impact this bill would have on LGBTQ+ Iowans, particularly young people. Instead of advancing policies that marginalize and harm vulnerable communities, we should be working to create a more inclusive and equitable Iowa where everyone can thrive. Please oppose HSB 242 and stand with LGBTQ+ Iowans in protecting their rights, dignity, and futures.

02-23-2025

Jonathan Danker

I oppose HSB 242 because it would a huge step backwards of human rights. Trans people do exist and you cant erase the. by saying they otherwise. If passed, it could lead to unintended consequences for everyone and innocent people being harmed and killed. Please dont pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Brock Elbert

House Study Bill 242 is ridiculous and ultimately taking away protections for a very small minority group that benefits no one. It seeks to simply put people in harms way socially and physically. This is not a small government move that leads to overreach.

02-23-2025

Tom Snee

There is no reason for this law. It should be simple. Trans people are deserving of all the same rights and liberties that everyone else receives. I fail to see any compelling public interest for this law and passage would serve no other interest besides cruelty. Please vote against HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Jean Swenson [individual]

As a person of faith, I ask you to oppose HSB242, which strikes gender identity from the list of protected classes in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. All people are of sacred worth, and all people are due basic human rights. If we ascribe to our motto, our rights we will maintain, we would never consider removing rights for anyone!Thank you for your consideration.

02-23-2025

Rev. Lee Schott [Collegiate United Methodists Church & Wesley Foundation]

I implore you to STOP this bill. The elimination of rights for a class of individuals is beneath you as legislators and us as Iowans. As a Christian pastor, I believeand my church has long stood forthe dignity of human beings and their inherent worth and personhood, without regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. That some legislators (swayed by forces from way beyond Iowa) want to erase transgender and queer individuals from public life does not mean these siblings do not exist! They are in our midst; they enrich our culture, and they deserve the same basic rights assured to Iowans. To eliminate this category would be to invite overt and targeted discrimination in the name of Iowa law, and this must not happen. We are better than this. And we are better than the next bill, next year, where there will no doubt be an effort to strip rights from another class. Queer? Black? Female? Where does it stop? If your faith is guiding you to support this bill, I'd urge you to revisit the gospels and Jesus' call which is always to love and justice. REJECT this misguided and hateful bill.

02-23-2025

Alaina Elliott-Wherry

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL. HSB 242 is a predatory, discriminatory bill that seeks to harm trans folx here in Iowa. I find it contradictory that Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain is our states motto, yet this bill actively takes rights away from trans Iowans. Stop targeting trans Iowans! Stop legislating hate! This is an abhorrent piece of legislation. I am ashamed of Iowas legislators for even proposing this. This is NOT what we want to see. This is NOT what you were elected to do. The majority of Iowans DO NOT support this legislation. Remember that. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Lynne McDole

Dear temporary employees, I am writing in very strong opposition to HSB 242. It is a blatant political attempt to distract from actual issues Iowa faces regarding the environment, education, and agriculture, to name a few, using the reprehensible tactic of "othering" a vulnerable population of Iowans as scapegoats. To remove legal protections and strip citizens of civil rights is abhorrent. To do so using willful ignorance regarding the science of genders is hateful discrimination. Trans rights are human rights. Trans lives matter. Get on the right side of history and vote no.

02-23-2025

Kory Fischer

I support this bill,please pass. Gender Identity should have never been added in 2007. Now is the time to remove it, and get back to reality.There is only two genders man and woman. By adding they have slowly used it to their advantage to take away man and woman's civil rights.

02-23-2025

Kristin Bell

Please demonstrate human kindness , & love thy neighbor as thyself. Please protect human rights & decency. Please do NOT support HSB 242. While I would hope that a personal example from ones inner circle would not be needed in order to want to protect marginalized populations I happen to have a young cousin, who was born intersex, physiologically. It is a complicated condition, and tragic for these children /adults (& their parents)to be made to experience that they do not have a legitimate place in our society. Please do not support a bill that is unnecessarily doing harm. Thank you!

02-23-2025

Allie Smaha

I strongly oppose this legislation. We should be working to continue upholding civil rights for all Iowans, not stripping them from communities already vulnerable to discrimination. Trans and nonbinary lives matter. This legislation is deeply concerning in its broad overreach and implication for all aspects of daily life. I urge all committee members to not move this bill forward, and all representatives to vote against it if it does. History will not look kindly on these hate based policy attempts.

02-23-2025

Gail Brashers-Krug

Please vote no on this terrible measure. Iowa needs to maintain civil rights, not start taking them away from our most vulnerable populations. Taking away civil rights is a shameful and despicable act. Please be better than that.

02-23-2025

Amanda Becker

OPPOSED! This is not the Iowa I grew up being proud to be from. We protect our own, this does the opposite. Iowans are going to be harmed with this bill and its a slippery slope. Once they come for our trans Iowans, they will come for gay, queer, POC, women, children, elderly, veterans, etc. We need protectors at the capital, not attackers.

02-23-2025

Mike Schlotfelt

Please reject this bill, not only does it affect many Iowans who are just trying to live their lives. This is the first step to so much worse. Civil rights are for everyone and anyone who approves of this bill will ultimately be ensuring their place in hell for not loving their neighbor.

02-23-2025

Marnie Strate

Please reject this cruel bill. This will grievously harm Iowans who want nothing more than to lead peaceful, private lives many of whom are already vulnerable. This bill will lead to more trans deaths, trans poverty and homelessness, and worsen the brain drain our state is already seeing. No good comes from passing this, only harm. That is not who Iowa is.

02-23-2025

Chad Mohammad LISW [Chad Mohammad Therapy LLC]

HSB 242 isnt about clarity or fairnessits about erasing trans people from legal recognition because they challenge the status quo. Trans people represent a barrier to rigid, outdated governance, and thats exactly why theyre being targeted so aggressively.This bill strips people of their rights, and pressures schools to ignore reality. It does nothing to help Iowansits just another stunt to control how people exist.This bill sucks, dont pass it.

02-23-2025

Brian Kipp

This bill aims to further marginalize individuals who are already facing discrimination. Stripping the rights of people who exist, and will continue to exist is deliberately contradictory to why the civil rights act was enacted in the first place. Please consider that all Iowans deserve to live a life free from this intentional discrimination.

02-23-2025

Dr. Kelley Pennington

Iowans representing Iowans with any shred of integrity should not and would not stoop so low as to literally cut out a group of Iowans who have been discriminated against. They have all the rights of every other citizens to live their life safely and without prejudice. Focus on issues that seriously affect Iowans water quality, road infrastructure, housing insecurity, education. Get your priorities in order or get out.

02-23-2025

Judith Pfohl

Reject the Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act HSB242 against transgender people. The bill changes Iowa from a state known for being at the forefront of Civil Rights. It makes Iowa one of the first states to take rights away from people. This is opposite of our state motto, Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" This bill could lead to even more harassment, intimidation, and threats to women who are or even are suspected of being transgender.My church says Jesus wants us to accept and love all people.

02-23-2025

Cassady Jackson

Please reject HSB 242. This is a violation of basic human rights, and a step too far for the government to take. Transgender Iowans face enough challenges, there is no reason for this legislation. It is hateful and infringes on the separation of church and state.

02-23-2025

Cara Kayse

REJECT HSB242. It runs counter to Iowa's longstanding motto of "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." I stand in solidarity with my friends, loved ones, and colleagues in the trans community, and I question why the state of Iowa would choose to be on the side of history where civil rights are removed from an existing protected class. No one should have to worry about being denied housing, employment, credit, or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. I am a mental health therapist with years of experience in suicide prevention. Research has found that laws restricting the rights of transgender and nonbinary people (TGNB) increase suicides among TGNB young people (Lee, W. Y., et al, 2024). My personal experience during 10 years in the mental health field confirms this finding, and my colleagues and I are, in fact, seeing a rise in suicidal clients here in Iowa. This is heartbreaking, unacceptable, and AVOIDABLE. Legislation like this is taking a toll on the health and safety of TGNB Iowans and the people who care about them. Please try to imagine the experience of having your government legislate away your very existence and create discriminatory barriers to your right to secure your basic needs. What if this were the experience of your loved one or their loved ones?Not only is this bill discriminatory and cruel, it is also problematic in its language. "Sex" and "gender" are not synonymous, and the definitions of "sex" in this bill are inaccurate at best. The definitions put forth in this bill will likely create unintended consequences within the Iowa Code and erode protections for intersex and nonconforming cisgender Iowans. Further, it creates equal protection issues with regard to its birth certificate restrictions.If one of the intentions of this legislation is to protect women from "men in girls sports, locker rooms, and bathrooms," this bill is a sorely misguided effort. The men from whom women like myself need protection are cisgendered, heterosexual men, and crime statistics back that up. 80% of female rape and sexual assault survivors knew their perpetrators (Sinozich, S., & Langton, L., 2014). The perpetrators were partners and acquaintances, not strangers in restrooms or locker rooms. Thus, it would appear that your "concerns" are merely fear mongering rhetoric to disguise your hateful discrimination.As a lifelong Iowan, I am saddened to see Iowans of all ages choosing to leave the state due to feeling unwelcome and unsafe. HSB242 is contrary to the values we hold sacred as Iowans. I implore you: do NOT make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. Trans people have always existed, and they always will. Protect them.

02-23-2025

Griffin Roach

I strongly oppose this bill. This is an unconstitutional measure that seeks to begin removing LGBT+ populations from public life. To remove legal protections from a specific population is blatantly unconstitutional. It is DISCRIMINATION. This is a civil rights violation carried out by our own government. Do not pass this unconstitutional bill.

02-23-2025

Sara T

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. I have always been proud to be from Iowa, a state which has been on the frontline of freedom and equality. Now I am mortified to be from a state that has put forward so many hateful bills that are actively harming so many Iowans. Having lawful protection against bodily harm and discrimination does not give anyone more rights than anyone else. It simply ensures that everyone is treated as a human being in the face of so many hatefilled people who intend to do harm to their fellow humans. If anyone believes this gives "extra" rights to anyone is clearly very privileged and has no idea what it feels like to constantly be rejected for jobs or be in fear for their lives walking down the street because of how they look or who they love. No one deserves to live in constant fear. Passing this bill will run people out of this state in droves and will put Iowa at the top of the list of states that are the biggest embarrassments to this country. The whole world is watching. Please be on the right side of history as we have been many times in the past. This bill is about hate. Nothing less. Please save the lives of so many beloved Iowans. Please.

02-23-2025

Sydney Rohrberg

This bill is in many ways cruel and unfair. As an Iowan, I have always liked to believe that I am part of a community committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens. I have thought I lived in a place where people maintained respect for others, even those with whom they disagree. This bill seems to prove this is not the case as it openly discriminatory and goes against the advances and safety our state has long ensured.Further, this bill is simply inaccurate. By current psychological and sociological norms, as well as dictionary defintions, sex is by no means a direct synonym for gender as you hav herein insinuated. Gender includes all of the societal connotations and expectations that go along with a designated sex. The act of simplifying these terms is irresponsible and destructive. In addition to this, openly stating that the term "equal" is not to mean "same" or "identical" is a risky act that can quickly lead to the discrimination against many groups. The very defintion of equal invokes the term "same", as the defintion is "a person or thing considered to be the same in status or quality or being the same in quantity, size, degree or value. Later in this bill, lawmakers have purposefully chosen to remove gender identity from the list of discrimination protections. This makes it seem as if the government is in open support of discriminating against those who do not fit typical gender norms. Restrictions upon discussions and references of gender in schools are also dangerous. Students deserve to understand the bodies they live in. If lawmakers believe that genderrelated education is in some way obscene or sexual, that is a predatory mindset that should not ever be applied to minors or any human being. It pains me that our state has reached a point where good people are being forced to fear for their way of life and very existence due to the acts of this government. We are a state of equality in a nation built upon the notion of freedom, we must be better than this. I believe that the state of Iowa is a place where we can all live and thrive, but at some point many people here seem to have lost the ability to hold respect for the diginity of others. I implore you all, as my lawmakers, as the individuals meant to represent the best interest of Iowans, to please step away from such cruel and regressive acts. This can be a good, loving place; start to act like it.

02-23-2025

Emily Hooley

To the people who can choose to the do the right thing,We are all humans. No matter what we look like, who we choose to love, or which bathroom we use: We. Are. All. Human. As such, we all should be afforded certain basic rights. Please do the right thing. Do not pass HSB 242. Doing so would erase people that I love. Please.

02-23-2025

Vickie Judkins-Mickolas [Department of Government Expenditure]

This is a hate bill. Why are we doing this? Just because you can? Transgender people account for less than one percent of our population. Are you really afraid to love your fellow brothers and sisters, the way that Jesus did. I agree that children should not have gender reassignment surgery, but an adult should be able to make decisions for their own bodies. People have breast augmentation surgery, facelifts, botox injections because they have full autonomy for their bodies. Are we going to regulate this also? Intersex people have both sets of male and female genitalia. Why do we need to know what gender they are assigned. They should be able to make these decisions for themselves. They do not need to be subject to violence and threats, and even death. I really do not understand all the hate. Stop the madness and stop making bills that enfringe on peoples right to live a life they want.

02-23-2025

Melanie Distler

As a mother of a trans child, Im asking for you to vote for humanity. Every person deserves to live a happy and healthy life. It doesnt hurt anyone else for transgender people to live and be productive members of society. I love my son with my whole heart, he deserves to have the same rights as every other human being, because thats what he is.

02-23-2025

Travis Harriman

2 3 4 I believe that all people regardless of race, color, creed, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender (birth given, or selfgiven), political affiliation, or the pronouns you choose to be called by, have the right to live, work, love, learn, be in public, have their voice be heard, and be accepted by not just the people of the world, but by the government that they live under. Once protections are removed from one group, it's easier to remove it for other groups, and no matter where you fall, it will eventually affect you as well. People are people, and the rights of one are not greater than that of another. We, as a people, will not grow and evolve, until we learn to accept one another for who we are, stop hating and violence against each other, help one another to succeed, and just be decent human beings.

02-23-2025

Geoffrey Shapiro

My name is Geoffrey Shapiro of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and I am writing you today to ask you to reject HSB 242. Please take a moment to consider the legacy you will leave and how history judge you. 1933Nazi Authorities led by Chancellor Adolf Hilter, passed legislation that criminalizes LGBT related establishments. Nazi authorities began to confiscate printed material on homosexual topics. Any LGBTrelated magazines that had survived earlier censorship were closed down and copies were burned. Himler One of the most obsessive homophobes Wrote historian Wachsmann.Heinrich Himmler was a German Nazi politician who was the 4th Reichsfhrer of the Schutzstaffel (Protection Squadron; SS), a leading member of the German Nazi Party. He eventually played a primary role in the extermination of 6 million people including the Nazi targeted LGBT population.Many actions being proposed in the Iowa Legislature are eerily similar to those of formative Nazi Party. Do you want the future to remember you in a similar vein as to the Nazi Party?

02-23-2025

April Visnapuu

I adamantly oppose HSB 242 and all legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections from anyone. Ive been a lifelong Iowan and was always proud of our state until recent years. Weve taken LEAPS backward in so many areas that its shameful and embarrassing. Its ironic that so many on the right want to limit government in their lives and yet want to insert government into everyone elses lives, bedrooms, and bodies. This is appalling and I sincerely hope that this does not pass so we can keep some shred of compassion and humanity in our state.

02-23-2025

Jordan Selha

No on HSB 242! How can I personalize what you have depersonalized by proposing legislation that will make trans people a secondary class of citizens. Your attempts to dehumanize us prove exactly why civil rights are needed. But you cannot shove all of humanity into nice and neat little pink and blue boxes. Governor Reynolds husband doesnt fit because he does her hair. She herself wouldnt have fit less than a century ago because she wears pants. You have been miseducated that there are only two genders or two biological sexes, as you call them. But I will not argue my humanity with you. We are the same species whether or not you choose to believe it. As such, all of humankind must be provided their civil rights and liberties. Doing otherwise is the equivalent of attempted eradication of an entire group of people from this state. In another context, we would call this genocide. We wont go quietly.

02-23-2025

stella armstrong

I strongly oppose HSB 242. Seeing as we are no longer veiling our words; any lawmaker that supports this bill is a waste of the salary that the people of Iowa pays them and they should be removed from office immediately. The statehouse is not a pulpit to preach vitriol and violence against historically marginalized peoples. In the words of the late, great David Lynch, Change your hearts, or die.We need to focus on real issues that Iowans have like the economy (stagnant wages, rising cost of living) and our quality of life (secondfastest fastest growing rate of new cancers in the US). Young adults do not want to stay here; theyre leaving the state in record numbers. This problem has been getting worse as this decade has continued. Unless we make some serious changes to entice people to Iowa as a place to not only live, but thrive, well continue to lose them. As a 20something myself, I currently plan to leave the state by the end of the year. Theres no future here for us as it stands.

02-23-2025

Beth Lee

Don't. Just don't. You do this and you'll be making a very very large mistake. One that you won't be able to come back from and you will be replaced because of it. You want to keep your jobs? Don't. Don't be nazis. Only nazis approve of things like this and we already fought a war against nazis. We shouldn't be having to do it again. Leave trans people alone.

02-23-2025

Jodee Ross

I strongly oppose this bill. It will cause unnecessary harm to trans people in both their personal mental health and also personal safety. This will embolden bigots to target, harass, discriminate, and harm these people and their families. Taking away civil rights is not something America should ever do. Besides that, it is poorly written. Banning references to gender is ridiculous. These are scientific terms used for more than just a self identification. It is also a violation of freedom of speech. You don't have to like it or participate in it, but that doesn't mean that you should ban others from living their lives. Don't turn Iowa into a bigotry and hate filled state.

02-23-2025

Chloe Lepak [Drake University ]

I oppose HSB 242. Regardless of your personal opinions on the matters that this bill addresses, it would simply be unconstitutional to pass this. Our country was founded on the premise of equal protection for all, and HSB 242 is trying to take that away. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Kristen Snavely

I oppose this bill, its just the latest in a series of moves to try to erase trans existence and rights from our society. It is beyond confusing to me why our legislators are spending so much time trying to strip basic rights away from Iowans. Do better for Iowa please.

02-23-2025

Angela Pittman

No Iowan should have to ask to keep their basic civil rights. This should not even be discussed. It is evil and does nothing to improve the lives of Iowans. This horrific bill would allow innocent Iowans to be discriminated against for no reason other than being their true selves. Please vote "No" on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Geri Jacobs

I spent my life teaching children. With usually 25 young children in a classroom for 6 hours a day, part of my time was spent teaching children to be respectful to each other and to attend to their own learning and mind their own business.Why do you think you need to legislate hate? Have you not learned to be respectful of others and to mind your own business? How can someone's gender identity be your business to legislate?Please vote no on HSB 242

02-23-2025

Ambre Grund

Please reject HSB 242 relating to removing Civil Rights for transgender Iowans. I do not want our state government to engage in removing anyone's civil rights protections. Thank you for standing up for what is right and treating others how we all want to be treated.

02-23-2025

Michael Selha

Im asking you to vote no on the transgender extermination bill. On so many levels do I find this bill to be anger provoking. Are you sure you want Iowa to be known as the first state to say, We believe this entire group of people should be discriminated against. For thousands of years societies have recognized that gender is different than biological sex. Do you really want to be seen as that out of touch.This bill also makes me very sad. It distills the entire value of people to their role in procreation. When you look at your children, do you only see them as an egg producer or a sperm producer? If you see your children as more than tools for reproduction you need to vote no on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Nicole Sierra

I oppose this bill. I ask you, what problem are you trying to solve by removing the ability of someone with gender dysphoria to be legally recognized? What crime is this legislation attempting to mitigate by criminalizing changing an 'M' to an 'F' or viceversa? The very foundation of this bill highlights the ignorance of gender dysphoria. Just because someone doesn't understand something does not give them the right to destroy that thing. I am trans. You don't have to love me. You don't have to hate me. All I ask is that you accept me. I am human and I deserve to exist.

02-23-2025

Jay Williams

As an Iowan, a US citizen, and a human I oppose HSB 242. This law is discriminatory, harmful, unconstitutional, and will kill children. Trans people deserve to live freely. This country was built on personal freedom and liberty, let transgender people live freely as who they want to be. Vote NO on HSB 242!

02-23-2025

Melanie Distler

This bill repulsive and appalling. As a mother of a trans child, Im asking for you to vote for humanity. Every person deserves to live a happy and healthy life. It doesnt hurt anyone else for transgender people to live and be productive members of society. I love my son with my whole heart, he deserves to have the same rights as every other human being, because thats what he is. The blood of Iowa children will be on your hands if this bill passes.

02-23-2025

Nicole Weber

I am writing you today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, evicted, or denied educational opportunities because of their gender identity.As a proud Iowan, I am dismayed that my state whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain would ever consider a bill such as HF242. It is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as Iowans. Do not make our great state the first in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens.I want to state that while this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion of being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HF242. Preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

02-23-2025

Mike Weber

02-23-2025

Jessica Jones

To all Iowa representatives,My name is Jessica and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Adey Wassink [Sanctuary Church ]

as a pastor who has committed her life to the belief that Gods goodness is for all people, and that all people are making the image of God I find this Bill to be unconscionable and directly opposed to what it means to love our neighbor, please reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Emily Hyder

EVERYONE has a right to live their life as long as they're not hurting someone else. Trans people are not the problem. Hate, fear, and failure to be a decent human being are the problems. This bill encompasses all three of those and reinforces them as acceptable standards. I'm not LGBTQ, but I was raised to stand up for others when they're being bullied. Nothing has motivated me to stand up for the community more than current events. That this bill was even written in yet another brick in the wall that separates me from the Conservatives I was raised by. I struggle to overcome my disgust because I know division is exactly what this government wants, but it's turning more people into allies every day. This bill won't stop anyone from being who they are. It'll just make it more difficult for them to be live normal lives, but I guess living in a Red State means only certain people matter. I was brought up to believe Iowa was better than this. That we were kind, caring, helpful people. I'm not seeing the evidence to back that up anymore. We're failing in so many ways. Education, OB/GYNs, water quality, etc, but trans people are the problem? No. Whoever wrote this bill and the people who enable it are. Stop being part of the problem and start working on actual issues. Get your lips off of Trump's backside and find some humanity.

02-23-2025

Teresa Rader [536 Division St]

Human rights, civil rights should be extended for ALL Humans. This bill is SO extremely harmful and backwards to a community that already faces SO MUCH discrimination. Please do not let lack of education and compassion be the vote.

02-23-2025

Joshua Ratel

Dear Subcommittee Members,Im writing to strongly oppose HSB 242 because it is an unnecessary government overreach into the personal lives of Iowans. This bill does not reflect the values of freedom, privacy, and personal responsibility that our state should uphold.Iowans believe in treating our neighbors with respect and allowing individuals to live their lives without unnecessary interference. Transgender people are part of our communitiesthey work hard, pay taxes, and contribute just like anyone else. Government should not be in the business of restricting peoples ability to live as themselves or dictating personal matters like gender identity.Rather than pushing policies that divide us, we should be working on real issues that impact all Iowansthings like economic opportunity, healthcare access, and ensuring our communities remain strong and welcoming. I urge you to reject HSB 242 and focus on legislation that truly benefits the people of Iowa.

02-23-2025

Kristina Gingerich

I do NOT support this bill as it discriminates against trans people in Iowa and is aimed at making their lives more difficult. Trans people are worthy of feeling safe to live here, use a public restroom that matches their identity and have documents that affirm who they are.

02-23-2025

Teresa Rader [536 Division St]

02-23-2025

Stephanie Cromer

The idea that our state would REMOVE basic civil rights for one of the MOST VULNERABLE groups in our society, transgender Americans, is beyond heinous and completely undemocratic. Stop trying to build your personal political careers on the persecution of people who just want to retain the right to live their daily lives without discrimination. I am absolutely against HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Mary Roth

I oppose HSB242. Removing rights is never the correct answer. This bill is detrimental to the safety of transgender Iowans. It also opens up discrimination against anyone who doesn't fit rigid gender norms. Allow citizens the freedom to live their own lives and vote against this bill.

02-23-2025

P. B. Stigall

I urge you to make sure HSb 242 doesn't advance to the full committee for the following reasons.First, the removal of civil rights protections against a group of citizens in this case transgender Iowans makes them targets for potential discrimination in a number of ways. The bill also would not just remove tghe ability of trnas Iowans to update gender markers on birth certificates, drivers licenses, and other similar documents but would erase them from legally existing. Removing civil rights protections form trans Iowans also leaves them open for discrimination in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more.I also am concern that, if this bill becomes law, that it open a Pandora's Boz that will reach far beyond the people targeted until this legislation. If this becomes law it may become precedent for efforts to remove civil rights protections towards other groups whose ethnicity or religious beliefs may not be the majority of the population in this state. Though some proponents of this bill may cliam this wouldn't happen, how are we to know once the door is left open that others won't be attacked and tahave their rights taken away next.This is not what Iowa should become. If HSB 242is passed and brought up for a full vote it may be its future. That is a very foreboding and dangerous path nobody should want this state to undergo.Because of this and other possible potential reperccusions if this is passed into law I urge you to vote no on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Nevi Zerkle

This bill is reprehensible and deliberately cruel. You are setting up a system to terrorize LGBTQ iowans. At best you cherry pick fringe science or use teleology/confirmation bias to arrive at your desired conclusions. The way your dear orange leader has attempted to terminate the constitution and civil rights by legislating an understanding of science that could not pass an introductory biology course reveals your decisions are not based in fact. So, you hide behind religion making claims unsubstantiated by the "holy" text you claim to revere, never looking beyond historical translation and retranslation processes or decisions that led to your interpretation of said text. Though, in a state separated from the church ANY church that argument should ot matter either. Taking away protections of a population of people so that you can green flag discrimination and bar access to participating in society including accessing bare necessities of survival such as holding a job and being able to provide oneself with food and shelter is clearly inhumane, unjust, and should remain UNLAWFUL. But, I already know, you won't listen to the growing cacophony of voices against you because your motivations are and were never serving people or your state or your country. You are only out to serve yourself by hoping your groveling at the boots of dear leader and the billionaire class will somehow grant you a portion of their accumulated stolen wealth. It has been made clear that Republicans values only extend as far as "I got mine!" and you care not for equitable access for anyone else. Oppose this bill.

02-23-2025

April Hoffman

Please don't spend time and energy on this bill. This is dumb. This is mean and cruel and unnecessary. Please spend time on issues we need to fix like funding public schools, fixing our roads and bridges, and cleaning our water. You have real work to do. Don't waste your time on this nonissue.

02-23-2025

Olivia Comer

This bill is a disgusting proposal built solely to target the most vulnerable in our society. I cant fathom why anyone would deem this as worth a minute of our taxpayer dollars. Why make this bill? Pure malice. Utterly appalling.

02-23-2025

Chad Brewbaker [Polk County GOP]

The truth is Iowa Governor Kimberly Reynolds, State Auditor Rob Sand, and AG Brenna Bird are all liars who should be impeached. Bird lied to Iowa Senate Judiciary Chairman Zaun in her May 7, 2024 Iowa False Claims Act report. Way back in 2017 I filed an Iowa False Claims Act petition still sealed without investigation after fraudulent dismissal under seal by Democrat judge Huppert regarding Iowa Code 23A.2 illegal off campus UIHC clinics where LGB children were being chemically "trans" castrated as a eugenics program. Bird's Federal 504 lawsuit is a canard she is trying to cover up Wellpath pharmacy discriminaton at Polk Jail from 20162022 that didn't deny "trans" castration drugs but life saving diabetic, seizure, and blood pressure medications. The pharmacy abuse was covered up by fake "Nakamoto" inspections by ICE director Mayorkas, and by City of Des Moines in a sole source ambulance contract to hide pharmacy abuse injuries from the Saylor Township Fire Department and Council.1) All three should be referred for impeachment in their ongoing LGB eugenics program and the LGB eugenics program halted. 2) A signing statement needs to be added so men with low testosterone and women cancer patients needing to boost their immune system are not discriminated from obtaining "TRT" therapy. 3) Reynolds Iowa DOGE is fake LSA needs to order every public body and every public owned corporation such as ISU Foundation with their $300m offshore sus account to immediately hand over to Speaker Grassley a list of all their bank account numbers and outstanding credit balances then look at sus banking records just like US DOGE. 4) Terminate the corrupt Iowa ethics board director "Goodrick" (see campaign finance fillings where he was paid off by Bird) and have an honest director issue a special master report for Speaker Grassley detailing historic/ongoing Iowa Code 13.7 private attorney fee and 13.11 state settlement fund embezzlements detailed in my wrongly dismissed October 2024 complaint. Please attend my hearing Monday February 24th at 1:30 PM Polk Criminal Courts building Room 210 where Kim Graham is trying to defame me as crazy for telling the truth during my Iowa House 28 campaign having me arrested on a peaceful public June 2, 2024 LinkedIn comment for being too honest.

Attachment

02-23-2025

Roger Saxton

Please register my objections to the consideration for HSB242. We are all Iowans and should be treated equally as we would like to be treated. Transgendered population makes up about .22nd of one percent of the population and pose no threat to their fellow Iowans. Given we have the 2nd highest rate of lung cancer in the US, spending countless time and energy in attempt to protect us from the transgendered community by taking their civil rights away, seems more like a political stunt devised by people who want to find a reason to discriminate against them. This is not who we are. When I took MY oath to serve the public, it did not say that I was allowed to discriminate or treat any Iowan differently than I would treat everyone equally. It only makes sense to protect all Iowans from discrimination by insuring that every has the same basic civil rights protections. Pleases reject HSB242 on the basis of what it really is: a hateful piece of legislation, concocted for promoting bias in our community.

02-23-2025

riel sturchio

I would like to state my OPPOSITION to this bill and request for it to be STOPPED from moving forward. There is strong and consistent evidence of discrimination of persons due to gender identity and their protection under the Iowa Civil Rights Act is imperative.

02-23-2025

Steven Paulsrud

Please say no to HSB 242. Gender based on purely biological facts to be granted a persons civil rights is denying a citizen of Iowa or any other state their rights as a human being. A yes vote is a disacknowledgment of that persons being. Pretending you are blind to the person standing in front of you. Therefore pretending you are an Iowan citizen, guilty of fraud and representing an Iowan legislator duly elected. You are disqualifying yourself to vote by casting a yes vote for HSB 242.

02-23-2025

James Temple [Honey Badger Family Farm]

HSB 242 is a horrible attack on civil liberties Iowa claims to cherish. There is no public interest severed in such narrow minded bigotry. Indeed, would only serve to endorse hatred and put Iowans in danger.

02-23-2025

Battler Ushiromiya [Endless Wizard]

I, Lord Battler am against HSB242! To legislate hate is disgusting! It's like saying somebody deserves less rights because they can't walk...it's inhumane, cruel, and hateful...! How DARE you even consider this bill?! It's wrong! We oppose this bill! Vote NO on HSB242! Making it easier to discriminate against one group of people opens up a can of worms you don't want to open...if we're not careful, actions like this need to Nazi Germany, Hitler, and the Holocaust. Think of your history, don't repeat it. Vote NO on HsB242!

02-23-2025

Jodee Ross

I strongly oppose this bill. It is unnecessary and harmful. Removing civil rights from people is unAmerican. It is calling for discrimination and harm to come to these people and their families for just existing and living their lives. Bigots will be emboldened to harass, attack, and discriminate at will. It's shameful and hateful. Stop trying to erase people!

02-23-2025

Jaqueline Giltner

First they came for immigrants, but I didnt say anything because Im not an immigrant.Then they came for trans people, but I didnt say anything because Im not trans.Then they came for disabled people, BIPOC, women, and pretty soon there was no one left to stand up.Shame on ANY lawmaker that proposes or supports rolling back civil rights protections. There has been so much evil in the Capitol and especially the governors mansion these last few yearsenough is enough. Learn some empathy or get out of my state.

02-23-2025

John Selin

Please vote no on HSB 242. If this bill passes I have a transgender son and a transgender grand child that will be forced to move out of the state of Iowa where they have lived their entire life's.Again please note NO on HSB 242.Thank you, John Selin.

02-23-2025

Gabriel Cutshaw

I strongly OPPOSE this bill. Stripping civil rights protections for gender identity will inflict grave and irreparable harms against not only transgender people, but to women and anyone who does not strictly conform to sex stereotypes more broadly. Legalizing harassment and discrimination serves no public interest, and these antitrans efforts are based on personal animus and ideology. If Iowa strips civil rights from trans people, then who's next? This bill will make Iowa a far less welcoming place and be a black mark against the state for the permanent infamy of being the first state to explicitly strip rights from a protected class.

02-23-2025

Katelyn Buckton

Revoke HSB 242 immediately. Taking away civil rights from any Iowan is absurd. Targeting a specific group of people to remove rights from and allow them to be discriminated against? Well that is just absolutely disgusting. What part of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness is served by taking away rights from individuals in our state? Trans individuals are our neighbors, our friends, our family. Most importantly, they are human beings who have a right to not be discriminated against. HSB 242 is a hard no. And all of you individuals talking about Iowa nice better take a good hard look in the mirror because I dont know a single nice thing coming from stripping rights away from other Iowans. Do not pass HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Keely Gruber

Please reject HSB 242. As government leadership it is your responsibility to care for your community, and to protect their rights. Not take them away. This would be a nightmare for transgender individuals. This is rooted in hatred against others who are not like your selves, and has no place in our once wonderful, and progressive state. I used to be so proud that we were one of the first states to legalize gay marriage, and now we are openly attacking the lgbtq community.

02-23-2025

Leslie Beck

I support HSB 242This bill will still protect the right of a person to identify however they choose and dress how they choose.This bill will also protect our female designated spaces for biological females only including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and sports. Do we really want to tell our girls that they must compete against boys in sports? And then use locker rooms with boys?

02-23-2025

Michael Farley [Citizen]

This is a horrible, cruel, arrogant bill.No one has the right to mandate that any person is someone they know they are not. NOT even the government.This is a small and vulnerable portion of the population and you are erasing them from our society. How dare you.I read that a talking point of this bill is that transgender rights MAY sometime in the future will be declared unconstitutional.IF and WHEN this happens (and God forbid that it does), then we can revisit any of the craziness in HSB 242. Is there nothing else that Iowans want the legislature to address, but transgender bashing legislationwork on what Iowans want; not what fearmongers care about.SHAME.

02-23-2025

Morgan Kroeze

I would like to state my opposition to this bill and request for it to be stopped from moving forward. Iowans should be protected by their government and this bill opens doors for further discrimination towards individuals just trying to live their lives. Its embarrassing that we are even discussing the possibility of rolling back human rights. There are PLENTY of other things Iowa Lawmakers can and should be focusing on.

02-23-2025

Benjamin Larson [Nebraska Cardiac Care]

This bill is an embarrassment. Government should not be allowed to decide how their citizens talk, act or represent themselves and this flies in the face of our constitutional rights of freedom of expression. I demand this culturewar bill be voted against and permanently removed.

02-23-2025

Abigail Bankes

This bill which aims to remove basic protections for transgender and gender expansive Iowans is inhumane, dangerous, and horrifying. ALL people regardless of gender identity or expression deserve to not only feel safe, but *be* safe and legally protected. This bill would impact ability to obtain safe housing, gainful employment, and accurate legal documentation, erasing any existing protections. Basic antidiscrimination protections are just that basic. Our transgender neighbors face enough violence in day to day life. They dont need their elected officials making that violence legal and institutionalized. May you never know peace if you move forward with this evil legislation.

02-23-2025

Dessie Sliekers

Please do NOT pass this bill it is not only cruel and intentionally harmful, it would also be a huge step backwards for Iowa and a great embarrassment to be known as the first state to REMOVE civil rights from a protected class. This is completely unnecessary and truly only seeks to cause harm. People already treat trans people differently, dont give agency to bullies and bigots with our civl rights act. Please do NOT move this bill forward.

02-23-2025

Lonnie Matthews

I would like to state my opposition to this bill and request for it to be stopped from moving forward. There is strong and consistent evidence of discrimination of persons due to gender identity and their protection under the Iowa Civil Rights Act is imperative.

02-23-2025

Margie Derby

I would like to know how anyone can support taking away the freedoms that someone should be born with. The right to choose who you are, who you love should be a God given right. I cant believe that people are so scared of someone they think are different from them. What they are proposing is just the start of a slippery slope they take the Transgender rights away from them next they will decide to take another group of people they dont like rights away. We need to stop saying that how someone else lives their life is wrong . Keeps your opinions to your self and let people live their life they are untitled to.

02-23-2025

Abigail Grothe

Don't pass HSB 242. This is a huge step backward for Iowa and not a bill that Iowans want. Stay out of Iowans lives and let people live their life. This bill won't just affect transgender Iowans but anyone who doesn't fit the bill of what our hateful governor and legislators believe gender should be. Do not pass this bill. We don't want hateful legislation. We want protections for our trans brothers and sisters.

02-23-2025

Diana Hecht

Suppressing the civil rights of anyone is always a step in the wrong direction. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect & have the same freedoms as anyone else. I respectfully request that this bill not be passed.

02-23-2025

Amy Mellies

As a Christian, I urge you not to support HSB 242.Transgender people in Iowa are our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers and I have the pleasure of working with them at various diocesan events. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, people who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. All hardworking people, including those who are transgender, should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. As our baptismal convenant says, we should respect the dignity of every human being, and this bill does not support that.Jesus taught us in Luke 6:31 to "Do to others as you would have them do to you." This means including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination. As my Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot says "God Loves Trans People" and so do I. Please be brave and stand for what you know is right. Taking away protections from a group of people who have been historically discriminated against is not right. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Anthony Carter Walsh

This bill will create real harm in the name of forestalling imagined ones. There is no epidemic of crime being committed by people whose gender identity varies from the two being codified here. If anything, more violence is being visited on trans people for no reason other than them having the temerity to honestly be themselves in the world. This bill will intentionally sanction marginalizing a group for no reason other than the mild discomfort we feel when we confront the complexities of our shared humanity. Legislating from this perspective will create the impression that Iowans are motivated more by fear and ignorance than by the desire to maintain not just our rights, but those of our neighbors.

02-23-2025

Jeffrey Anderson [Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church]

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church affirm that all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone. We are committed to supporting equal rights, liberties, and protections of all people, regardless of their gender identity, so we oppose HSB 242 which would remove protections against discriminatory practices for transgender Iowans.

02-23-2025

Taylor Magnuson

I am writing in opposition of this bill. As a mental health counselor in the state of Iowa, I see the consequences that a lack of acceptance and sense of safety has on transgender folks. We know through research that transgender folks are at higher risks of experiencing mental health issues, including suicide. Stripping trans people of their rights and allowing them to be subject to discrimination will perpetuate poor mental health issues for this community. Protect folks trans individuals!

02-23-2025

Jillayne White

STOP this legislature. Iowans deserve their personal freedoms and their rights. People expressing their gender identity is a personal choice and affects no one else. Focus on passing legislation that helps Iowans and makes it a better place to live with public education, programs, and infrastructure!! This bill also affects intersex people, not everyone fits in your black and white boxes!!

02-23-2025

Kathleen Richardson

I am writing in opposition to HSB 242. I am a retired college teacher. In my 20 years of teaching, I had a handful of students who identified as transgender or nonbinary in gender. In fact, just last summer, while walking my dog I ran into one of my former students who is transitioning from female to male. My student looked slightly different, but was the same smart, kind, funny, principled person I have known for years. Without exception, all of these young people are wonderful individuals who are making a positive influence in our world. They are someone's friend, child, grandchild, sibling, employee. The idea that they could be stripped of their civil rights in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit, among other things, purely for who they are is shocking and appalling. HSB 242 should offend the conscience of anyone who shares the values of fairness, kindness, decency and community of which we have long prided ourselves in Iowa. It is cruel and unChristian. I owe it to my former students to encourage you to oppose this bill.

02-23-2025

JULIE JACKSON

Stop HSB242. Every human being deserves civil rights. This would be a huge step backwards and would likely lead to efforts to remove the rights of other groups. This is not what we want Iowa to be known for. The impact of this bill could result in making it very difficult for a few to find housing keep employment, receive fair treatment in many areas of life. I urge you to stop this in committee.

02-23-2025

Jamie Legvold [Retired nurse]

I do not feel this is a legitimate issue. It is only going to go backwards in time. Are we going to practice segregation and take away women's rights to vote next. The government has more important matters, like grocery costs, affordable housing. Just for starters.

02-23-2025

Lori Enloe

I strongly oppose HSB 242 that seeks to strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. Every citizen of our state deserves to have their civl rights protected. This harmful legislation is a direct attack on a vulnerable community and undermines the values of equality and justice that should be upheld by our state. Transgender individuals, like all Iowans, deserve to live with dignity, respect, and the same rights as everyone else. This bill would only further marginalize and endanger an already oppressed group, and it is crucial that we stand united against it. I urge lawmakers to work toward policies that foster inclusivity, safety, and equal treatment for all people in Iowa, regardless of gender identity.Iowa should be a place where every citizen, no matter their identity, feels valued and protected. I call on lawmakers to reject this bill and protect the rights of transgender Iowans.Thank you.

02-23-2025

Alyssa Terrill

I am writing to oppose Bill HSB 242 The bill's proposed changes to vital records and the Iowa Civil Rights Act could lead to the marginalization of individuals based on their gender identity, making it more difficult for people to access the legal protections they are entitled to. Discriminatory policies can have longlasting negative effects on mental health and wellbeing, especially for young people navigating their gender identity.In addition, the proposal to regulate school curricula related to gender theory risks stifling important conversations about diversity, inclusion, and human rights. Educating students on these issues fosters respect and empathy for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.I urge you to reconsider this bill and its potential harmful effects on our communities. We must work toward a future that supports and protects every individual, regardless of their gender identity, and ensures that all people can live freely and authentically.

02-23-2025

Lynda Hommer

please vote NO on this bill. Denying an individual housing, employment, credit, for any reason other than merit is grossly unfair. Transgender people are our children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors. This bill does not reflect our Iowa nice values. Have you considered that this will probably cause more persons to leave our state, especially the young? How does that benefit anyone? How have transgender persons harmed us? They simply want to live their lives as we all do. It is time to just be kind.

02-23-2025

Laura Hanson

Civil rights are for everyone. This is embarrassing legislation coming from the state that legalized gay marriage first in the country. Please let us spend our time trying to fix real issues in our state and not invent reasons to exclude and alienate our neighbors.

02-23-2025

Nick Rohm

The 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson established the dangerous, discriminatory and wrong "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed states to segregate people of color. Not only was this overturned 71 years ago in the Brown v Board of Education but it has been demonstrated many times in our nations history that this was the wrong course of action. Equality and freedom comes when everyone is given the same opportunities to live the life they want to live, which is dependent on no one else but the individual. This bill is not only unconstitutional by going against the The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution but it is morally bankrupting what use to be the great state of Iowa into furthering a MAGA Republican agenda of backtracking progress in the name of freedom. If you have any decency you will vote against this bill or We the People of this state will turn out in numbers to vote against your reelections to falsely representing true Americans.

02-23-2025

Tim Stumo

I strongly support Iowas HSB 242, which seeks to clarify legal definitions of sex and gender while ensuring that policies reflect biological reality. The addition of gender identity to Iowas civil rights code in 2007 was a mistake that has led to unintended consequences, including the erosion of protections for women in spaces meant for their privacy and safety. Across the country, 27 states do not recognize gender identity in their civil rights codes, and it is time for Iowa to correct this overreach.This bill does not remove anyones rights to live, dress, or other rights afforded to them under the United States Constitution and the Iowa Constitution. However, it does restore necessary safeguards for womens spaces, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and correctional facilities. No woman should feel uncomfortable or unsafe in places specifically designated for their privacy and protection.For the sake of common sense, fairness, and safety, I urge lawmakers to pass HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Kathy Juba

I oppose this bill. It would create a society that I don't want to be in. I want to live where there is love and acceptance, not hate and discrimination. I want to live in a state that I am proud of. The passage of this bill would cause me to be embarrassed of this state that I have lived in and loved for decades.

02-23-2025

Christine Grothe

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and am repulsed that this is even being proposed. When did Iowa get to the point of passing such hateful legislation that removes civil rights from Iowans who only want to live their lives in the best way possible. Iowans don't want this and won't stand for this hateful legislation that seeks to discriminate by stripping gender identity from Iowa's civil rights codes. Transgender rights are human rights. Iowa is now a hateful state under the guise of Christianity that doesn't even belong in government. The uneducated Iowa representatives who seek to rule by hate are destroying Iowa and Iowa's economy because who wants to live here? If you are for this bill, let me tell you they are coming for you too. This bill will discriminate and cause hateful consequences EXCEPT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS EXISTED AND WILL ALWAYS EXIST. THIS BILL WILL GRAVELY HURT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE BUT IT WILL NOT ERASE THEM. I WILL STAND FOR THEM ALWAYS.

02-23-2025

Cyndi McWilliams

I am the mother of a transgender woman. I will always love her no metter what. With HSB 242 my heart is broken. I am so disheartened that our legislators are focusing on taking away the civil rights of my child.Why would you want to allow people to discriminate against people who are transgender?There are so many more important issues that matter to the majority of our population. Please focus instead on solving actual problems. Like how to encourage people to move and stay in Iowa. This kind of hatefulness makes young people not want to live here. Or ways to address the lack of access to healthcare providers in our state. And the high cost of Healthcare.Or how to improve our public schools.I could go on and on about issues the majority of Iowans would care about.This bill is not likely to even be on the radar of most people. This is not being brought forward because constituents are concerned about transgender people. There is no legitimate problem this bill will solve. But it will harm the less than 1% of the population who are transgender. A group of people at high risk for being ostracized, who are much more likely to commit suicide when they are not supported by those around them.Legislators and other people do not have to understand or like people who are different than them. In this case, people who have a different gender identity. But people do have to treat others as human beings. I would never consider your child, or anyone's child, as not deserving of dignity and the same rights as everyone else. Please do not consider my child in that way.Please do not pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Laura Carlson

Please vote YES on this bill. This does not legalize discrimination. It simply states the science. Homeschool Day at the Capital was cancelled to protect children from the expected protestors during this hearing. This knowledge should give everyone pause: known security issues prompted the removal of a long planned day for hundreds of families at the state capital. No one is asking for laws legalizing discrimination; we simply want the return to science based laws. Gender fluidity is defined as a mental illness. Please pass this bill to protect children and women from men who can "be a woman" one day and "be a man" the next then "return to woman" again. Undressing in a locker room at a public pool with a man in the women's locker room was horrible. Iowans are not protected if this is not passed.

02-23-2025

Theresa Rivera [None ]

I believe everyone has the right to be who they want to be!! I dont think the republicans have a right to make a law that suits them and trump!! If we put our lives in the hands of you and you dont want to listen to us as the people!! Then I believe its time to make a change!! Doo not put this into law!!!

02-23-2025

Loulwa Soweid

I oppose HSB 242 with every fiber of my being. This bill is blatantly calling for outright discrimination against trans and nonbinary Iowans. Removing the civil rights of a marginalized community one which already struggles with access to healthcare and housing, and which faces increasing levels of violence for simply existing is hateful, horrific, and helps NO ONE.Our state motto is "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain **not** "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain UNLESS YOU'RE TRANS". Please, oppose this bill, vote no on this bill, throw this bill in the trash.TRANS AND NONBINARY IOWANS EXIST, HAVE ALWAYS EXISTED, AND WILL ALWAYS EXIST.

02-23-2025

Martha Fifield

All Iowans deserve to have their civil rights protected, including and especially those who are most vulnerable. Just like any other Iowan, transgender Iowans should be able to depend on protection against discrimination in housing, unemployment, and education. Removing them from the Civil Rights Act would be a deplorable step backwards for our state. Protect civil rights for ALL Iowans.

02-23-2025

Mike LeDuc

I strongly oppose HSB 242. This bill is based on a flawed understanding of human biology and psychology and promotes bigotry and cruelty against members of an already marginalized trans community. Passage would directly violate our state motto Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. Do not give Iowa the dubious distinction of being the first state in our nation to remove civil rights from its citizens!

02-23-2025

Jessica Chrystal

I admitly oppose this bill. I'm a Mother of a child that belongs to this community. Not sure why Rep. HOLT wants to stoop to a new all time low even for him,that's saying something. The man who brags and boasts about freedom and serving his country during floor debate doesn't get to dictate who those freedoms apply to and disregard the constitution like a god damn treasonous hypocrite & fool.Not sure how he expects his own wife to teach English and specific aspects of History and Biology be taught in K12 with how this bill is written. Some of us remeber when he used to oppose these kind of bills.He's sold his Oath and integrity to the Devil hismelf.I didnt know he could be bought so cheaply by the Family Leader and the Bigots 4 Christian Facisim.All he's missing is his hood and a burning cross,becuase we all know if passed this bill will be used later on to creat the legal framework to attack the civil rights of all, which makes him no better than Hitler,rehashes portions of Nixon's southern grievance strategy and puts us on a dangerous,wasteful and slippery slope.How is it ok for his wife to take hormones and have the freedom to have cosmetic surgery but not a trans individual?How is ok for his wife to take his last name and be legally regonized and accepted as normal by society but not a transgender individual?How is this bill protecting the rights of women when they were never threatened by transgender existence since the dawn of recorded time ? There's NEVER been a single record case in this state. If Holt and Rs cared about protecting women they wouldn't be stripping away their health care rights and access to birth control in this very assembly. So cut the crap.Does he have the audacity to tell my cousin who transitioned and those who've honorably served that they are less than and have no rights to their freedoms?If passed, this bill would mean that transgender Iowans could be terminated from jobs if they were suspected to be transgender. They could be thrown out of apartments, refused service at hospitals, denied scholarships, turned away from restaurants, the list is endless all on the suspicion of being transgender. How the hell is that a win? Driving human beings of their basic human rights is what Dictators do. Makes him no better than Stalin championing this bill.Wheres the difference between what this bill will implant than what occurred after Hitler shredded the German Constitution in 53 days and during Jim Crow & Segregation if the south? I see none.Did he happen to see how badly the ADF lost in Germany?Iowa will yet again be # 1 for all the wrong reasons with this pink triangle bill. No one will want to live or work here, even more so then they do now.

02-23-2025

Abriel Dixon

Transgender Iowans are our friends, our neighbors and our coworkers. They deserve the same fundamental rights, dignity and respect as anyone else. This legislation will not improve the life of a single Iowan, but it will undoubtedly make the lives of transgender Iowans worse. Reject this proposal and focus on policies that make our state better for everyone.

02-23-2025

Cassandra Higgs

As a cisgender woman with trans loved ones, I vehemently oppose this bill. I fear for my friends and family as is, in a world that has been increasingly scapegoating them, and the thought of having their civil rights taken away from them infuriates me. What have they done to deserve this? How will this benefit our state and society, other than making you feel like you did something for five seconds? Please hear out your constituents and reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Dave Martin

We have a proud history in this state of protecting the civil rights of our citizensall of our citizens. That is something I have always loved about this state. Now you are setting up a certain group to be discriminated against. I urge you not to pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Jill Tomkins

Trans rights are human rights. Removing protections is permission to discriminate and that is not what our government ought to be focused on. Civil rights should not be stripped away. Bills like this will force people to leave Iowa.

02-23-2025

Brittany Brooke Crow

Please register my opposition to HSB 242. Gender identity has been part of the Iowa Civil Rights Act since 2007. I remember when I learned about its additionI was in high school at the timeand it seemed like a common sense decision. By removing gender identity, you will literally take rights away from Iowans. Iowans will be denied housing based on their gender identity. They will be denied employment. They will lose out on educational opportunities. Iowans will be denied housing loans, auto loans, credit cardsall for some culture war posturing. Eighteen years: thats how long weve had gender identity as a protected class in Iowa. Regardless of how much you may lie about what this legislation does, the impact remains constant: you are taking away the rights of Iowans.

02-23-2025

Judy Tornabane

I do not agree with this amendment going after transgender people only. Theses are people who have made difficult decisions in there lives and are people who are not causing harm to others. Let's not go back to times of slavery, but move forward in our thinking.

02-23-2025

Michelle Veach

Vote YES to protect our girls privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms, and restore common sense to Iowa Civil Rights code. Iowans want this. We voted for this. Please be confident and vote for TRUTH, and represent the voters who elected you. There are only two biological sexes, male and female.

02-23-2025

Shannon P

02-23-2025

Nathan Dickman

With all due respect, please do not support this bill.Anyone who believes it is an "immutable law of nature" that there are only 2 genders are incorrect, and I want to help clarify why. It is like saying that "sunsets" and "sunrises" are immutable laws of nature, when we have known for at least 500 years that the Sun has never once set or risenbecause Earth spins and orbits the Sun. If you believe that you have in fact seen a sunset, then you have no business claiming what is or is not natural. Of course, we enjoy sunsets, like we enjoy artworks of fiction. "Male" and "female" are at best tendencies, since at least .5 2% of all people are born intersexed (let alone the higher number of this in other areas of the animal kingdom), and thus are fictional like "sunrises." Beautiful, but not according to nature. The beauty of a sunset is merely how we perceive the Sun from our position on Earth. Surely none of you are flatearthers, since you all have flown in planes. Supporting this bill is like showing oneself to be a flatearthernice to believe, but definitely not at all factual.Rescinding or otherwise impeding ratification of necessary civil rights protections from our community members, friends, and family members also contradicts Iowa's longheld values. It regresses us to less freedom for all, rather than more freedom for all.The idea that it could possibly protect women is also incorrect. Statistically, women are much more likely to be harmed by the men they know in their lives (including myself) than by a minority of people who just are looking for fair treatment. Fear of people who are different distracts us from the people who are really hurting us, and you know who those people really are (Corporations that require regulations so they don't pollute our waters, etc.).

02-23-2025

Andrew Curl

This is a cruel, short sighted, weak willed, hateful abuse of power. Targeting these vulnerable people with state power when they already endure so much other intolerance and hate just proves how little Christ is actually left in the religion that has taken his name (but little to nothing else about him).The people targeted by this proposed act are not any kind of threat, but this Christless religion that seeks only political power is, and truly threatens the bedrock and fabric of our nation. Instead of terrorizing vulnerable people who aren't a threat, let us try to imagine ways that our state could actually be great. The legislature could start to care about our land, the freedom of everyone (instead of freedom for just the the rich and powerful), and each other.

02-23-2025

Katie Imborek

I implore you to oppose HSB242. You cannot draft narrow and nonscientific definitions of sex to erase transgender and intersex people. They have existed for millenia and will continue to do so. A judge in Montana recently ruled similar legislation unconstitutional and went so far to call the state "intellectually and morally indefensible." The same would be true here in our great state of Iowa if we were to become the first in the nation to remove a protected class from a civil rights act. Our trans and nonbinary Iowa neighbors do in fact exist they are our colleagues, siblings, parents, children, baristas, clergy, health care providers, civil servants and they face disparate outcomes in mental and physical health in part because of the discrimination they already face. They need the protection they are afforded in this act. Please do not codify discrimination into the Iowa Code.

02-23-2025

Lindsey Weis

If this bill is passed, Iowa would become the first state in the country to remove a protected class from civil rights law. This bill is inherently cruel and aims to push trans Iowans to the shadows, ceasing to acknowledge their presence. I do not support this bill and it is not a reflection of the Iowa I know and love. Please use your time to work on real issues in our state.

02-23-2025

Amy Poague

I have many friends who are transgender. It is very disappointing and frightening that HSB 242 exists at allthe very idea that a bill to remove transgender citizens' civil rights is being pushed shows regressive and hateful thinking. This should never have been platformed, but politics and hate have brought this forward, to the point where these people's right to be who they are and live in peace is threatened for no reason. This is a bill that will cause great harm to my friends, will threaten their physical and mental health. It could even threaten their lives due to the politicization of their right to be themselves in peace. It alsohas the potential to give Iowa a reputation as an intolerant pIace where differences are not welcomed. I trust that you will do the right thing and say no to this hateful legislation.

02-23-2025

Katie Peterson

I oppose this bill. It is transphobic, regressive, and counterproductive. We should be lifting people up and providing them with the support that they need rather than taking their rights away and making it more difficult to achieve a decent livelihood.

02-23-2025

Eli Soares

I am 19 years old and nonbinary. I just started physically transitioning and was able to change my birth certificate last year. All we want is to live as human beings. All we want is PEACE. What do you gain from taking away our human rights? What do you gain from making people too scared to leave their houses? What do you gain from bullying trans children out of sports and ostracizing them? As this is voted on, please remember that we are human too. It doesnt matter if you think that were unnatural or wrong for the way we live OUR lives. If you take away our rights, its only the beginning of a slippery slope. If our rights are taken, whats stopping the same thing from happening to women? People of color? Disabled people?I will leave with a quote from a piece of media that is all about freedom and the ability to live without fear.You're not the one who'll be hurting them, right? The government people call your existence a crime, but no matter what weapon you've got, just being isn't a crime! EXISTING IS NOT A CRIME!

02-23-2025

Patricia Zebrowski

I am writing to you to ask you to REJECT HSB242. The bill sailing through the legislature puts a dagger in Iowas reputation as a state known for being at the forefront of Civil Rights. It makes Iowa one of the first states to take rights away from people. It says so even in the name, Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act HSB242.This bill is contrary to the values we as Iowans hold most sacred and are enshrined in our motto, "Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" (My family were early pioneers making their home and raising their families in the new state. They believed that we should all "live and let live".) or (As a fifth generation Iowan, I am heartsick by your cruel actions to remove civil rights protections from our states citizens. )While you push this bill as protecting women, it will do just the opposite. This bill could lead to even more harassment, intimidation, and threats to women who are or are suspected of being transgender.In closing, I ask you not to support HSB 242. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. Preserve Iowas long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

02-23-2025

Ann Ashton

Reject Iowas Gender Identity Erasure Act (HSB 242)Iowas HSB 242 is an attack on fundamental rights and an attempt to erase the existence of transgender and nonbinary individuals from legal recognition. This bill not only disregards medical and scientific understanding of gender but also puts trans Iowans at greater risk of discrimination, harm, and exclusion from essential services.Everyone deserves to have their identity respected and protected under the law. HSB 242 sets a dangerous precedent by stripping away rights and reinforcing harmful narratives. We must stand together to oppose this blatant erasure and fight for a future where all Iowans are treated with dignity.Tell your representatives: Vote NO on HSB 242. Trans rights are human rights. #ProtectTransIowans #NoOnHSB242

02-23-2025

Ben Weinberg

I am asking you to reject HSB242. This bill will have a real, negative impact on current and future Iowans. The vast majority of Iowans do not discriminate and yet we have laws to make clear that if they do, there are consequences. By targeting gender identity in this bill, you are targeting transgender Iowans and making discrimination against them acceptable. As elected officials, you should defend and protect all Iowans. Transgender Iowans are Iowans. Whether or not you understand their life path or agree with it, your responsibility is to ensure that they have rights to learn, live and work just like every other Iowan. The American Dream should be possible for all Iowans and it requires our government to make clear that discriminating in a way that impacts someone's ability to achieve the American Dream is not acceptable, here. Do the right thing and reject HSB242 for all current and future Iowans.

02-23-2025

Lara Parkin

I support the freedom, safety, and equal rights of our LGBTQ+ community. Any bill that seeks to limit these rights is anti American, anti Christian, and a hateful, small minded piece of legislation. Please focus of helping people, not taking away rights for the sake of virtue signaling. It is the easy path to take away people's safety and rights, do the hard thing and care for your neighbors.

02-23-2025

Amber Jackson-Elwer

Please reject this bill. I remember when republicans were the party of freedom and small government. Now they want the government peeking into the underwear of every constituent. This is irresponsible at best. Focus on something that helps Iowans. Shameful.

02-23-2025

Jeanie Smith [Episcopal Diocese of Iowa]

I urge you to oppose HSB 242. We are called by our faith to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Eliminating protections for transgender Iowas and opening them to discrimination of all types is not loving our neighbors. We don't want those things for ourselves, or for our children or grandchildren. Please do not pass this legislation.

02-23-2025

Bianca Smith

SupportThese comments are absurdtrans didnt exist 5 years ago and NOW EVERYONE WILL DIE if boys in drag dont have the rights to shower with girls if they feel like it. Correct the mistake of 2007, dont give in to the mob There is no such thing as transgender children these are abused children with horrific narcissistic parents seeking woke clout.

02-23-2025

Debra Potter

My name is Debra Potter and I am a lifelong Iowan. Ive been a registered Republican since the 1980s and have participated in nearly every election in that time. Im proud to be from Iowa our brand of Iowa Nice is like no other. HSB 242 flies in the face of what it means to be Iowa Nice.Repealing civil rights protections that have been in place for a generation is not only legally unwise, its morally wrong. Our brand of Iowa Nice is an extension of loving thy neighbor.While I may not be transgender, I can empathize with their desire to have basic respect, human decency, and equal rights. This bill will rob them of that chance.As a voter, Im concerned about the economy, inflation, and the future my grandkids will inherit. This bill is nothing but a distraction from the real issues it seeks to cause division within our communities. I urge you to reject HSB 242.Thank you

02-23-2025

Charles Thrams

This legislation aims to strip the rights of a group of people because some legislators do not like how they have chosen to live. I oppose it in the strongest sense and ask our legislators to listen to the voice of the people, and vote it down. They represent us, not special interests or lobbyists.

02-23-2025

Patricia Zebrowski

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Fosmark

I strongly oppose bill HSB242. It is abhorrent that we are even discussing removal of civil rights for Iowans. All Iowans deserve protection under the law and we deserve better than this statesanctioned hatred. Do better.

02-23-2025

Amy Golly

An individuals gender identity is not harmful. Legal separate but equal allowances do. Stripping our fellow citizens of the basic protections to live, learn, work, and be productive members of their communities does not contribute to a prosperous Iowa. It directly stands in the way of functional families, businesses, and structures that support healthy economies. Supporting a bill that would legally allow discrimination of Iowans based on gender identity will only negatively impact thousands of children and adults in Iowa. Do not support any bill that stomps out the rights of your colleagues, neighbors, congregants, and people who work everyday to support themselves, their families, and their communities. It is not what is best for Iowa and Iowans.

02-23-2025

Sydni Hilton

I am opposed to the bill. Im appalled that we are even discussing taking away civil rights from a community that is already stigmatized. This pushes away valued community members. Please protect the rights of our incredible transgender community.

02-23-2025

Kate Thrams

I oppose this bill. It is important to me to respect the autonomy of others in making their own choices about their identity. I dont believe that government has any place in making these decisions for its constituents. Please consider how important this freedom is to the people in our state. .

02-23-2025

Lara Parkin

02-23-2025

Susan Kaliszewski

I write to you as a physician assistant, a provider of health care, asking you to kill the HSB242 bill which has come before you. I am aghast that this very idea has become an option in Iowa. This is the state that was among the first to permit marriage equality, and to permit Black people and women to attend its universities. This bill is antithetical to the ideals of this state and this country, in which all people are created equal and free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. All people means all people, whether you like them or not, whether you agree with them or not. So how can it be that preventing people from justice in seeking housing and employment is even being considered? How can our legislators decide that transgender Americans: Iowans and people, with wants, needs and desires like everyone else, can be exclusively written off and told they are less than any other class of people by virtue of their trying to live their true and authentic selves. I know these people. I take care of these people. I see, every day, that when they are treated as they should be, with dignity and respect, that they can flourish. I see, every day, the consequences of their being relegated to the bottom of society, resulting in pain, fear, anxiety, depression. When that happens, they can end up jobless. When they are treated well and acknowledged for who they are, they often thrive. Iowa legislators, you have a responsibility to treat all humans with respect and dignity. This bill does the opposite. Should this bill pass, Iowans will suffer and any sucides consequent to this bills passage will be on your hands. Kill this bill, not Iowans!

02-23-2025

Cynthia Aloe

I am asking you to please reconsider the changes you are purposing to make. The state has already striped away the right for our youth to receive gender affirming care so please dont make it even harder for them to simply be. Editing the language of law to specifically not protect gender identity is discriminatory and embarrassing as a citizen of this great state. We are showing we are unable to see people for who they are. Do we not have enough to worry about in our lives that we need to be continuously concerned about trying to prevent others from their basic civil liberties to just be. Why are we so concerned with continuing to divide. Will you sleep better at night knowing that you continue to make the lives of others more painful, turbulent and nearly impossible to just go about their business. Why does this bother you? Are you personally affected by someones paperwork being legally changed? Whatever happened to love thy neighbor and minding your own business? So many of these things dont affect the majority but yet aim to harm a minority. I find this unforgivable.

02-23-2025

Veronica Tessler

I urge you to reject this discriminatory bill. This effort is an embarrassment to our state and an utter waste of taxpayer resources. Please get to work on bettering the lives of Iowans, not stripping civil rights from an already marginalized group of individuals.

02-23-2025

Marianne Ksiazak

I oppose this bill and the concepts introduced which removeexisting civil rights which may lead to the denial of basic human needs. This is a specifically targeted bill which confuses the terms equal, same, and identical. There are differences. The only clear intention is to push a small percentage of Iowans into a fearful and unequal status in this state. This is not how I want my tax money spent or how we should treat others.

02-23-2025

Phil Young

I strongly oppose HSB 242 because it removes the vital civil rights protections that many Iowans depend on and leaves vulnerable communities exposed to discrimination in housing, employment, and public services. This bill betrays the core values of fairness and equality that define our state, and I urge you to vote against it.

02-23-2025

Layne Pieri

Hey, gang. Seems like you want to make it legal for people to refuse me goods and services, housing, medical care as determined by my care team. Let's say it happens. Hooray for you! What now?How does this benefit you? Does the benefit outweigh the harm done to me? To everyone in Iowa like me? Do I need to be ostracized further because you are afraid of something bad happening because I changed my gender? I'm a pretty chill person, I just want you to stop politicizing what I do with my life. This is supposed to be the land of the free.I guess some are more free than others.I recognize a lot of names on here. I hope you recognize mine.

02-23-2025

Layne Pieri

02-23-2025

Julia Casas

This bill does not reflect the majority of Iowans ideals. It is a disgrace to have to fight against the stripping of trans rights. Especially in a state that I used to be proud of calling home. Please listen to your constituents and vote no.

02-23-2025

Matthew Manning

Please listen to your constituents and reject this bill. It will make life so much more difficult for the transgender and nonbinary people you love, or know, or may not even realize are a part of your community or everyday life. It is truly heartbreaking just to see it introduced, and would be devastating to our state if passed.

02-23-2025

Janis Deyak

Any person identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer or otherwise deserves all the same protections as ANY person because they ARE a person! And they arent hurting anyone. Stripping these citizens of their rights is cruel and disgusting. As a follower of Jesus, this is shameful.

02-23-2025

brian Carter [Iowa Church and Society Board, The United Methodist Church, ordained clergyperson]

God has created all human beings and counts them as precious in God's sight. Every person is loved by God and is an important part of human community.Every person deserves to be treated justly and fairly, and their human rights and civil rights need to be protected and maintained.I have know a person who is a transwoman. She was born a biological male but they spent the early part of their life as a homosexual and a drag .When they became a young adult they began to explore more seriously how God had created them, and believed sincerely that God had created them to be a female. They became a trans woman and found happiness and fulfillment. I was with this trans woman when their mother died, and experienced their grief. I have known them as a trans woman for over 30 years. They have lived a good life as a Christian woman, because their civil rights were protected. Please vote "NO" to deleting civil and human rights protection from the Iowa code of law. Please let this woman live out her/their life in peace. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Linda Lehan

02-23-2025

Kym Jones

Support this bill. republicans: Cross reference every name on this bill on the Advantage app. Every name is a hard Dem who hates you and would never ever vote for you. Every person in the hall screaming right now the same. A record amount of Iowans gave you a a super majority to restore and maintain sanity in our state. Do your job, pass this bill

02-23-2025

Ann Stoessel

Please do not support HSB 242. Repealing civil rights protections puts people at risk for losing employment, housing and creates barriers to healthcare. It can also lead to more vulnerability to violence. While the bill may have the aim to protect women, repealing civil rights undermines current protections based on sex which can potentially harm all of us.

02-23-2025

Dawn Larkin

The comments already registered are as eloquent as I would hope to be. So I will add my NO and ask that you not pursue this thoughtless bill that seems to only be constructed from cruelty and the pervasive need to tell others what they must think and do.

02-23-2025

Kaley Gade

I oppose HSB 242 because it removes crucial protections and allows for discrimination against transgender Iowans. This bill harms our friends, family, and colleagues, and signals that other marginalized groups may soon face the erosion of their rights. Its a step backward for Iowa, undermining the values of equality and respect for all. Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued, and passing this bill would put that fundamental principle at risk.

02-23-2025

George Walton

Please vote no on HSB 242. Do not infringe on individual rights. This legislation is unnecessary, harmful, and cruel. There is no need for the legislature to continue to bully an entire group of people. Just allow people to exist.

02-23-2025

Jess Thorius

Please do not pass this bill. As you can see from the hundreds and hundreds of comments here, your constituents do not want this. Weve made so much progress toward acceptance over hate, and this would set us back completely. As an ally and care provider, I beg of you to vote no on this bill. This will have significant consequences to the communitys mental and physical health.

02-23-2025

Anonymous Anonymous

Vote to REJECT HSB242!Your vote will determine the legacy YOU leave behind. You can choose to start our county down the path of dehumanizing people and stripping the rights of those people who are different than you. YOU can be immortalized as hateful and ignorant. The one who said sure its ok to discriminate and mistreat people whose identities are outside your definition of the norm. By voting in support of this bill YOU are giving the general public permission to see others as subhuman just as people once saw slaves or as the Nazis saw the Jewish people. History has shown us exactly where that leads and it is horrific. The people who allowed these atrocities to happen and did not take a stand are remembered as villains and cowards.ORYOU CAN STOP THIS NOW!!!YOU can vote AGAINST HSB242 and be able to look inside yourself and know that I am NOT one of those people who dehumanizes others! I can be a role model of COMPASSION and UNDERSTANDING, I can lead people down a path of unity. Voting NO is the only way to keep us from repeating histories mistakes. We cannot go backwards, we MUST learn from history so we dont repeat the tragedies of the past. Sincerely, This Iowan Voter

02-23-2025

Cynthia Winn

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Study Bill 242. This bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender Iowans and sets a dangerous precedent by stripping away established civil rights protections.Enacting this bill would position Iowa as the first state to rescind a protected class from its civil rights statutes, tarnishing our states reputation as a leader in equality and justice. This action would not only harm transgender Iowans but also signal a regression in our commitment to civil rights for all citizens.I urge you to consider the profound negative impact HSB 242 would have on the transgender community and the broader implications for civil rights in Iowa. Please reject this bill and continue to uphold the principles of equality and fairness that our state stands for.

02-23-2025

Logan Galloway

I write in strong support of upholding every individual's right to identify as who they believe themselves to be. Our society is diverse, and the benefits of embracing this diversity cannot be overstated. Acknowledging the varied experiences of others only enriches our communities, both in personal growth and in collective progress. We should be educating our youth to accept and appreciate the people around them as they truly are, not as some narrow perspective might dictate. It is only through understanding the lived experiences of others that we will create a more inclusive and compassionate society. To this end, it is essential to teach young people that the world they will grow up in is not one where everyone shares the same identity, background, or beliefs. It is a vibrant, evolving melting pot, where differences should be celebrated rather than suppressed. Denying children the tools to navigate this diversitynot only in terms of gender but in all aspects of humanitysets the stage for the perpetuation of prejudice and bigotry. This, in turn, undermines our capacity to move forward as a society. Our responsibility is to equip the next generation with the knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in such a world. It is our collective duty as a society to ensure that young people are prepared to live and lead in a world where differences are acknowledged and respected. While it is natural that adapting to new understandings of sex and gender may raise questions or require effort, thoughtful reflection, and, yes, trial and error, we cannot afford to deny someone the right to live their truth. A denial of gender identity is not simply a political stanceit is a denial of a basic human right. No one should be forced to live in a way that negates their identity, and no child should grow up thinking that some identities are less valid than others. To do so is to misguide them, sow confusion, and breed division. While the conversation around gender and sex continues to evolve, we must not be afraid to engage in it with courage and compassion. The loudest voices may be those who seek to preserve a binary and outdated view of the world, but we must look to the future. It is essential to encourage and educate the next generation to embrace a world that is not constrained by the past, but rather open to growth, understanding, and mutual respect. I stand firmly with the belief that diversity, in all forms, is not only inevitable but essential for a thriving society. Our children deserve the right to see the world as it iscomplex, varied, and full of beauty in its differences.Thank you.

02-23-2025

Matthew Meyer

The idea of this bill disgusts me. How dare you, as legislators who claim to represent the people of Iowa, even for a moment presume to dictate a person's personal expression in this way? Anyone who supports this should be ashamed of themselves. Iowans deserve dignity and respect from the state government, not this intrusive abuse of personal liberty. Keep the government out of our pants.

02-23-2025

Deborah Finney

I understand that HSB 242 goes to committee tomorrow and it is a bill removing the protection for trans people from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. I am applauded that any group of people would be stripped of the protection of the Iowa civil rights act. The rights of the Iowa civil rights act should be for all Iowa citizens, regardless of any variables! Let us not single out any group of people and exclude them from receiving their civil rights! Thank you for considering my opinion. I am waiting to learn that this bill is defeated. We are called to care for and extend equal rights for ALL.

02-23-2025

Rachel Spah

I oppose Bill HSB 242. Please vote no on this bill which will strip rights from those that need them most. Lets put Iowa in the right side of history. History that allows all people basic human rights. Keep church out of the government. Remember the constitution.

02-23-2025

Deborah Finney

02-23-2025

Amber Capps

I oppose HSB 242, which strips civil rights protections for transgender Iowans.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. They should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Jane Runneals

RE: HF242 Dear Representatives, I am standing in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. I am extremely upset that my state whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain, has even proposed this bill, HF242, which is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as Iowans, I ask of you, do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. This is contrary to what we stand for and completely unChristian. Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves the Golden Rule.While this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HSB 242. Preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.Sincerely,Jane & Dan Runneals West Des Moines

02-23-2025

Hannah Goldsmith

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HSB 242. This bill would cause severe harm to transgender, nonbinary, and intersex Iowans. You claim that this is about protecting women and children. If you cared about protecting women, you would do more to allow women bodily autonomy. If you cared about protecting children, you would do more to prevent school shootings. It has never been about protecting women or children. It has always been about forcing people to conform to your narrow worldview, and erasing those who don't. As a student in Iowa, it is legislation like this that makes me want to leave the state as soon as I complete my degree, because I will not make a life for myself in a state that fosters such a hateful environment. This bill is unconstitutional, harmful, and violates every principle that the United States was founded on. This country was created as a result of citizens standing up to oppression, and yet you now seek to oppress those who you simply do not agree with. As a student, an American, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and above all else a person with common sense and basic human decency, I oppose HSB 242, and I implore you to do the same and vote NO on this bill.

02-23-2025

Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ [Heaven]

I,Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ proclaim that thou shall vote no on HSB242. I said Love thy neighbor, not take away the civil rights of thy neighbors. Well, that's not very nice. I love all my children regardless of sexuality or gender identity...Equal...rights are deserved by everyone. So be like me, love thy neighbors and vote no on HSB242

02-23-2025

Ann Ashton

02-23-2025

Carolyn Bertolino

The state governments job is to facilitate peoples life, liberty, and happiness. Its to help facilitate a level playing field so motivated people can live up to their potential. Its not to take away peoples civil rights in an obvious effort to kiss Donald Trumps butt, which is exactly what this stupid Bil is.

02-24-2025

Anna Frank

I didn't think I'd have to be fighting this hard for the survival of my friends, family, and myself. This bill is not just horrendous, it's disappointing. Peace, security, love, and basic human rights do not belong to only the people that right wing republicans agree with. It belongs to everyone. What happened to basic human empathy? How did we get here?Please do not let this bill progress further.

02-24-2025

Debbie Ringdahl

I grew up in Iowa. My dad was the local doc in a small town and we all took part in supporting the health and welfare and dignity of that community. What is happening to this state? Where have it's values gone? Please vote no on HSB 242.

02-24-2025

Sabbath Schrader

Anyone who supports this bill is actively discriminating against, and eagerly hoping to cause harm to, LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. As a labor and delivery nurse, I have cared for many baby's with ambiguous genitalia. As an office manager for a local Primary Care clinic, I work with and support LGBTQIA+ families. I am deeply saddened by this bill. This will not only strip transgender individuals of their rights, but further strip individual minority group members and women of their legal protections. Do we really want to be known as a State that has removed the very existence of a protected class?

02-24-2025

Chelsea Bee

I strongly oppose the removal of civil liberties, rights, and protections from any protected class. This bill will result in literal death and the blood will be on the hands of each of you that vote in favor. Do not give in to the MAGA hate and misinformation. For the safety of trans kids everywhere, I hope you reconsider.

02-24-2025

Roger Silver [None]

Overcoming ones fear of anothers differences is a sign of intelligence. Conversely, efforts to ban, shun, ignore, or exclude those who are different shows that your fear has overcome your intelligence.Please do not strip Trans gender people of the rights they deserve.

02-24-2025

Robert Hopp

The removal of civil rights from any Iowans is indefensible. The fact that some legislators are spending time advancing this hateful legislation instead of work that will help their constituents makes it abundantly clear that they care only about exercising their power and fearmongering to cement their position, rather than working to help Iowans. Stop this bill. Stop wasting time on it. Get to work.

02-24-2025

Jill McLain

I know that I wont convince anyone to oppose this bill by saying that people who are transgender deserve the same rights and protection as any other Iowan. Our legislators clearly dont believe that, otherwise this cruel bill wouldnt have been drafted.But I hope our elected officials can oppose it because its just so wasteful. We have far more important issues than to spend our time debating bills that do nothing other than target and harm a small, vulnerable group of people. Youd think this is something DOGE would call out, unless its using this as a distraction. Please dont waste my taxpayer dollars on this!

02-24-2025

Jeanna Schuler

What kind of government are we living in! We have seemed to be going backwards instead of forward with our thinking. If we decide to pass this law and discriminate against transgender how is this any different than discriminating against race!! Not proud to be a resident of this state if this passes. Im an educated white straight women who finds this law hideous!!!

02-23-2025

Sara Richmond

Please reject HSB242, which would remove protections for Iowans. Everyday Iowans who just want to work and love and live their lives in peace.All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.What is the point of preventing someone from renting and apartment or getting a credit card because they identify as something different? How are they hurting anyone?These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived.Transgender people are my friends. Your neighbors. Our family. Our coworkers. PLEASE vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Nat Hall

I vehemently oppose HSB 242. And any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections, for that matter. I am repulsed that this was even introduced, let alone brought to a subcommittee. Stop the attack on Transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa.

02-23-2025

Pamela Mohr

Please register my OPPOSITION to The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).I share this quote from Alok VaidMenon: "Gender is not what people look like to other people; it is what we know ourselves to be. No one else should be able to tell you who you are; that's for you to decide." Isn't this the ultimate definition of Freedom? All Iowans should have the Freedom to live their lives exactly as they know themselves to be. If this bill is passed, it will impact almost everything an adult Iowan needs to function and thrive in our state, including:Employment: Iowans could be fired, not hired, paid less, or provided fewer benefits. Employers could advertise that people will not be hired or employed based on their perceived gender. Iowans could be prohibited from joining a union or expelled from union membership.Housing: Iowans could be evicted, denied a lease, charged more rent, denied a mortgage, or denied purchase of a home or property. Realtors could refuse to work with someone. Realtors could refuse to allow Iowans to work in brokerage firms. Appraisers could devalue property. Hotels could refuse to rent rooms. Shelters could refuse service and/or force sex segregation or advertise that people are not allowed the safety of shelter.Public Accommodations: Any business could refuse service, charge more, or advertise that they will not allow certain Iowans are not allowed on their premises.Education: Iowans could be denied college admission or expelled from college. Banking and Insurance: Iowans could be denied loans and credit, along with related life/accident insurance coverage.If you still aren't convinced as to why this bill strips Iowans' rights and is extremely harmful, please understand this bill also affects the safety of women in Iowa. This bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that aren't included in Iowa's sex discrimination statute. Rep. Aime J Wichtendahl also explains how women may be harassed under the suspicion of being trans in Iowa, While this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.You were elected to represent the people of Iowa to ensure we have an Iowa that works for ALL Iowans. Doing anything less is discrimination and not protecting Iowans' freedoms. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-23-2025

Amy Conrad

02-23-2025

Sarah Eikleberry

Stripping rights from Iowans to protect poorly crafted legislation is a double embarrassment to this states legacy of expanding and protecting civil rights. Do not strip gender identity from our existing civil rights codes.

02-23-2025

Jody Benz

Please do not pass this bill. Trangender people already have too many obstacles to living their best life. Taking away rights from one subgroup of the population to me is akin to slavery where "regular" people decide that others do not deserve to be treated humanly or equally.

02-23-2025

Jaxxon Patterson

Passing this bill will result in the termination of basic human rights for transgender individuals throughout Iowa. I know our voice means very little to you people in power, but you should know better than anyone the consequences of this action. We will not sit by quietly and watch decades of work be taken within a day. Passing this bill is a crime against civil rights, and you will be ending the lives of thousands of innocent people, mostly children. I know you have no empathy, otherwise we wouldnt have to be fighting this hard. A world without trans people has never existed, and never will. Weve fought before and we are willing to fight again for our basic rights. As a citizen of Iowa I am ashamed of our state and the downward spiral weve been heading in. Vote NO to this bill. We are asking as a collective, and we will not sit quietly if this is voted in.

02-23-2025

Emily Phippen

Transgender Iowans are human beings just like anyone else. They deserve the same rights, respect, and dignity as their neighbors, and the fear and pain this bill creates are very real. Its terrifying to think about the harm this could cause, not just to individuals, but to families and communities across our state. My transgender friends and family members are people I love, and all they want is to live without fear of discrimination or exclusion.I urge you to reject this legislation and instead work toward ensuring all Iowans, regardless of their gender identity, are treated fairly and with respect. We should be looking for ways to build a more inclusive, supportive community, not one that threatens the rights and wellbeing of marginalized groups.

02-23-2025

Maggie Ferrentino

I oppose HSB 242 and urge the subcommittee to vote against it. I am not a native Iowan but was so proud to move here in 2010 because of Iowas longstanding history of being a pioneer in granting rights to historically marginalized populations. Im ashamed at how many of those rights have been stripped over the last 15 years and no longer take pride in where I live. This is an opportunity to reject further backpedaling. Please reject this bill.

02-23-2025

Angela Burr

STOP telling people who they are. This is Christian dogma and has no place in government. I believe people should be able to define their gender. The Government and the state of Iowa have no business restricting people to their definition of gender. Iowa representatives should seek ways to SUPPORT people and GROW the economy. DO NOT spend taxpayers' money on these bigoted bills. We are LOSING valuable people and resources because of bigoted agendas like these.

02-23-2025

Melody Smith

02-23-2025

Landon Wood

I strongly oppose the proposed bill that seeks to strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. This harmful legislation is a direct attack on a vulnerable community and undermines the values of equality and justice that should be upheld by our state. Transgender individuals, like all Iowans, deserve to live with dignity, respect, and the same rights as everyone else.This bill would only further marginalize and endanger an already oppressed group, and it is crucial that we stand united against it. I urge lawmakers to reconsider their support for this dangerous measure and instead work toward policies that foster inclusivity, safety, and equal treatment for all people in Iowa, regardless of gender identity.Iowa should be a place where every citizen, no matter their identity, feels valued and protected. I call on lawmakers to reject this bill and protect the rights of transgender Iowans.Thank you.

02-23-2025

L B

Removing language and educational resources on a topic does not make it disappear. Blatant anti intellectualism and cowardly targeting of a small and vulnerable group. Trans people have, and will always exist. We arent going anywhere.

02-23-2025

Evelyn Nikkel [PELLA PAC]

YES!! Pass HSB 242 and fix the grave error made in 2007. Everyone in Iowa has equal immutable rights, except when these two fictional terms were incorrectly added, it codifies preferred treatment to made up entities which is against Iowa law.The collateral societal damage from this decision in 2007 are staggering and eroding Iowas basic moral framework. This was the first domino that loosed DEI indoctrination, obscene and pornographic materials in public schools and libraries, implemented gender dysphoria, confusion about basic biological terms, taxpayer funded sex changes, drove LGBTQ deviant sexual behaviors, robbed them of decent educations all of which are maiming our children emotionally and physically for their entire lives. Biological females are put in jeopardy by biological males with gender dysphoria stealing their sports achievements, trespassing on their privacy and raping them in womens prisons. Imaginary distinctions are usurping the lawful rights of our children and their future and must be stopped.

02-23-2025

Shelly Soorholtz

HSB 242AGAINSTPlease vote against HSB 242. As a parent of a transgender daughter, I find this bill offensive and very discriminatory. Ending protections for gender identity is unimaginable and will cause more difficulties for people who fit in this category.Iowa has always been a welcoming state. I have lived in Iowa for most of my life and this bill will only discourage people from living here. Also, to the country, Iowa's reputation will be tarnished beyond repair.PLEASE vote against this bill!

02-23-2025

Jeramie Mitchell

I was born and raised in Iowa, and while I no longer live in that state, I have many family and friends still there, so I visit Iowa fairly regularly. I have members of my family who are transgender, and I dont want to risk their safety bringing them to a state without laws to protect them. Passage of this bill will hurt me and my family, as well as many others who live in Iowa or have family and friends in your state. Please reconsider this bill. It will hurt any people both in your state and out of it.

02-23-2025

Larisa Bowman

My threeyearold, born a boy, loves ballet, dolls, and the color pink. We havent raised him any differently than his sister (who loves dance and Taylor Swift) or his brother (who loves fencing and F1 racing). My youngest just is who he is. What Id like you to know is that I love my children as much as you love your children. Our love is the same. My children are a gift from God, just like your children.I would never treat your children as unworthy of unconditional love. Please dont deny my child the same love. Please dont take away his bright light that only love can fuel.

02-23-2025

Sean McRoberts

This bill does not serve any good purpose, and invites discrimination against transgender Iowans. Everyone in Iowa deserves fair treatment, and the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone is denied a place to live, a job, or an education based on who they are, how can they even get by, let alone contribute to our communities? Further, this bill actually engangers Iowas children. Trans youth are already at dramatically higher risk for assault, homelessness and suicide. This great risk is directly related to laws and public speech that does not recognize trans youth as valid human beings, and to religious teachings that call them sinful and deny their sacred worth. This proposed legislation will further elevate the risk to young people, especially trans youth, but also nonbinary and gender nonconforming children.

02-23-2025

Heather Walerius

Protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals is paramount in a just society. It's important to ensure that policies promote inclusivity and respect for everyone. Open dialogue and understanding can help bridge divides and foster a more harmonious community. Let's work together to build a society where all can thrive instead of trying to create divide and strip people of their constitutional rights!

02-23-2025

Alison Gowans

I have always been proud to be an Iowan, with our history of groundbreaking civil rights actions and our motto of Our Liberties we Prize and our Rights we will Maintain. I never thought I would see the day our legislators would try to strip civil rights protections from Iowans. Legalizing discrimination against any group of people is wrong, full stop. Please oppose this discriminatory bill.

02-23-2025

Amy Cohen

I opposed HSB 242 because it eliminates transgender peoples rights to selfidentify. Limiting gender identity on public documents such as drivers license to two genders puts trans people in signifantly more harm for hate crimes when their ID does not match their photo or gender marker. Children have a right to express themselves and be themselves in school and at home. The suicide rate is up to 6x greater for the LGBTQ community. Iowa used to be a place where people would mind their own business and now it has become known as the state for hatred. I urge you not to pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Justin Comer

This is wrong! You know this is wrong! Representative Holt has stated explicitly that he wants to remove gender identity from the Iowa civil rights act so that his other efforts to discriminate against trans people will survive legal challenges in court: https://x.com/RepStevenHolt/status/1892779036738306092Do you think this stops with one minority population? If Steve Holt succeeds in removing some language in our civil rights act, how long do you think the rest of the words survive? It's clear that Steve Holt believes some people are more deserving of rights than others. Is that how the law is supposed to work? What does "equal protection" mean? Steve Holt needs to resign. He is so blinded by his hatred of trans people that he is proposing incredibly reckless and dangerous legislation, consequences be damned. This bill must be stopped.

02-23-2025

Sarah Purcell

I strongly oppose this bill and urge the committee to drop this idea entirely. Iowas history is one of respecting, protecting, and expanding human rights, and we should not be removing any rights protections. I am Christian, and this is against my beliefs. All Gods children deserve protection.

02-23-2025

Teresa Mathews

No, this is not morally right! The State of IA Flag says,"Our Liberties We Prize, and OUR RIGHTS WE WILL MAINTAIN"An elected body such as the Iowa Senate and House of Reprentatives were elected to serve the people of IA, ALL people! This elected group should NEVER remove the Rights of any group of people!! Do NOT remove the Rights of people in IA. As our flag states, "MAINTAIN OUR RIGHTS"Listen to the people of IA. Do the right thing. Do NOT move forward with hateful Bill #242An Iowa Tax Payer, Parent, Grandparent, Retired Educator

02-23-2025

Amy Colbert

This bill is detrimental to all Iowans. Not only transgender people, but also their allies will likely leave Iowa if this bill is passed. The loss of human capital will set Iowa back at least 50 years. Universities will lose students to universities in state where transgender individuals receive basic human rights.Additionally, this is a violation of basic human rights and freedoms. All people deserve basic human rights. This is the foundation on which this country was built. As a Christian, it is also a fundamental tenant of my religion. Iowans deserve better. Please quit trying to erase people and start making Iowa a more sustainable, resilient place for everyone.

02-23-2025

Julie Visser

Vote no! If this passes, this will impact almost anything an adult needs to function and thrive: Employment can be fired, not hired, paid less, provided less benefits, can advertise that trans people will not be hired or employed, prohibiting from joining a union or expelled from union membership.Housing can be evicted, denied a lease, charged more rent, denied mortgage, denied purchase of home or property, realtors can refuse to work with you and realtors can refuse to allow trans people to work in brokerage firms, appraisers could devalue property, hotels can refuse to rent rooms, shelters can refuse service and/or force sex segregation, can advertise that trans people are not allowed.Public accommodations any business can refuse service, charge more, advertise that they will not allow trans people on their premises. Educationcan be denied admission to college or expelled from college (also applies to K12, including charter schools) Banking and Insurancecan be denied loans and credit, along with related life/accident insurance coverage.

02-23-2025

Gwendolyn Neal

I oppose this bill as strongly as I possibly can. This bill would have disastrous consequences for trans Iowans. This is not common sense, it's unscientific, baseless cruelty meant to crush a population considered unseemly. Everyone involved in writing it should be ashamed.

02-23-2025

Louisa Stockton

Hello, my name is Louisa and I've grown up in Iowa, lived here my whole life. I'm nearly 37 years old and I've seen our state go through changes as I've grown up but at our hearts, we've always been good people. This bill goes against everything I was brought up as an Iowan to believe we were. We are accepting, loving people who welcome others into our community, no matter who they are. HSB 242 goes against that entirely. This puts an already at risk population more at risk of discrimination and strips them of their right to express who they are. I have yet to meet a person of trans identity who has caused harm just by existing as his, her, or their authentic self. I urge all to vote against this bill. I urge you to find understanding that there are expressions of self that are different from how we are born... And I urge you to show compassion for those who are affected by this bill, again, by voting against it. Thank you for your time.

02-23-2025

Samantha Gaffney-Chaloupka

Please oppose HSB 242! We should not be removing civil rights protections from marginalized Iowans. Trans people are people. People who dont fit into traditional gender norms are also people. These human beings are facing increasing hatred, abuse, and discrimination, and bills like this seek to take away what protection there is against this discrimination. OPPOSE HSB 242!

02-23-2025

Claire Anderson

Bill HSB242 must be rejected. Trans rights are human rights. Policing gender expression is inhumane and the passage of this bill will be a detriment to every Iowan regardless of their gender. I urge elected officials to focus their energies on the actual needs of Iowans providing excellent public education, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, clean water rather than dehumanizing our trans and nonbinary community members. Iowans need and deserve more access and rights and support, not for their gender expression to be criminalized. Sincerely, a cis ally currently embarrassed to be an Iowan.

02-23-2025

Matthew Yoder

This bill will actively harm our fellow Iowans who are our coworkers, friends, family, and hardworking community members. It will further erase their legal identities. This is a dangerous, cruel prices of legislation that should not progress any further if we wish to embody Iowas value of liberty.

02-23-2025

Jaime Bonner

Please vote against HSB 242. All Iowans deserve protection from discrimination. Iowa has the opportunity to be a leader in recognizing the strength of ALL our citizens rather than being a leader in hate. Trans Iowans have always been here, have always been our family, friends and neighbors. HSB242 does not fix any problem, it hurts us all.

02-23-2025

Amber Beerends

It hurts me to think of anyone drafting legislation designed to purposely take civil rights away from an individual. I don't know what fuels this hate or fear or discomfort with people that are different. Some may say God has dictated this, but even churches disagree and we do not have a state religion and therefore should not be basing our laws for all people off of the rules of one religion. Their being different from you or making a choice that you don't understand or doesn't align with your religious worldview, does not mean you should write laws to marginalize them. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. The verbiage in the bill that "Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal" is appalling. While this may be technically true, it is almost never true in practice. I though that idea was settled by Brown vs Board of Education in 1954.Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Chelsea Kelly

As a person with a conscience and more than two brain cells, I oppose this legislation with every atom in my body. I already know our comments will be overlooked by republicans. For the party of a religion that is supposed to be about showing kindness to their fellow humans, they do the exact opposite and label empathy itself as a sin. What good will stripping the civil rights of an entire group of people do?! Im sick of the cruelty from Republicans and the joy they have in legislating it. Transgendered individuals are hard working people with families, who pay taxes, and contribute to the local economy. They are more places than anyone can realize and weeding them out as second class citizens is atrocious and barbaric. For so many right wing voters to have We the people decals on their SUVs, Im not surprised that your party lacks the intelligence to understand what that means. How dare you even consider passing something like this all so our governor can keep her head up Trumps ass. I am deeply ashamed to be an Iowan.

02-23-2025

Molly Dahlberg

I am a cisgender, heterosexual woman, and I strongly oppose this proposed bill. It does nothing to keep cisgender women safe, as Speaker Grassley claims. It only causes more harm to transgender Iowans and their families. Protection from discrimination based on gender identity is essential to ensuring transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming Iowans cannot be fired from their jobs, denied housing or healthcare or lose the right to exist in public spaces. Courts around the country have upheld gender identity as a protected class multiple times in the past few years. In addition to the harm this bill causes to Iowans, removing gender identity from the civil rights act opens the state up to costly lawsuits, which waste taxpayers money. Legislation in this state should be based on science, data, and the common good, not fear, misunderstanding, and hatred. I want all of my neighbors to have the right to proper legal documents, admission to public spaces, including bathrooms, and participation in all this state has to offer without discrimination and fear.

02-23-2025

Heather Bentley

I am an Iowa resident, and I am disgusted by the targeting of individuals just because they are different. This is absolutely unconstitutional and government overreach. Im tired of you pushing your cherrypicked Christian beliefs on Iowans. Leave people alone. You do not have a right to judge, and hurt people. No matter what, the treatment of transgender people is between them, their families, and their doctors, which they must see to transition anyway. Stop with your cruelty campaign!!!

02-23-2025

Emma Denney

I OPPOSE HSB 242. This is the most regressive and hateful bill i have ever seen in Iowa, and i am horrified that this idea has made it this far. Trans people already face increased violence and discrimination with these existing protections, to remove them would open the floodgates to segregation, mistreatment, and violent marginalization. Trans people already face higher rates of sexual violence, but this bill would make it impossible for us to access most care and support services. Trans people already face high unemployment due to discrimination, but this bill would take away what little recourse we already have. This bill would force trans women into men's prisons, where they are subjected to "vcoding," documented systemic rape and sexual violence. This bill wants to exclude trans people from public life and state services entirely, going so far as to seemingly promote the vile language of Plessy v. Ferguson "separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." Vote NO on HSB 242. have some decency in your soul and empathy in your hearts.

02-23-2025

Jane Robinette

I strongly oppose HSB 242. I am deeply concerned for my friends and loved ones, and for all transgender Iowans. These civil rights protections have been in place in Iowa for nearly 20 years. And the other parts of this bill would simply erase gender identity and trans Iowans from Iowa law. Some are talking about moving out of state to protect their minor and adult children (or themselves). And can you blame them? This bill would allow landlords to deny them shelter, business owners and government offices to deny them services, banks to deny them creditfor no other reason than they are transgender. This directly contradicts our state's pioneering history in civil rights and our state motto. Taking away civil rights and protections for a small targeted minority of Iowans is just mean and morally wrong. Please be brave and stand up for what you know is right. Stand for the worth and dignity of all Iowans. Stand for basic civil rights for all Iowans. Please stop HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Joanne Lastoka [Iowa citizen only]

I whole heartedly disagree with bill HSB 242. I am not Trans, nor Gay, but I believe bills like this are promoted by irrational fear mongering. It's no different than racism and pure HATE.The Iowa legislature should be more concerned for Gov. Kim's giving public school money to religious schools, and misspending State money, and perhaps ALL of you in politics should be more concerned about our becoming an autocratic government courtesy of our lying felon President who has crowned himself "King"! Why are we enriching Elon Musk, the richest man in the world?? Worry about our country's standing in the world, protecting NATO so we don't end up in World War 3, protecting our economy, our health care, our ability to stay in our jobs, feed & care for our families and live without constant fear!

02-23-2025

Michael Speer

Im writing to oppose HSB 242, set for discussion on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in RM 103. This bill, which meddles with definitions of sex and gender in laws, vital records, civil rights, and school curricula, is a political stunt, not a practical fix. Its unnecessary and it just stirs up division and hate instead of solving real problems. Iowa doesnt need this kind of divisive legislation. Please vote no and focus on what actually helps people. Thank you, Michael Speer

02-23-2025

Jill Swanson

The very fact that there is a bill to remove civil rights from a group of Iowans, fellow human beings, is abhorrent. The path to removing civil rights from one group is a slippery slope that leads no where good. All human beings deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Full stop. Many who are calling for this claim to be Christian. Prove it by demonstrating love. Love to all.

02-23-2025

Joey Cheers

Vote NO and Stop HSB242. This bill is discriminatory and absolutely does not fall in line with Iowans morals. Iowans are a kind, welcoming community and we want to see more diversity, more inclusion and more acceptance in Iowa. Do not support this kind of hate and discrimination. It will harshly negatively effect this minority group, while having repercussions that would even effect more people outside of just the trans community. People who dont look enough like their assigned gender could be discriminated against without protections to fight for them. Do not support this hateful driven narrative out of the lives of our fellow humans. This is disgraceful. Vote No to HSB242

02-23-2025

Spencer S

Do not pass this bill. Ensuring equal opportunity for all Iowans, including those who are transgender, is fundamental to a fair and just society. Everyone deserves the ability to work, secure housing, and access essential services without fear of discrimination. Removing these protections would place transgender individualsand othersat a significant disadvantage, making it harder for them to participate fully in our communities and economy. Additionally, this bill weakens protections against sex stereotyping, which could have broader implications for nontransgender women as well.

02-23-2025

Greg Hetrick

Such legislation undermines fundamental human rights and medical autonomy, while ignoring extensive research showing that access to appropriate healthcare and social acceptance significantly improves wellbeing and mental health outcomes. Beyond the direct harm to transgender individuals, these bills create a chilling effect on healthcare providers and support systems, making it harder for medical professionals to provide evidencebased care to their patients. This type of legislation also contradicts established medical consensus from major healthcare organizations and diverts attention and resources away from pressing issues that could benefit all members of society.

02-23-2025

Evan Engelhardt

Please just exercise an ounce of human decency and leave the transgender community alone. This is unnecessarily cruel to many Iowans who you are sworn to serve and keep their best interests in mind. The transgender community occupies such a small percentage of the population, this is a terrible change but its also such a waste of time and energy. Focus on more important things please. Sex and gender are not the same thing. Its even mentioned in the bill about endocrine disorders that lead to sexual dysmorphism, so you do have some awareness that sex and gender are not a black and white issue. This is cruelty for crueltys sake, and I beg you to please do better. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Kevin Peterson

I want you to know that I have the utmost respect for your rights and beliefs as a parent and community member to choose what your children are exposed to and how you choose to portray your connection with the physical form that you embody. However, I am very concerned with this activity to limit the rights and freedom of other parents and community members to freely choose what is appropriate for their children and for themselves. One should not be forced under legal peril to hide their beliefs and limit their self expression. This is certainly not the 'constitutional' definition of freedom and liberty that I know that you all value and work to uphold. Thank you for taking these thoughts into consideration, and thank you for your service to the state of Iowa.

02-23-2025

Cynthia Weeks

I find this proposed legislation to be reprehensible for all Iowa residents. No where in the Bible does it say to trample on the rights of your neighbor, especially transgender people. As the parent of a transgender male, I am frightened by the animosity and hate thats been spewed by politicians for individuals who are peacefully living their lives, hurting no one.

02-23-2025

Jerrica Yasumura

This is a hateful bill stripping the rights from a marginalized community emboldened by the republicans homophobic and transphobic rhetoric. A world without trans people HAS NEVER and WILL NEVER exist! Just because you dont understand it first hand, doesnt make it wrong or nonexistent. Trans joy is sacred. Everyone deserves to live their true authentic life. Iowans deserve better! Our tax dollars should be used to tackle ACTUAL concerns causing harm to our communities. Like the rising cancer rates or anything else but spewing hate on a fragile community.

02-23-2025

Kim Stewart

I think all these bills are wrong! There is so much more to life than gay/ straight/ trans. It shouldnt matter!!! Why cant you as politicians do something about the crime / school shooting. How about making laws that protect us and not harm us.

02-23-2025

Jenny Kula

I oppose HSB 242. This bill is bigoted and plain evil. Iowa once stood on the forefront of legislation that served society: funding public education, outlawing segregation nearly a century before the federal government mandated, and legalizing gay marriage half a decade before the U.S., but today our image is sorely ruined. Iowans used to be respected by their legislature but now the state is controlled by politicians donors and we are left in the dirt. This bill makes it abundantly clear that the government is more willing to craft legislation for fringe radical hateful moneyed organizations than for the protection of their own people.

02-23-2025

Annamaria Formichella

I encourage the committee to use an evidencebased approach when considering this bill. There is data available showing that gender dysphoria is a condition with detrimental health effects if people aren't given supportive resources. Just denying the existence of trans identity doesn't make it go away. It just makes it more likely that people experiencing gender dysphoria will suffer severe mental health consequences (with many related potential harms, for trans people themselves and our whole society). There is also ample data demonstrating the discrimination trans people face daily in various situations. Removing their civil rights protections will only embolden those who dislike (or disapprove of) trans peopleisn't the point of civil rights protections to keep others from treating us unequally because they don't like us?A friend of mine once said, "Before I pass a piece of new legislation, I would want to know what harm or problem is being solved." There is no problem being solved by this legislation, no harm being caused by trans people. Trans individuals have been more and more able to live healthy, happy lives due to policies that protect and support them. This is the role of government and our legislatorsto protect and support all citizens.

02-23-2025

Katherine Ogden

If gender is biologically designated, why does it need to be legally enforced? HSB 242 is nothing short of reprehensible. Transgender Americans have freedoms, too. This is an unacceptable way to treat communities that you are elected to SERVE.

02-23-2025

Briar Conrey

As a lifelong resident of Iowa, I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill, which sets a dangerous and harmful precedent in the stripping of our rights, and immediately endangers our trans coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Where will it end? This bill does not support Iowans freedoms. Steve Holt is a dangerous politician and does not serve our communities best interests.

02-23-2025

Elyse Hawthorn [Elyse Hawthorn]

To Representatives Holt and Denison,I regret that I and my family cannot be at the Capitol tomorrow. This bill is very close to us as our youngest child, who is 17, is transgender. We also have a number of cherished members of our small Northern Iowa town who identify as nonbinary or transgender. This bill is descriminatory and unjust. My child has been transgender for many years and this bill would deny them the life and care they deserve as a US citizen. You are elected officials not medical professionals. You are in the position to protect and uphold the constitution. This bill goes against that. Consider all of this before you make a decision. My child is a top student, plays first chair flute in band, sings in community choir, belongs to multiple clubs and groups and plan to go to college for epidemiology. Their gender is just part of them, but if you take that away from them, you threaten their very human core. They turn 18 in 9 months and will be an active voter and will continue to be an active community member. Please consider who you represent and the job you are upholding and the constitution.Thank you for your time.Sincerely,Elyse Hawthorn

02-23-2025

Thomas Oates

There is no justification for stripping civil rights from any group, This bill would be an indelible embarrassment to the state and its motto: Our rights we will maintain. Nothing but bigotry can justify this law and future generations of Iowans will hang their heads in shame if it passes.

02-23-2025

Nathan Kelley

I urge you to oppose HSB242. This bill not only undermines fundamental civil rights but also violates core constitutional principles enshrined in both the Iowa Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.The Iowa Constitution explicitly protects individual liberties and guarantees equal protection under the law. Article I, Section 1 affirms that all men and women are, by nature, free and equal, and Article I, Section 6 ensures that all laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation. By removing protections for transgender Iowans, HSB242 creates an unequal application of the law, violating these fundamental principles. The U.S. Constitution similarly upholds equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment, prohibiting statesanctioned discrimination against any group of people.All hardworking Iowansincluding those who are transgenderdeserve to be treated fairly under the law, have the opportunity to earn a living, and secure housing without fear of discrimination. If individuals are denied employment, housing, or services simply because of who they are, the state is failing in its duty to ensure a fair and just society. Our legal system is rooted in merit, and antidiscrimination protections are essential in preserving that foundation, ensuring that all peopleregardless of gender identityhave equal access to opportunities.Furthermore, HSB242s restrictive definitions risk stripping vital sexstereotyping protections from all Iowans, including nontransgender women. This bill weakens established antidiscrimination safeguards and introduces unnecessary legal complications for many citizens who do not conform to narrowly defined gender norms.Transgender Iowans are not strangersthey are our friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. Their rights and dignity should not be up for debate. A government that values freedom and fairness must reject laws that selectively deny rights to certain groups.I urge you to uphold the constitutional principles of equal protection, fairness, and individual liberty by voting NO on HSB242. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to protecting the rights of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ryan Thies

Quit PLEASE quit wasting time and actually govern on meaningful, worthy pieces of legislation. The State of Iowa sounds like a record on repeat talking about the same nonsense over and over. DOGE should come in a rid the republicans in the Iowa legislature for wasting our time and money on nonsense.

02-23-2025

Shay Lilienthal

I oppose this bill that is little more than a blatant attempt to demonize and other an entire group of Iowans who are our neighbors, friends, family, and community members. This is a gross misuse of tax payer time and money when we have much bigger issues we need to address. Vote no to this bill and let's stop trying to uphold a hateful rhetoric that has never served us.

02-23-2025

Cathan Bair

Vote NO on this bill. It is both unconstitutional and uncalled for. Here in the United States, every person should have the right to their own life, free to believe, identify, and act how they choose. Transgender people are not dangerous, they are not unnatural or amoral, they are simply American citizens trying to live their lives without facing unwarranted persecution by strangers who know nothing about them. Vote NO on this bill.

02-23-2025

Willa Goodman

I strongly reject HSB242. It is discriminatory and hateful. All persons should be treated equally under the law..we are all human beings regardless of age, gender, religion or political ideology. ALL MEN AND WOMEN ARE CREATED EQUAL!

02-23-2025

Shane Abell

This bill is predatory and will more than likely result in deaths of the individuals it affects. If this bill passes you are responsible for their deaths. This bill is a threat to every Iowan and should not be passed. It ignores the scientific reality that gender identity does not always equal ones biological gender. This bill is dangerous and hateful. Please don't allow it to pass.

02-23-2025

Jesse Nickell

The passing of this bill would mark the start of a human rights crisis in our state. I am devastated that any Iowan could enjoy the thought of stripping their fellow citizens of their muchneeded protections. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Daniel Siegel

Republicans are trying to create artificial hysteria by scapegoating trans people, and its disgusting that this has worked at all. Time and time again this has been in the republicans playbook, first it was black people, then it was gay people, then it was immigrants (not to say they still dont still scapegoat those groups as well), and now its trans people. Its a sad reflection on our country that anybody has fallen for this, they say look at this small minority of the country, dont they make you feel weird and icky? and then fuck everybody over, including their own voter base while theyre not looking

02-23-2025

Graham Bechman

I'd like to register my opposition to HSB 242, a bill that only serves to legalize and tacitly encourage discrimination against transgender Iowans in housing, education, and everyday life. This legislation is outwardly hateful in intent, and should be rejected; is this the most important issue facing Iowans right now? Punching down at marginalized members of our community?

02-23-2025

Joseph Messina

This bill is a step backward for civil rights and a clear infringement on individual liberties. Its basis is in religious hysteria only. This is an overreach of political power as well as a blatant attempt to move drastically further toward religious nationalist authoritarianism. Obviously this ridiculously broad bill is meant to appease fanaticism & should be rejected without consideration.

02-23-2025

Dawn Buffalo

I oppose this legislation that would strip transgender Iowans of their civil rights. Shame on Iowa for throwing away its rich tradition of celebrating and finding value of ALL people from all walks of life. The people who support this are insecure cowards and bullies. FIGHT BACK, IOWA! Fight for our children or no one will fight for yours when the time comes, and it will sooner or later.

02-23-2025

Tara Abbott

I am writing to express my opposition to HSB242.I am a mother of 4 children and I live in Des Moines, Iowa with my husband and children. As a lifelong resident, I am very concerned about the direction of our state government in the last few years.In the past, I always felt proud to call this state my home. Our strong hard working communities who help lift one another up and always have a kind word (or a wave while passing on the highway) are being overtaken by emotionally reactive ignorance. Our state had a long history of making decisions based on logic, fairness, and careful consideration. This bill does not reflect Iowas values.This bill does much more than removal of the term gender identity from civil rights code. I oppose each and every aspect of this bill, but as written it is far too broad to be considered for passage by any reasonable person regardless of their political affiliation.The unintended consequences of much of the language in this bill is deeply concerning to me. As written, the bill would create huge changes other areas of the civils rights code.The bill, especially in the areas of the bill affecting birth certificates, appears to create significant equal protection issues.It has been stated that this bill is partly intended to protect (cisgender) women. As a cisgender woman who has lived in this state for 46 years I attest that I experienced no negative or harmful effects to my safety or freedom since gender identity was added to our civil rights code in 2007. In fact, our care and consideration for our fellow citizens made me feel SAFER and proud of our state!All hardworking people, including those who are transgender, should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state.Thank you for your time and for your service to our state.

02-23-2025

Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz

Please OPPOSE this bill. It is immoral, hateful, and antidemocratic to strip people of their civil rights. Please stop picking on a minoritized community of people who live in, work in, and contribute to our state and pay attention to real concernslike affordable child care and housing and health care.

02-23-2025

Nick Oswald

I strongly OPPOSE this hateful and discriminatory bill! Please tell me how this bill helps Iowans that are struggling to put food on their tables right now?? THAT should be your focus not picking in trans people. Iowa Republicans need to do their jobs! This is pathetic!

02-23-2025

Ann Kreitman

Do NOT support HSB 242. Why are our legislators wasting our tax dollars on persecuting Iowans? Why is it such a high priority to remove civil rights from trans Iowans?? This is a shameful, disgusting bill and an utter waste of time.

02-23-2025

Bethany Fast

Imagine wasting the time, resources, and energy of Iowan taxpayers on what is going to be an absolutely embarrassment to the state of Iowa. Pictures of the committee members of this bill will be in history books, villains leading the charge of stripping folks of their basic human rights to exist, once again. Trans people have existed since human beings have existed. You cannot legislate them out of being. All you can do is waste time and resources on an imaginary problem that doesn't need fixing.I oppose HSB 242. It's inhumane, it's immoral, and every member of this committee should be ashamed of themselves.

02-23-2025

Honey Grodt

People who are transgender deserve the same rights and protections as those who are not transgender. These are human beings. And once you start down the slippery slope of stripping rights and protections from one group of people, where do you draw the line? Who decides who is deserving of having their rights upheld? Please do not pass this unconstitutional legislation.

02-24-2025

Kristen Daily

I am writing to you both personally as a proud Iowan and as a small business owner here in our state. I urge you to reject HSB242, a bill that would strip protections for transgender Iowans. I don't want to live and work in a state bent on erasing people based on their identity. This bill is harmful, hurtful, and shameful. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. Let's lead with love and quit wasting resources on such hateful legislation. Please reject HSB242.

02-23-2025

Lily Vajgrt [Decent Human Being]

Even if I weren't a trans woman I would be vehemently vocally opposed to this bill. The fearmongering about "men raping women in prison or locker rooms or bathrooms" is farcical nonsense! It's a red herring designed to further spread hatred. One: Trans women ARE WOMEN, there are studies backing this logic. Personally, I rape as many people as I want. If that number is anything more than zero, that is a ME problem! It's not more than zero. I know the damage rape can cause. Trans women are 4x more likely to be the VICTIM of sexual assault, and that's even higher rates for black trans women. Cisgender women, and trans women are at risk from cisgender MEN. The problem is cis men, not trans women! Stripping the trans community of civil rights opens the door for bathroom bills for all ages, sweeping knowledge gained since Hitler destroyed all available knowledge from the only transgender clinic in Germany under the rug, destroying lives of trans people and their families and friends, bans on gender affirming care for all ages, discrimination in housing, discrimination in employment. It's already hard enough to find a job as a trans woman and you're going to make it infinitely more difficult all because of something I had ZERO CONTROL OVER. I have lived my entire 45 years in this state, and it used to be that we treated our neighbors with dignity, respect, kindness, and a fair shake at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Because we ARE NOT them. We don't know the battles they're facing. I shouldn't have to leave my birth state all because a bunch of Trump Taint Tickling Transphobes want the "icky trans people to go away." DO NOT legislate hatred into the Iowa Code. There's a reason this bill was passed in 2007 and that's because a bunch of queer people banded together and said "now we need to give the rights to our trans people" after getting gay marriage.An injury to one is an injury to all. They won't stop at trans rights. They'll come for gay marriage and partnership rights next. Then they'll further subjugate women. These people DON'T STOP in their push for moral panic to legislate hatred. This is why I'll never vote Republican in the remainder of my lifetime. Worthless.

02-23-2025

Cynthia Tofflemire

This bill is atrocious and should not be considered, let alone passed. It does not belong in Iowa.I am a lifelong Iowa resident, having grown up on a generational family farm in NW Iowa. That farm is still in our family. No one in my extended family thinks this bill is a good idea. No one. It's cruel and misguided.Gender Identity must remain intact in our constitution, and society.I would be there to march Monday February 24th but have work conflicts so cannot. I am there in spirit and urge this bill not be passed. It is draconian and unnecessary.

02-23-2025

Paula Smith [Grinnell College]

I have close family members who do not conform to the binary labels that we all get assigned at birth. Modern science shows that the complex interaction of chromosomes, anatomy, and hormones in our bodies sometimes just doesn't easily or simply "add up" to form a clear basic biological female or male. Some people really are nonbinary or intersex (androgynous,hermaphrodite, with both traits) and sexual attractions also vary according to many factors. Different religious and cultural traditions each view gender in their own ways, but religious freedom and the right to pursue happiness remain the law of the land and represent America's strength. My children are good people, engaged in making the world better. Don't demean, hurt, and obstruct them. They have no intention of imposing their values on conservative Christians. Please respect my family as we respect yours. Oppose the restriction of human/civil rights represented by this bill. Let people be their fully developed and lawabiding selves.

02-23-2025

Sean McConnell

The state motto for Iowa is "Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain" and instead of trying to make the lives of all Iowans better the Iowa legislature is working over time to take away the rights from a small portion of the population. This legislation is disgusting and should be thrown in the trash. Removing civil rights protections from people who dare to be themselves so that you can discriminate against them is wrong. Stop with the culture wars and start trying to improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of every Iowan.

02-23-2025

Honey Grodt

02-23-2025

Kayden Ellis

I strongly oppose this bill, as a member and ally of the trans and queer communities. It will do nothing but harm people in a state that supposedly lauds its rights to freedom and expression, yet is apparently trying to legislate that away. Do not let this bill come to pass.

02-23-2025

Lina-Maria Murillo

Vote NO on HSB242 because it is unconstitutional to take away civil rights. This would set a very dangerous precedent that could be used in the future to strip women, Black, and Native people of their right to vote or own property. These were hard fought civil rights protections gained after much struggle. We must protect everyones hard won civil rights in Iowa. Trans and nonbinary have fought for their existence to be respected and protected against those who would discriminate against them. It's clear those supporting this bill want to legally discriminate against trans and nonbinary people. If this bill becomes law, the state would be sanctioning discrimination against trans and nonbinary people making it harder for them to access medical care, housing, work, and the ability to pursue peace and happiness.This bill runs counter to the Iowa constitution, the US constitution, as well as to the morals and ethics of Iowans. It's cruel and dangerous. Vote NO.

02-23-2025

Katrina Moran

This is an unnecessary piece of legislation. Try to legislate gender is appalling. It speaks to the massive break between actual science and biology versus hate. I am wholly against this. It will cause undue stress, anxiety and affects personal safety of those affected. We are the constituents of Iowa no matter who voted for the writers of this legislated hate. Your obligations are to the entire population of the state, not the special interest hate groups. Vote no.

02-23-2025

Leah Cole

The removal of civil rights protections for any group of Iowans is a danger to the civil rights of all Iowans. The stated intent of this bill may be to protect the rights of women in sports, women in prisons, and women in shelters. However, the impact of the bill can only be rooted in cruelty. If the supporters of this bill truly wanted to protect women, they would support gun control measures. They would advocate for teaching young girls and boys about consent. They would encourage social support measures for women and girls at risk rather than waiting for the same women and girls to be imprisoned. Transgender Iowans do not seek to cause harm to others. The same cannot be said of supporters of this bill.

02-23-2025

Alexis Traster

In a society that values freedom of thought and expression, banning discussions on transgender issues is not only unnecessary but also harmful. Conversations about gender identity and transgender rights are an essential part of understanding the diverse world we live in. Restricting these discussions limits education, stifles critical thinking, and erases the experiences of an entire community.Its important to recognize that gender theory is a collegelevel subjectmeaning adults voluntarily choose to study it in pursuit of greater knowledge. These courses are not forced upon anyone; rather, they provide insight into how gender functions within society, historically and presently. Denying access to such learning opportunities contradicts the very foundation of higher education: the pursuit of knowledge and informed discourse.Furthermore, a persons gender identity being accurately reflected on their legal documents does absolutely no harm to anyone. This change simply allows transgender individuals to navigate society with dignity, matching their identification with their lived reality. There is no logical or ethical reason to deny them this basic right.Additionally, transitioning is not an impulsive decision. Before a person can begin the medical aspects of transitioning, they must undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they are intellectually capable of making such a lifechanging choice. This process ensures that individuals understand their decisions fully and are prepared for the journey ahead. The idea that people transition lightly or without careful thought is simply misinformation.Understanding different identities and experiences does not harm societyit strengthens it. Education fosters empathy, promotes inclusivity, and helps us navigate an evolving world. Instead of banning discussions, we should encourage open dialogue, allowing individuals to make informed opinions rather than silencing perspectives out of fear or misunderstanding.Freedom of thought should not be conditional. Lets move forward by embracing knowledge, not banning it.

02-23-2025

Heather Roy

I strongly oppose HSB 242 because it is a violation of civil rights and another example of Iowa legislation attacking the LGBTQ+ community. Stop wasting tax payer time and money scapegoating and hurting the trans community. They are not a threat, but they are being threatened by people in the White House and Iowa reps so maybe instead stand up for the LGBTQ community and protect our human rights. There are so many other obvious threats to our community right now. Here are just a few examples. Instead focus time on fighting the rise of fascism in our country and fight to save our democracy. Instead focus on making sure every child in Iowa has food each day to eat. Instead focus on why Iowa is the 2nd highest cancer rate in the United States and make sure research is being done to stop it and make sure people have access to affordable healthcare. Instead fight to protect Medicaid, social security, the dept of education, national parks, and more. These are actual concerns. Shame on you all for buying into old tropes that dehumanize a group of people to gain more power for yourself. The only threat in bathrooms are cis men, not trans people. Stop being transphobic.

02-23-2025

Wendy Marsh

Aside from the immorality of the bill, from a financial/economic standpoint, the only thing a law such as this would succeed in doing is making Iowa an even more unwelcoming place for potential employees, making it more difficult to recruit talent, and driving young people away from the State of Iowa after graduation. If growth is the goal, this will achieve just the opposite.

02-23-2025

Seeta Mangra-Stubbs

God is perfect. God doesn't make mistakes. God makes us who we are from the getgo.God made us with penises and vaginas. Specifically, God made us with all sorts of penises and vaginas. Some people were born with penises that are more than 10 inches long. Some penises are one inch. God made dark penises, pale ones, textured, and smooth, thick and thin. God did the same with vaginas and vulvas. I don't mean to get graphic though. In brief, God gave genitals variety.God also made genitals that, from the getgo, aren't 100 percent clearly penis or vagina. Iowa law and HSB 242 acknowledge this reality. It states, "If the sex of the child cannot be determined at birth, the time period for filing a certificate of birth shall be extended for a period of no more than six months to allow the parents to obtain any diagnosis or testing from a health care provider as defined in section 144.29A, subsection 7, paragraph 'a,' that is necessary to determine the child's sex." God perfectly made genitalia that does not fit the binary, but human law questions and challenges God's perfect creation.Is it humanity's place to change how God made us? Is it possible? After all, God is perfect and does not make mistakes.If this legislature decides that, no, we cannot change how God made us, then we must acknowledge that God perfectly made more than two sexes.If this legislature decides that, yes, we can change how God made us, then we must admit that God is not perfect. God does make mistakes.Iowa Republicans, by your own faith and logic, you have either defied God by legislating binary sexes, or you have looked God in His eyes and told Him that He is wrong. I do not envy the spiritual conundrum you must face from here on out. Whatever you decide is personal. It is not, however, do though, it's time to stop using your religion to justify harmful, hateful legislation.

02-23-2025

Breanna Young

Please vote NO on this harmful bill. In all the 18 years since gender identity was added to ICRA, not a single person has been harmed by itut many Iowans would be harmed by removing gender identity from the Act. Voting "no" is the right thing for Iowans.

02-23-2025

Courtney Collier

Vote YES on HSB 242 for truth, common sense and equality Laws should be based on truth, fact and reality. If we pass laws in this state that are based on feelings, delusions or lies we will have a society in chaos. Currently Iowa law says gender identity is a protected class in the civil rights code. Federal civil rights code does not say this. 27 other states do not have this law either. This law passed in 2007 is errant, because according to our Creator and to the biology of humans, there are 2 genders and no gender identities. That is reality, truth and fact. That made up term gender identity, is based on delusions of people who are struggling with their mental health about their identity. The most loving thing we can do for anyone is to tell them the truth, including those who are struggling with gender dysphoria. Iowans have made it clear in the past few legislative sessions with the bills we have passed to protect women and girls in their sports, their locker rooms and bathrooms, in k12 classrooms, as well as public places like the pool they want truthful and common sense laws to protect our society. Having gender identity as a protected class in Iowa civil rights code, means that our biological daughters could have to share bath and locker rooms with biological boys and men, and compete against them in sports. It also has resulted in the state of Iowa paying for elective artificial hormones and genital surgeries for those who want to attempt to change their body to that of the opposite gender. Of note, there are just two of those gender options available when seeking sex change treatments. This bill will still protect the right of a person to identify however they choose, dress how they choose, and all of their other rights just the same as the rest of us. This bill will simply protect our female designated spaces for biological females only including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, sports, and will end the discriminatory practice of the state of Iowa paying for elective genital surgeries and hormones.

02-23-2025

Joe Smith

The fact that this bill is even being considered disgusts me. I am proud to stand up for human rights for everyone.I am ashamed to be an Iowan and an American!Please, please, vote this bill down, Iowa congresspeople. Do not send us down this utterly terrible path.You know better. You do. All people deserve their rights ALL.

02-23-2025

Mary Patton

I completely reject and do NOT support HSB 242. I ask my representatives to do the same and vote 'no' on HSB 242.Iowa and Iowans have worked tirelessly to maintain our Midwestern values of Community, Safety, and Opportunity for ALL Iowans. We even beat California to marriage equality. If you vote yes to this you are taking us back to very dark times, and we, the public who voted you into office know what is next. We know you have eviscerated our public education system and that Iowa now is a laughing stock to the rest of the nation where once we took immense pride. Iowans were some of the first adopters of equality for the disabled. We know that disabled people will be next to have their rights taken away. We know that women and yes, white women too, will be the next with their rights taken away. Are you saying the only people allowed to be proud of being an Iowan are cisheterosexual men? Because that's what you're showing Iowans, the nation, and the world. You are proving everyone right when they assume Iowa has nothing to offer the nation by supporting this bill. You show you don't see a future where Iowa and thus our nation is a true peer nationally and globally. A major tenant of our educational system used to be equipping children with compassionate, community minded values. These included the poor, anyone who looked different than one another, and specifically equipped children and teens, who become the next active generation of society, to make well rounded decisions. When you support this bill, you strip this away. I have trans and non binary friends, and family I have the community members I have knownhave been the most committed to building up their communities, and furthering opportunities for all. We won't stop existing. We have always existed, and we know who you are coming for next.

02-23-2025

Dylan Nielsen

Please vote against this bill. I simply cannot understand why wed strip the rights of any of our people in Iowa. Not letting people have access to housing, credit cards, etc. would put them in a perilous predicament. If were trying to build up our working force and create prosperity for our people and our state how does excluding our transgendered people help us achieve that?

02-23-2025

Amy Eilers

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Now more than ever, our transgender community members in Iowa need to feel safe, supported, and seen as they are trying to live their daily lives. This bill hurts a community of people who are already hurting, and this is not the way Iowans treat one another. Iowans are known for their kindness and their caring of their friends and neighbors, not for hatred and for unjustly targeting a group of people simply because they are different. VOTE NO ON THIS CRUEL BILL. All Iowans deserves civil rights protections and to live in a state that is safe, no matter our gender, race, sexual orientation or sexual identity.

02-23-2025

Julia DiGiacomo

Iowa would be the first and only state in the country to repeal legislation protecting the rights of transgender people. The role of state government should not be to take away people's rights. This bill will hurt Iowans in countless ways. Simply in reaction to who they are and how they express themselves, Iowans will be denied housing, employment and access to other necessary services. Like every other individual in Iowa, transgender people are simply trying to live to the best of their ability. Scapegoating transgender people as part of larger political ideologies is unjust and must stop. The state's role should not be to infringe on its people's personal freedoms. This bill will have destructive consequences for minority populations in Iowa, who already face countless barriers in daily life. It is likely the most dangerous bill affecting the LGBTQ community in years.As a lifelong Iowan, I urgently ask you to reject this cruel and unjust bill.

02-23-2025

Stephanie Ross

There is no good purpose in removing transgendered people from protection under the Iowa Bill of Rights. It does not make cisgendered people safer and it only erases an entire demographic and allows them to be denied work and housing. The majority of Iowans DO NOT WANT THIS.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Gold

This kind of legislation is absolutely repulsive and makes it impossible to enjoy living here. Iowa is better when we include and protect everyone. Instead of discriminating against certain people groups causing more hate and division, we should be creating a safe haven in the Midwest for those who have been othered. Republicans are obviously out of touch, hateful, and evil for bringing forward such a bill, and this is the kind of thing thats going to get all of you voted out in the years to come. Also, why are you so obsessed with peoples genitals that you feel the need to legislate against them? Its really gross and insanely perverted.

02-23-2025

Emma Bibb

This bill is discriminatory and embarrassing. Those involved should be ashamed of themselves. Youre continuing an agenda that puts harmless citizens in danger. You should be legislating FOR your people. Not against them. Its absolutely disgraceful. Do not let this state help this country become a dictatorship.

02-23-2025

Tyler Pittman

Oppose this bill. It is a blatant violation of the equal protection clause. Every American under the Constitution has the right to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. This bill will absolutely be challenged in court. Is our legislature's first priority making unconstitutional and regressive legislation? We have real problems in Iowa that need to be addressed at the capitol, and this is not one of them. Stop wasting time trying to make the world a more hateful place. Focus on the real issues that Iowans face day to day because I can GUARANTEE that transgender people having jobs and housing is not hurting anyone. Passing this bill would be a slap in the face to the legacy of America, and a gross violation of everything you stand for as legislators. Do not stand on the wrong side of history.

02-23-2025

Karen Christiansen

As a cisgender female educator and parent, I find the HSB 242 nothing short of appalling. Every day I work with transgender students who work in our communities, attend our schools, pay taxes, and just want to live their lives with the protections that all Iowans have under law. This bill is simply cruel legislation to try to erase an entire sector of Iowans who are Americans have freedoms, too. This is an unacceptable way to treat communities that you are elected to SERVE. I invite any legislator in favor of this bill to contact me so I can have you explain to my transgender students, to their faces, why they don't deserve to have civil protections in our state.

02-23-2025

Kristen Byrnes

Please do not pass this incredibly harmful bill whether you believe in the truth of transgender individuals or not, everyone deserves to have access to things like housing and jobs regardless of their gender presentation. All people deserve access, and denying that is inhumane. Please think of your fellow Iowans who want and deserve the opportunity to make a life here!

02-23-2025

Rick Phillips [PELLA PAC]

Please pass HSB242. Is gender identity a Godgiven right? Or is it a contrived term supporting something imaginary, something with a nefarious agenda behind it? HSB242 corrects an error made in 2007. Gender identity violates a clause in the Declaration of Independence when Thomas Jefferson warns, Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes. A transient cause, according to Jefferson, was defined as something abstract such as feelings, emotions or intuitions. This would be the opposite of an immutable characteristic. Abstract is what we think of ourselves to be one day and change the next such as with gender identity. Abstract thoughts such as gender dysphoria are what were warned against in making public policy.Iowa Constitution. Article 1, Section 6, Laws Uniform, states, All laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation; the General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen, or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which upon the same shall not equally belong to all citizens. Because of the egregious error made in 2007, it becomes necessary to define male and female as the only genders extant. It is the duty of the General Assembly to remove special protections to a class of mentally ill citizens whose behavior causes harm to biological females and children. Stand with truth and immutable characteristics. Stop the division of gender identity and pass HSB242.

02-23-2025

Rachel Rovine

Without civil rights you further damage, undermine our democracy and state creating unhealthy conditions for all. LGBTQ+ deserve better than this I support our LGBTQ+ community in Iowa wholeheartedly with love. We all need to strive for love and understanding not hate.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Aslan

Humans are humans. Please leave people alone and let them live their lives. Someone existing differently than you has NOTHING to do with you and this bill WILL harm children and adults. If you pass this bill, you are not acting in the best interest in your constituents and we will not vote for you again. Iowans are losing trust in their government and we will remember this.

02-23-2025

Lilli Scott

Stop HSB 242. Everyday I am further appalled by the awful attacks the Iowa legislature is trying to take against Iowans. We must protect and advocate for the rights of our community members, not try to strip them away. Why are you trying to make Iowa such an awful and unwelcoming place for anyone to live? Please stop trying to take our rights away.

02-23-2025

David Murphy

PLEASE REJECT THIS BILLThis bill is cruel and only serves to make life harder for already marginalized people.This bill does not help with grocery prices. This bill does not bring the cost of eggs down. This does not benefit the economy. This does not make things safer.This only hurts people. This only hurts IOWANS

02-23-2025

Lexington Hills

OPPOSEDOPPOSEDOPPOSEDOPPOSEDOPPOSED I cannot believe we are having to do this. This change violates the CURRENT Iowa Civil Rights Act. How can you claim you care about your people when you are trying to enforce a bill that will actively harm members of your community. Bring art back to schools, feed/clothe/provide rehabilitation services to the homeless and those struggling mentally. Use your power for good instead of trying to mold everyone to your way of life. How freaking dare you?! Stop being garbage human beings. Be better. Do better.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Ayers

02-23-2025

Janice Binder

Please vote against this unnecessary and cruel bill. Trans and nonbinary people need our protection from discrimination, not measures that will forcibly out them and subject them to further acts of hate. As someone with family members who survived the Holocaust, I know what othering, scapegoating and labelling people as undeserving of the same rights as others can do. All the research I have read, and it has been a lot, shows that transgender adults and children encounter discrimination, intolerance or prejudice in nearly every aspect of daily life in Iowa and across the U.S. Please let Iowa remain a state that welcomes and cares about its neighbors and community.

02-23-2025

Laura Teske

I am writing to ask you to oppose HSB242. The state of Iowa has historically been a state of freedom, liberty and rights. We have been on the forefront of laws and legal decisions that have communicated a commitment to the value of people's humanity. We have, in the past, looked beyond physical and cultural characteristics in order to grant rights and, in turn, humanity to all people in our state. We have proudly spoken of our openness to refugees, to those in need, to equality for people of all races and colors and sexual orientations. It has been a hallmark of our government and our state. To now reverse that is an affront to all legislators of the past who worked across the aisle to lift people up and work toward success and freedom for all. It is an affront to Republicans of the past, most notably Robert Ray, who saw the flourishing of every person in our state as a mandatory for the flourishing of our economy and statehood. Is this what you want your legacy to be? The legislators who dismantled the civil rights that Iowans have worked so hard for? When history is taught, do you want to be named as someone who voted for the dehumanizing of an entire group of people? And when does this end? What is the next group to be targeted by your misguided laws? For the sake of our state, please do not vote in favor of HSB242.

02-23-2025

Allie Koolbeck

I urge you not to pass this bill. Transgender Iowans deserve the same rights as all other Iowans. If this bill passes, transgender people could be denied basic rights like housing and credit cards. This is a cruel bill. All people in Iowa deserve access to the same opportunities so they can thrive. Please do not pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Oliver Wenman

This is major steps backwards in progress. It seems like an intentional waste of peoples time you are even drafting this bill let alone voting on it. It was already passed to allow gender markers to change on documentation why is focus on going backwards rather than forwards? Bills like these are why people are leaving Iowa in droves.

02-23-2025

Wahlin Lisa

While my address says Chicago, I spent the first 30 years of my life in Iowa. I will always be an Iowan, even if the state is no longer recognizable to me. Please protect ALL Iowans from discrimination. Transgender people hurt no one and just want to be able to live authentically, work, and have community. I cant imagine my life without trans people, and when you hurt them you hurt the whole community. Please do not pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Stacy Volmer

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Study Bill 242. This bill, which narrowly defines sex and gender, threatens the rights and dignity of many Iowans. I urge you to vote against it and protect the rights of all individuals.HSB 242 erases the experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals and undermines their legal protections under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. By defining sex as strictly male or female based on birth characteristics, the bill ignores scientific evidence that sex is not binary. Biological research confirms that variations like intersex conditions and chromosomal diversity challenge this oversimplified definition.This bill would especially harm transgender youth by limiting recognition and support in schools, increasing their risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. It would also enable discriminatory practices under the guise of "separate accommodations," a stance repeatedly struck down by federal courts as unconstitutional.Additionally, the bill's changes to birth certificates ignore the realities of intersex individuals and those who undergo gender transition, causing unnecessary hardship. The bill also weakens employment and public accommodation protections, allowing religious institutions to discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.Restricting how gender is recognized also undermines public health and research by limiting the collection of accurate data. This bill does not reflect Iowa's values of fairness and equality.I urge you to oppose HSB 242 and instead support policies that foster inclusion and protect the wellbeing of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Caitlyn Ballard

This is a disturbing level of government overreach AND transphobia without even trying to hide it. This is a disgusting bill to be proposed and puts a target on the backs of trans people who are already being targeted in this country. The politicians should be ashamed, this is not what Iowa should be about and not what most Iowans stand for. Vote no on this bill and commit to protecting the lives of EVERYONE in your district, INCLUDING TRANS PEOPLE. Sincerely, A ciswoman with no stake in the game who has the decency and empathy to see how wrong this is.

02-23-2025

Alicia D'Hont

I do not understand the purpose of HSB 242 other than to violate basic human rights and drive good people out of our state. I vehemently oppose this legislation and truly hope this subcommittee will reconsider their position.

02-23-2025

Madeline Ehlinger

Deliberately excluding a marginilized group of people from protections established In the Iowa Civil Rights Act would establish a slippery slope where any group of people could then be excluded based on this as a precedent. It literally says on our state flag, Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. Yet here this bill is trying to remove rights. Please vote against this bill.

02-23-2025

Diane Crookham-Johnson [Crookham-Johnson Law Office PLLC]

Good Morning.My name is Diane CrookhamJohnson. I live in Oskaloosa.Im here to ask you to vote NO on HSB242, a bill removing civil rights protections for gender identity.I come before you as a local attorney who has assisted at least 8 Mahaska County residents in 2024 with legal documents and processes that are necessary to support their gender identity.Folks who work in our businesses, attend our churches and schools.Folks who shop in our stores, rent our apartments, and buy our homes.Folks who pay property taxes to support our community.This bill doesnt impact an unknown someone way over there. This bill impacts people you know and people you represent.Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Emerson Craig

I am in strong opposition to HSB 242 as a transgender Iowan. Although I may not have been born in this state, I have come to call it home over the past six years. This bill would encourage and sanctify the blatant discrimination of trans individuals, as well as strip them of basic human rights and dignity. I implore you to listen to the community affected by this change. Vote against this bill and protect your LGBTQIA+ citizens.

02-23-2025

Alicia Herzog

Please do not support this bill. It is dangerous, wrong, and mean. Trans people have always existed. Its nature. Theyre not hurting anyone and theyre not the problem. Focus on things that will help our states residents live better lives. This is not it. Do not advance this bill. Trans people deserve to exist.

02-23-2025

Josiah Mead

I am writing to express my absolute and unequivocal opposition to the proposed bill that seeks to strip transgender Iowans of their fundamental civil rights protections. This legislation is a vile and discriminatory attack on the dignity and humanity of our transgender neighbors, friends, and family members. It is a stain on the very fabric of our state and a betrayal of the principles of equality and justice upon which our nation was founded.This bill is not merely a matter of policy; it is a direct assault on the lives and wellbeing of transgender individuals. By erasing their existence from vital records, denying them protections under the Civil Rights Act, and censoring their experiences in school curricula, you are sending a clear and unmistakable message: that they are not worthy of equal treatment under the law.Let us be clear: transgender people are not a theoretical construct or a political football. They are human beings with the same inherent rights and deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else. This bill is a blatant attempt to codify discrimination and enshrine prejudice into law. It is a shameful act that will have devastating consequences for transgender Iowans and their families.I urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to reject this hateful and discriminatory legislation. Stand on the right side of history and uphold the values of equality and justice, that make our state and our nation great. Do not allow yourselves to be remembered as those who turned their backs on the most vulnerable among us.

02-23-2025

Heidi Zwick

I am strongly opposed to HSB242. Transgender people are people that are simply trying to live authentically. I dont understand the obsession with peoples genitalialet people exist and stop trying to legalize discrimination. Its shameful.

02-23-2025

Mira Hemaidan

It is clear that I, along with the VAST majority of your constituents strongly oppose this bill and see it as a blatant attack on one of our most marginalized communities. If this bill passes it will be another slap in the face of democracy, as virtually no one agrees with it. Disgusting behavior.

02-23-2025

Philip Helmke

I am firmly opposed to this bill. It is quite clearly erasure of trans lives and culture akin to that which Nazi Germany enacted at the start of their genocide. Should this bill pass it will stand on the wrong side of history, as will those supporting it. There is no place in a moral government for legislature that exists only to make the lives of the citizens it is meant to protect worse.

02-23-2025

Benjamin Claes

No on HSB242. Id like to begin by reminding you of the Iowa motto: Our Liberties we Prize and Our Rights we Will Maintain. This bill goes directly against the spirit of the Iowa motto.This bill will erase trans individuals from Iowas civil rights protections and set a terrible precedent, not just for Iowa, but for the country. Iowa would be first in the nation to strip civil rights protections from any group. If you are willing to do this, whats stopping you from removing civil rights protections from other groups? Will Jews and Muslims lose their protections under the law next? How about people with different skin tones and ethnicities? Iowa has an exemplary record as a forward thinking state that is safe for all. Not only does this law go against everything the state has historically stood for, it puts a black mark on Iowa and will further discourage workers from moving here. Why would doctors and educators want to come to Iowa if they can lose civil rights protections at any moment? Why would anyone want to visit our state if they lose rights upon crossing the state line? I love this state and I refuse to see us turn in this direction.No matter how many pointlessly cruel laws you pass, no matter how much you try to chip away at legal protections for trans and nonbinary folks, trying to erase them legally, they do exist and thats a fact. Trans and nonbinary people have existed well before now, and they will continue to exist long past your time in office. I am a proud Iowan who is completely baffled by the backward priorities of this legislative body. You are unequivocally on the wrong side of history. Shame on you

02-23-2025

Gretchen Honsell

Hello. I am asking you to stand up and be true to vow of office to defend the rights of every citizen in defense of our Iowa Constitution and our nations Constitution. If you are true to your oath you will reject all of HSB242. Be honorable and do what you swore to do. Peace and all good.Gretchen Honsell

02-23-2025

Deidre Wahlin

I OPPOSE this intellectually and morally indefensible bill. Transgender Iowans exist, have always existed and will continue to exist whether you believe in them or not. The require civil rights protection. Stop attacking them

02-23-2025

Beverly Buhr

I am so saddened as a person of Faith that my country and state want to erase the existence of some of my family members and friends at the Federal level and now my State wants to exclude these people from protections. Now, I am not trans, but I am a 71yearold rather masculine appearing woman. My mom used to say I was the spitting image of my dad. I work with horses, garden, plant trees and help manage prairies as a volunteer. I am often dressed in work clothes. Throughout my life, no matter how feminine I dress, people don't always recognize that I am a woman when I walk into a woman's bathroom or into a job interview. I have been mistaken for a trans woman and a trans man many times, and sometimes I have been treated rather poorly. I have been yelled at, laughed at and threatened when using public restrooms, walking into a bar for the gender I was born, so, you see I can relate to a fraction of the harassment that trans people face. Also, there is a whole very small segment of our population that is not genetically male or female. I have been a health care provider and had some of these individuals in my practice. Their appearance can also, make them subject to harassment and discrimination.Please consider the humanity of all of Iowa's citizens and not go forward with taking gender out of our civil rights act. Thanks you for your service!

02-23-2025

Michael Colbert

This bill is hateful and improves nothing for any person living in Iowa. This legislative body needs to stop the hateful rhetoric and focus on our rising cancer rates, young educated people fleeing this state, and rural healthcare deserts.What you do to the least of these you do to me. Jesus, 28 AD

02-23-2025

KariAn Mulford [--None--]

Please reject bill HSB 242 and protect trans people from discrimination and harassment. The LGBTQIA+ community is one of our most vulnerable, especially our Trans community. Please help END harassment and discrimination by rejecting this bad faith bill.

02-23-2025

Maria Lasagna

This is discrimination, pure and simple. It is unworthy of Iowa and of the United States. It is unfair, unkind, illegal, and morally reprehensible. I strongly encourage all representatives to take a stand for American values and vote it DOWN. Thank you for your attention,Sincerely,Maria LasagnaFairfield, IA 52556

02-23-2025

Debra Bahr

Remember that all people are created in God's image. All members of our beloved LGBTQ+ community are created in God's image. These beloved are my family, friends, and neighbors. Their value as human beings is a rich as your's is; their potential to contribute to a better world is as significant as your's. Why are you denying this community their humanity and hopes for a fulfilling life? What are you afraid of?Yes, we are all made in God's image even those of you who support this bill. Despite your cruelty, despite the hatred you demonstrate, despite your diseased sense of justice you were made in God's image. You've turned away from God, though, haven't you? God's world is one of compassion and love, and that is far from the action you are considering today. I pray you can let God's love into your heart and turn away from this evil legislation.

02-23-2025

Lauren Tiffany

I am sickened by the Iowa legislatures move to erase the rights of transgender Iowans to be themselves. Does Our liberties we prize & our RIGHTS we will maintain mean nothing to todays Republicans? IOWA has some big big problems that need solving polluted water, rising cancer rates, destruction of our public schools PLEASE SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS.

02-23-2025

Breann Goodall

This bill is extremely harmful to many in our community. As a mental health provider, I shiver to think of the mental health of my patients being told that their civil rights are up for debate. It's highly unethical and inhumane.

02-23-2025

Sophie Bumgardner

I strongly OPPOSE HSB 242. As a high school student, even I can see how bills like this actively harm trans AND cisgender Iowans. Its so blatantly obvious to me that were repeating history. Trans Iowans deserve to feel protected, instead of unsafe. We have so many larger problems than someone who wants to feel comfortable in their own body. If you truly care about the safety of children, maybe focus on actual issues that are really harming kids. Trans people have always been here and they arent going anywhere.

02-23-2025

Kembrew McLeod

I am registering my strong OPPOSITION to this bill. No one is being hurt by other people expressing their gender identity, and I would like to see all fellow citizens continue to be protected against discrimination. This would not be the case if this bill is passed, and therefore, I strongly oppose passing this bill in a state that I have lived in for a quarter century.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Swanson

I am writing to strongly state my opposition to this bill. At best, it doesn't help anybody. And, at worst, it takes away rights from trans people throughout Iowa. And, it is hurtful to those who love them. I fail to see what business the state has with a person's gender identity. The socalled issues of sports and bathrooms are unfounded. Trans women/girls are no more likely to harm a cis woman/girl than cis man.Please, move on to something that actually helps Iowans.

02-23-2025

Kendra Haug

As a white, straight, Christian IowanI am vehemently opposed to this Nazi travesty of a bill and am BEGGING this legislature to do something that actually helps Iowans instead of going after marginalized groups. What a waste of taxpayer dollars and time.

02-23-2025

Kelli Larson

Please do not apporve this act. You would be removing civil rights from Iowan citizens, an action that has never aged well. Just because someone is different from you doesn't mean they should have rights. This act would make discrimination legal. Think about that sentence; why would you want to do anything that would make discriminating against someone legal? Please listen to the affected population of this act and do not move it forward!

02-23-2025

Jessica Horaney [Lifelong Iowan]

It is clear from reading these comments that Iowans have spoken and that we are AGAINST legislation of hatred towards the transgender community. The singular comment for this legislation is from a PAC. This person incorrectly believes that transgender people only exist thanks to a made up liberal ideology. This group wants to ban freedom of speech by censoring anything that doesn't represent their worldview. Please stand with Iowans voices, stand behind the science that transgender people actually exist, and stand against PACs trying to drive an ultra conservative agenda into our great state.

02-23-2025

Rhonda Gregor

Please don't pass this bill against transsexual individuals. You will be taking their human rights away. God has told us to love one another, and he has created each and every one of us.Please don,t do this.Everyone deserves to be happy in life.It,s your job to give people that right.

02-23-2025

Mike Eilers

I am currently a registered Republican and I am strongly against HSB 242. I do not understand why our legislature continues to oppress the LGBTQ+ community. This latest bill is a ridiculous assault on the rights of Iowa citizens. Does the legislature truly believe Transgender people do not exist or are they purposely removing rights from Transgender people? Either way, this action is both ignorant and cruel. Prohibiting instruction of gender identity in schools will only increase this problem. If I am following the recent legislative actions correctly, the Republican party believes it a priority that teachers cant talk about LGBTQ topics in classrooms, schools cant recognize LGBTQ pronouns, libraries are having books censured, laws are getting passed about bathroom usage, laws are getting passed about participation in sports, laws are being passed that take decisions away from doctors and parents, businesses can refuse to serve people due to religious freedom, and now nondiscrimination laws are being rolled back to exclude Transgender people from things like employment and housing. What is next? Will it soon be a crime to be LGBTQ? What is happening to the Republican party? I thought the party was for limited government and individual and family rights. LGBTQ people are individuals, they have families, they have friends and they deserve to have rights in Iowa. If you believe in rights for all, you must vote no on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Amy Konczyk

Please vote against this bill. Acceptance is key to having a successful population. Not acknowledging a child or adults identity adds to our mental health crisis. I am a public high school teacher and the best thing we can do to raise a happy, healthy, and productive people is to treat them with respect and acknowledgement of who they are. Thank you for your consideration.

02-23-2025

Lynn Ellsworth

I want to support all transgender Iowans by asking you to not advance this bill. People who are transgender do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. This results in extreme discomfort to them and a desire to align their outward gender to their inward identity. This bill is cruel and unnecessary. Transgender people do not present a threat in any way to our way of life. Biology teachers can support the scientific facts that people are born with a variety of chromosomes and hormones that affect how male or female or inbetween they are. Transgender people are human beings who deserve to be treated with the dignity with which we all wish to be treated. I believe the U.S. Constitution supports the idea that no person should be discriminated against. I do not understand why our national and state governments have focused on denying transgender people the same rights as the rest of us and causing them to live in anxiety and fear. They do no harm.

02-23-2025

Margaret Wood

Iowa needs to move forward, not back. American ideals are that we protect our freedoms and the outcome of this bill will 100% be to make it legal for landlords, employers, and others to deny civil rights to hardworking fellow Iowans who are just trying to live their lives. Just because someone thinks youre kooky or wrong for dressing and acting a certain way shouldnt be grounds for them to deny you your literal civil rights.

02-23-2025

Dot Burgess

Please register my opposition to HSB 242.I am opposed to any change that would exclude ANYONE from their Civil Rights, and am appalled that Iowa would even consider such action!! Please act to ensure that everyone's Civil Rights are protected!!

02-23-2025

Amanda Staker

I vehemently oppose any proposed law to remove basic civil rights from any American. It is especially concerning when the proposed laws continue to focus on a very small, already marginalized population. The transgender community does exist and they have the right to participate in a fulfilling life and have the same opportunities as everyone else. PLEASE focus on actual problems affecting Iowans and get your priorities figured out. Your job is to protect all constituents and not to propagate hate!

02-23-2025

Ashley Tieden

Absolutely disgusting that this is even being considered. Should this bill pass, Iowa would be the FIRST state to remove a protected class from a civil rights act. This is a dangerous precident to set and heralds an outrageous slide into fascism. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, without fear of persecution and harrassment. Do better, you republican losers.

02-23-2025

Kathy Mazzocco

Nat Hall I vehemently oppose HSB 242. And any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections, for that matter. I am repulsed that this was even introduced, let alone brought to a subcommittee. Stop the attack on Transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa.

02-23-2025

Michelle Ha

Trans people are human and deserve civil rights. How they identify and what their sexual orientation is no one elses business but their own and arent harming anyone. Please do not allow this ban in Iowa. They must be protected now more than ever.

02-23-2025

Joan Ackerman

Please reject HSB 242 for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a persons sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender.

02-23-2025

Shelley Ellerston

I wish I could be there today, but have a doctors appointment for womens health at the same time. All anyone wants is to be able to live authentically, and not be legislated out of existence by some queerphobic, unreasonable, or discriminatory piece of legislation. Transgender Iowans are not sexual predators, they are people who have different perceptions of their gender identity, who are living their lives in a state that once was accepting of them. This bill would not fix anything, it could cause an Exodus of people who could not be able to function genuinely in their home state. Each of us is a part of creation, wonderfully made and unique. We dont need to erase people because they dont fit neatly into a defined box of majority or perceived normality. Who are they hurting? This bill hurts them and those they love. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Gianna Rossetti

Please vote NO on HSB 242. This bill would be a major step backwards in basic human rights across Iowa, and frankly, it is an embarrassment that it was proposed at all. Please act in the interest of the people, as you can see by our vehement opposition, and vote NO on this disgusting discrimination.

02-23-2025

Jordyn Landau

Please vote yes on this bill!The people in these comments opposing are the SMALL MINORITY. Iowans made statements these past few election cycles and we want common sense! Stand up to the mob of insanity and pass this bill, to protect women and our spaces & sports.

02-23-2025

Amy Simpson

I am in complete opposition to bills stripping rights from Americans. We don't get to erase people that are different than us in America. Everyone deserves basic human rights not just old white men. They took LGBT to concentration camps first. Who's next? In America EVERYONE deserves basic human rights and to be able to live the life they choose. It's what we've always stood for. Please stop with the hate. We can do better.

02-23-2025

Connie King

Do NOT pass this bill. It is undoubtedly unconstitutional, causing the state to spend taxpayer money to defend it in the courts. Furthermore, trans individuals are no threat to anyone, but removing their civil rights protections threatens their ability to have a place to live, a job, medical care, everything we take for granted as having. Civil rights protections should never be removed from anyone for any reason.

02-23-2025

Myles Evangelista

I cannot be more strongly opposed to HSB 242. As someone who spent the last five years receiving a BSE and MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa, I can say with full confidence that this bill has no basis in fact and disregards any biological knowledge beyond that of a middle school understandingthat sex exists in humans as a spectrum rather than the extremes of male and female. Further, as a transgender man, the existence of this legislation is exactly the kind of thinking that drove me out of Iowa to begin my career in science. I am not the first Iowan to make this difficult decision, and should this legislation pass, I certainly will not be the last. If Iowa has any hope of convincing its residents that it serves our best interests, it will reject HSB 242. Protecting your citizens means protecting ALL of your citizens.

02-23-2025

Liz Caldwell

This dangerous bill provides zero value to Iowans and only serves to harm, to sanction harm done, and dismantles the civil rights of trans Iowans and countless others. Make no mistake THIS BILL DIRECTLY CAUSES HARM. It impedes individual freedom and actively sanctions discrimination and violence toward trans Iowans and I repeat, countless others. Please defeat this hateful, misinformed, ideologicallydriven bill, and please act to protect the civil liberties of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Annie Kramer

Im writing you to express my deep concern about HSB 242 I am fully opposed to HSB 242 and feel the urge to express this vehemently as a constituent AND as a mental health provider. All humans deserve to have their basic needs met and their basic needs protected. All humans deserve to be able to work, live, and have access to this world without discrimination, and I struggle to see how removing civil rights protections for our trans and nonbinary folks benefits anything about our state. I can only see HSB 242 causing more issues of harm, threat, and danger for our community members and unfortunately I dont think our state even has the structures in place to handle the fallout of HSB 242 (Iowa better be prepared to support more unhoused people and more mental health crisis if HSB 242 were to pass). Our trans and nonbinary people do not deserve this and our state of Iowa needs to do better. I oppose HSB 242 vehemently and I hope you can consider my voice and the voice of ALL Iowans when exercising your leadership and representation.

02-23-2025

Emily Akker

Words cannot begin to express how much I vehemently oppose this bill. How on earth does stripping transgender Iowans of their civil rights and liberties benefit any Iowan? Frankly, the drafting of this bill was a waste of Iowan tax dollars and I expect better from my state government.Everyone, no matter of their gender identity of gender expression, deserves protections under the law for housing, education, employment, and more.

02-23-2025

Sioned Curoe

I oppose HSB 242 with every fiber of my being. This bill's main goal is to make discrimination legal against trans and nonbinary Iowans in housing, schooling, employment, and more without any recourse. This will kill Iowan citizens and drive others out in droves, leading to more "brain drain" from the state. In addition, it will have knockon legal effects down the road by explicitly defining people based on the state or the hypothetical state of their reproductive anatomy. I strongly doubt the definitions of "mother" and "father" or "man" and "woman" as laid out by this bill are in perfect lockstep with existing Iowa laws, which reference those terms literally hundreds of times throughout. I strongly urge you to vote NO on this bill.

02-23-2025

Karla Damiano

I am asking you to vote YES for this bill! Laws in our state should be based on truth, fact and reality. If we pass laws in this state that are based on feelings, delusions or lies we will have a society in chaos. Some people are misinformed about what this bill is about, this bill will still protect the right of a person to identify however they choose, dress how they choose, and all of their other rights just the same as the rest of us. This bill will protect all biological females in designated spaces including bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, sports, and will end the practice of the state of Iowa paying for hormones and genital surgeries. I don't agree to my tax dollars being spent on these surgeries.

02-23-2025

David Soorholtz

I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Now more than ever, our transgender community members in Iowa need to feel safe, supported, and seen as they are trying to live their daily lives. This bill hurts a community of people who are already hurting, and this is not the way Iowans treat one another. Iowans are known for their kindness and their caring for their friends and neighbors, not for hatred and for unjustly targeting a group of people simply because they are different. VOTE NO ON THIS CRUEL BILL. All Iowans deserve civil rights protections and to live in a safe state, no matter our gender, race, sexual orientation, or sexual identity.

02-23-2025

Stephanie Loupee

Please vote against HSB 242It should be a nobrainer that any bill known as a Civil Rights Removal Act is a move against human rights and civility. As noted by others, it is also a slippery slope. When will you decide to come for the next group, and what will that group be?We all should be working to make Iowa a better place for all human beings, and all human beings deserve equal protections.I was so proud when Iowa (by Supreme Court ruling) legalized gay marriage, as it represented Iowans' accepting nature and sense of fairness. This bill represents the exact opposite. I cannot stand to believe that Iowans have changed this dramatically, but clearly our politicians have. Shame on you!

02-23-2025

Susan Lekson

This is a hateful Bill aimed at Discrimination against Transgendered people who just want to live their lives like the rest of us. What if your child to you about being transgender? Would you kick them out of your house? Would you disown them. Not use their chosen name? Not us their preferred pronouns? This is hatered hidden in a bill.

02-23-2025

Samantha Carhart

To revoke the basic human rights of our friends, family is an absolutely despicable, diabolical, greedfilled and selfish thing you can do. To do this means you have no boundaries to your inhumanity and we cannot trust this states government to listen to and protect their constituents. Do NOT pass HB 242. If you have an ounce of humanity and respect for others left in you, you will NOT pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Hallie Patterson

I am writing to voice my strong and vehement opposition to HSB 242. I refuse to let my home state move backwards and strip me and my community of our rights and ability to speak openly and freely about our lived experiences as Iowans.

02-23-2025

Megan Clausen

I urge to not vote to move this dangerous unconstitutional bill forward. Diversity is what makes our state and our country great! Trans and nonbinary people are beautiful children of God who deserve protections from their government. Please, please, please do not move this bill forward. Vote no. Thank you. Pastor Megan Clausen

02-23-2025

Sophie Steffensmeier

Many other public comments have expressed many of my own sentiments about this bill. I am firmly OPPOSED to HSB 242. Not just for the absolute cruelty of stripping the rights of *any* Iowan away. Not just for turning an already marginalized group into second class citizens. Let me frame it in a way that might actually get through to you. For those who claim to want Iowa to be an attractive place for people to move to, contribute their taxes to help fund pretty much everything we need to function as a state, this is a horrible move. If this were to pass, the fact that we would be the only state in America's history to actually *remove* a class of people from our Civil Rights Act would be absolutely catastrophic for the reputation and perception of Iowa. What do you think those headlines would look like once the national outlets pick this up? Do you honestly think businesses would want to have any operation attached to a state like that? For students to want to go to school here? Once you have indicated that it's acceptable to rip away the rights of one group, it opens the door for people to do it again for a different class of people. And again. History has shown us time and time again that it *never* ends with just one group. Iowa would be forever stained by this. You don't 'shake off' the fact that you're the first to take away established protections. Reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Sage Hollich

HSB 242 is a very dangerous bill. For starters, LGBTQ youth are at 4x a risk for suicide already compared to their peers. (The Trevor project) Among Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, the risk of attempting suicide is 20% greater in unsupportive environments(Hatzenbuehler). Not even to mention that a larger population of suicidality is found in transgender youth, data indicates that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide (Austin, Craig, DSuza) By ridding Iowa of recognition of these marginalized groups aswell as taking away education that can very well prevent youth from feeling alone in their own experience, Iowa will become a large scale unsupportive environment. This very likely will cause increased depression rates, increased bullying, and overall increased suicide rates among youth in the state of Iowa. Not a great look for the state if a good chunk of your minors are dying from suicide. Please look into the underlying factors about this bill and DO NOT PASS IT. This isnt a matter of personal preference anymore, this is a matter of life or death.Sources:Hatzenbuehler, Mark L. The Social Environment and Suicide Attempts in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth, pediatrics, U.S. National library of Medicine, May 2011, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3081186/Facts about Suicide among LGBTQ+ Young People. The Trevor Project, 5 Feb. 2025, www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/factsaboutlgbtqyouthsuicide/.LB;, Austin A;Craig SL;DSouza S;McInroy. Suicidality among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

02-23-2025

Jodie Theobald

I am completely against taking rights away from Iowans.HSB 242 does this. This a horrible, cruel bill that does nothing but open the door to discrimination and hate.Iowa has long stood up for civil rights.You call this 'protection?' Who will protect Iowans from the real villians, your cruelty and this bill?

02-23-2025

Karen Weiss

I strongly oppose this bill, HSB 242. Do not strip gender identity from civil rights protections. If the intention is not to take away basic rights from, or legalize discrimination against trans people, then do not pass this bill. Whether it's the intention or not, this bill would have negative consequences for trans, intersex and gender nonconforming Iowans. I'm offended that this bill is also being pitched as protecting women's rights. As a woman who has lived in Iowa for 12+ years, I have never felt any risk to my safety or wellbeing due to trans people. The policies that HSB 242 would support are not ones I want supported. Rather than protecting my rights as a woman, I'm worried that it could actually put me at risk of being harassed due to not being traditionally feminine enough.Trans people make up such a small percentage of the population, and they have it hard enough as it is. Stripping their civil rights protections is just cruel and unnecessary. Please reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Steph Schares

Please remember that as our elected officials, it is your responsibility to serve and protect ALL Iowans. This includes Iowans who are transgender. To remove protection of these individuals by changing the law specifically to exclude transgender Iowans is baldface discrimination.

02-23-2025

Madeline L

Trans people have always existed and will always exist, you cannot legislate them out of existence. It is an abhorrent use your time and position to continuously advocate for the discrimination of Iowans who want only to live their lives.

02-23-2025

Remi Andrews [Beacon Inclusive]

As a white transgender small business owner who pays my taxes and provides services and care to my fellow Iowans, I oppose this action.It is useless and will put more Iowans at risk at a time when we should be supporting and protecting one another.

02-23-2025

Viktorja Heires

I am writing to urge my elected representative to deny support for this bill. It is a direct violation of our Declaration of Independence's promise of "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" that seeks to erase the existence of queer and trans people's existence. It is not the place of any government at any level to decide how individuals will identify themselves. It is not the place of any government at any level to decide what surgeries or other physical alterations an individual can make to their appearance to align with the gender or sex they identify with.It is not the place of the President, or any other body of government at any level to decide whether a human has the right to exist or not.For those who make claims it's about keeping "male biology" out of women's spaces I urge you to follow the logic of that thought. If a transman is forced to use a women's bathroom because of the genitals he had at birth, you are still going to have biological males in the women's bathroom. So what is this REALLY about???There is zero scientific basis or evidence for this bill to be enacted. It is merely an attempt to control women (and those who identify as women). The current president is overstepping his role and we cannot allow our state government or government at any level to oppress us, the people who elected them and us the people who pay their salaries.Anybody who votes yes on this bill may as well start wearing a swastika and just admit they are an oppressive fascist who doesn't really care about human rights. Those who vote yes will not be looked upon kindly by history (which we will not allow to be rewritten to erase the existence of humans). If you truly believe in individual, human rights, then you cannot in good moral conscience vote yes on this matter.

02-23-2025

Minke Bartholomew

This bill is an abomination and an embarrassment to the state of Iowa. It is disheartening to see this state moving so drastically backwards when in the past Iowa was so progressive when it came to LGBTQIA rights. Trans people exist, they always have and they always will, and they deserve rights just like anybody else. Please do pass this bill if you have even an iota of humanity.

02-23-2025

James Baldwin

I am a business owner and naturalized citizen in the Quad Cities who very much believes that women (and men) have the right to spaces that are congruent with their sex and sense of selfidentity. I grew up in Australia where I was active in the Army Cadets and worked as a bouncer, and a lot of that job was spent ensuring the safety of women in hotels, bars and clubs.So Bill HSB242 will make trips to Iowa really awkward, because Bill HSB242 is going to mandate that I a muscular, tattooed 230lb power lifter with a shaved head and goatee must use women's bathrooms and changing facilities, dormitories, and prisons.Here is a recent photo of me. Look at it and see if you really want me in women's spaces just because I was assigned F at birth: https://i0.wp.com/hmn.zbf.temporary.site/websitee7d08e46/wpcontent/uploads/2024/12/47032338101621365708403475065011673262194688ne1735150234570.jpg?w=3840&ssl=1You know as well as I do that if I walk into a women's restroom or changing room looking like this, I will have the cops called on me and will be promptly arrested as a man in a woman's space. And if this bill passes, charging me for doing so will be patently illegal by your own state's laws, because I have the birth certificate with a capital 'F' on it to prove I am, in fact, 'a (former) producer of ova'.If this bill passes, I look forward to complying with it to the letter. I will use women's restrooms, women's locker rooms, enroll in women's sports teams, and wear femaleappropriate bikinis in the summer. No, I will not shave. ANYWHERE. It will be like Borat, but with an Australian accent.I will also sue if I am arrested for complying with the law by using the ladies' room. A lot. I am a moderately wellknown author, and I will go to every civil rights lobby that I have need to reach out to and turn my almostinevitable arrest into the biggest circus I can.I sincerely hope that you can rethink your stoneage notions of sex and gender and catch up with the rest of us, and vote NO on this ridiculous bill.

02-23-2025

Shana Augsburger

I am directly against this bill. An affidavit by a medical, surgical, or psychological professional for an American citizen must remain to be accepted. Multiple scientific studies show that gender affirming care and action has a positive effect on trans people and their wellbeing. This bill potentiates discrimination and removes the rights of trans people and places them in direct harm.

02-23-2025

Daniele Cruthis

HSB 242 is an unconstitutional danger to the citizens of Iowa. Everyone deserves equal rights regardless of race, sex, handicap, etc. and gender identity. Please keep rights for all persons who identify other than their birth gender. While they may be a minority, they deserve the same rights as all Americans. Gender dysphoria is real and the people who have it already have enough struggles. Please don't add to their struggle in life.

02-23-2025

Mary Solverson

My trans child moved out of Iowa because of this kind of hate. These are peoples lives. No one should be erased and make no mistake that is exactly what will happen. This is just the first step. Lives will be lost. Vote NO and let them live with dignity.

02-23-2025

Heather Wince

The transgender community wants nothing more than the right to exist in peace. This bill serves only as cruel attempt to erase one of the smallest and most vulnerable groups in our state. They will continue to exist, despite these hateful and cowardly attacks. Rather than attacking transgender rightswhich does nothing to protect or improve life for Iowansour legislators should be addressing meaningful issues such as the rising cancer rates in our state, funding public education, poor water quality, etc.

02-23-2025

Sami Therme

I strongly oppose bill HSB 242. Working in suicide prevention, I know all too well the dangers of legislation like thisone that threatens to erase trans people, who have always existed and always will. Denying someone the right to express their true identity puts their life at risk. Please, as elected people who ideally care about the survival and wellbeing of others, reject this bill.

02-23-2025

Michelle Goodall

Outraged that this is where we are. Begging our political "leadership" to reconsider this descrimative legislation. Even the title indicates discrimination with removal of human rights. What are we even doing?! Trans rights are human rights! Do better!!

02-23-2025

Sheri Deal-Tyne

All people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. Basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. A member of my family is transgender. Because of the discriminatory and cruel nature of HSB242, I do not feel safe providing more identifying information. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, transgender people should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.I implore you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans, including my family member, and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.

02-23-2025

Katherine Young

This bill would make Iowa a hostile place, not just for LGBTQ folks, but for all Iowans. For businesses who want to recruit workers to come work in Iowa. For students, our best and brightest hope for the future. For families, who will not feel safe raising their children here. If you remove civil rights from any one group of people, you show you are willing to remove them from others. This bill makes mockery and hypocrisy of the Iowa motto, our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.

02-23-2025

Harry Ginsberg

I oppose HSB 242."First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." Martin Niemller, 1946...Will we stand by to let people's rights be stripped away by authoritarianism? Or will we reject? Allowing ANY Iowan... living, loving, breathing people to be DENIED of HOUSING, PAY just because they express their true self... is abhorrent. God forbid this passes, what is stopping the legislature to do the same to any other Queer people... gay, lesbian, bisexual, not just transgender? And what about people of color? What about women? Veterans? Disabled folks? If the legislature is able to suspend the civil rights of Queer people, there WILL be excuses made within that legis. to EVISCERATE the RIGHTS of even MORE people. No matter what, we WILL reject.Once again, I oppose HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Abby Postman

I strongly oppose this bill. Why are we yet again attacking marginalized populations? Transgender Iowans deserve to thrive and this bill is working to make that impossible. I urge you to focus on actual issues that your constituents face everyday. The continued targeted attacks against our transgender family, friends, and neighbors is immoral. Transgender people have existed since the beginning of time and will continue to do so your hate and baseless attacks will not change this fact.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Kacena-Frice

I am not supportive of the recent bill HSB 242 as it goes against what I believe America is all about, the freedom for everyone. Iowa is my home state and I have always been so proud to live here, now I am becoming so saddened with the current state government changes and attitude. No wonder younger people do not want to stay or come back to our beautiful state. We are going back in time and not progressing for all of humanity this is creating more divisions and conflict. Please do not vote for this bill because everyone deserves to have equal rights, dignity and respect.Kind regards, Jennifer Frice

02-23-2025

Angela Knutson [SEIU Healthcare MN & IA, Lavender Caucus ]

I cannot believe that such legislation is being proposed again in the state of Iowa. Have we learned nothing from the past? Excluding an entire group of TAXPAYING, PRODUCTIVE, LAWABIDING AMERICAN CITIZENS from civil liberty protections just because you don't agree with or understand how they identify is not only immoral but it's obvious bigotry. And if history is any indicator, it WILL lead to increased discrimination and more frequent violent attacks on the trans community. You see, this will not remove trans people from existence. It will simply embolden discrimination and violence because it dehumanizes trans people in the eyes of others. How dare you all try to inflict your biases and beliefs on the rest of us. We are all free citizens and deserve equal protections under the law. This bill must not pass or all Americans are in danger of losing their civil liberty protections due to someone else's biases. Please, please vote no on this bill.

02-23-2025

Steve Herwig

If this bill passes the next move by the General Assembly should be to have the words "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" removed from the state flag. The persistent vilification of trans people to the great shame of Iowa needs to end. These people have done nothing to deserve the hate, criticism and discrimination they receive.Show some integrity and end this behavior. Iowa continues to lag in population growth because of the manner in which its citizen's are treated by those in positions of authority. Trans people are placed in jeopardy generally and more specifically if this legislation stands.

02-23-2025

Adam Kallal

This bill is a blatant attack on individuals who are just trying to live their most authentic lives. These changes would have severe consequences for the safety, dignity, and legal standing of transgender individuals in Iowa. Protection from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations is a fundamental right, and rolling back these protections would put many at risk of harm and exclusion.I urge you to oppose this bill and instead focus on legislation that supports the wellbeing of all Iowans, regardless of gender identity.

02-23-2025

Becky Severeid

I would like to think that most people are still decent people. After the last few weeks, I am not so sure. It is inconceivable that our legislators will try to erase people just trying to live and be themselves. Shouldn't we all have that right? Being the mother of a transgender teenager, I don't know how anyone could look at him and and say he doesn't deserve basic human rights. Please do the right thing and be on the right side of history. Your children are watching and will remember how you voted.

02-23-2025

Emerson Cram

I am strongly opposed to this bill. The purpose of the civil rights act is to create an avenue of recourse in the face of discrimination. Removal of the grounds of legal protection is the undeniable consequence of this legislation, regardless of claims to real intent otherwise. Both the letter and the spirit of this law codify discrimination. The bill would remove equal protection under the law, which is anti constitutional. You open the door to wasting taxpayer dollars to defend this bigotry in court.

02-23-2025

Jill Faucher

I support civil rights for all Iowans, no matter their gender identity. I encourage our politicians to stop contributing to a culture war set out to further marginalize communities who already experience complex challenges, and focus on issues to improve the health and education of all Iowans. Gender identity of individuals does not cause harm to the population of Iowa, but cancer and a lack of funding in education sure does. As a mother of young children, as a practicing Catholic, as an Iowan, Im begging you to stop the assault on civil rights to our marginalized friends and neighbors.

02-23-2025

Roselyn Piehl [Transgender Community ]

My name is Roselyn Piehl and I am a transgender student. THIS BILL MUST BE STOPPED. It is a blatant attack against my constitutional rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It does nothing to "protect women's spaces" and only serves to enable discrimination and hyperconservative hatred of genderdiverse people. This is on top of previous legislation to further marginalize our already threatened community. All this bill actually manages to accomplish is increasing the tremendous amount of risk genderdiverse people face just by being themselves. Even setting aside the thinly, no, entirely unveiled trans and homophobia this bill is based on, our state is continuing to exasperate its issues with a declining population. Your goals as representatives should be to make Iowa a welcoming place, not push more people away. In a more specific sense of how it would affect me, changing my birth certificate and living as my authentic self are the goals that have gotten me through some of the worst times in my life. They are what I look to get up in the morning and what keeps me moving towards what was once a bright future. What right does a small group of legislatures who will and have never felt my struggle have to say I can't live that life? It is by definition unconstitutional, unrepresentative, and violates every principle of human rights imaginable.

02-23-2025

Zoe Mahler

I am OPPOSED to HSB 242. It is an affront to all Iowans included in the civil rights act. You are serving no one but a religious minority smaller than the minority of transgender people in iowa that you target. It is hateful, deeply consequential for not just iowa but the nation. Fascism is here and its names are Steve Holt and Samantha Fett. Vote NO and fix your priorities. Nobody wants this.

02-23-2025

Terri Gordy

We are Scott and Terri Gordy, the parents of a 34yearold transgender daughter who lives and works in Iowa City, where we also live. We have recently retired and chosen to remain in Iowa. We are writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. Our daughter came out in December 2022 and began the process of transitioning. We have watched her evolve through the transgender process, and she is the happiest we have ever seen her. Shes a human being like you and us who deserves all the rights that any human being deserves. She pays taxes. She is a productive citizen. She graduated from an Iowa community college. She is a writer and a musician and has a full life with her family and friends.To think that our hardworking, happy daughter may no longer have antidiscrimination protections concerning where she works and lives makes us angry and sad. In addition to not being able to choose where she works and lives, she may be discriminated against when she applies for a loan, furthers her education, or applies for public accommodations if her rights as a human being are stripped away. We are scared for her. Thanks for reading. Feel free to contact us if you'd like to hear more about our daughter or to speak further about this legislation.We hope we can count on your support for transgender Iowans and your vote against HSB242 or any other legislation that would harm them.

02-23-2025

Lance Koch

Iowans are struggeling across the board with an economy bat is getting worse since Trump was elected. Our public schools systems are sinking because Republicans dont want to fund them. Mental health services in Iowa are some of the worst in the country. And things what you want o spend your legislative time with? Ou ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

02-23-2025

Andrew Nostvick

I OPPOSE HSB 242. Vote this bill down. Place the bill in an incinerator and destroy it so that it never sees the light of day again. Removing civil rights protections is never good. This bill will harm Iowans, not just those in the LGBTQIA+ community. It's reckless and irresponsible to even consider removing protections. This is cruelty, plain and simple. You're repulsive for proposing this.

02-23-2025

Sue Sandahl

Thank you for reading my concerns and listening to others' concerns about this bill (HSB 242). The removal of protections for people is wrong. Keep gender identity protected against discrimination and vote no for this bill.

02-23-2025

Katie Giorgio

I want to add my voice in objecting to this bill and it's unjust and unlawful attempts at removing rights for Iowans. I implore you as a representative of all in this state to vote on behalf of the people and not have out state take steps backwards in creating an accepting place where all can thrive. Please reject this bill and stop it from moving forward. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Lori Reilly

Historically Iowa was a national leader in recognizing the rights of all individuals, yet here we are in 2025, attempting to ROLLBACK rights and blatantly discriminate against a group of individuals. Absolutely shameful. I'm embarrassed to be an Iowan.

02-23-2025

Allissa Buelow

As someone with several loved ones who don't fit into the narrow boxes of gender the far right has decided to enforce on others legally...I speak a lot to friends and acquaintances, in this case about 20 30 people, who AREN'T personally affected by this bill. They talk about leaving Iowa with surprising frequency, and it's because they don't think the state's actions reflect their values.It's not Republican values they disagree with, and it's not Democrat values they align with necessarily. It's because they see a state that's suffering from actual problems, and then they see that their Representatives are putting all their resources towards punishing less than 1% of the population, for what seems like no reason that can be explained logically. What benefit to any Iowan does removing civil rights from groups have? Who knows what group will be removed next? Unfortunately many talented young folks will be leaving instead of speaking up about this, because they don't feel heard by their government and trust is plummeting.I've worked in Iowa my whole life, I have followed the law my whole life and have never even received a speeding ticket. My partner is a good person, my sibling is a good person, and they bring value to Iowa. But now my family has had the threat of not being allowed the same rights as others hanging over our head for a month, of knowing some in the government want us to be treated like secondclass citizens. Every day takes an emotional toll. Please stop.

02-23-2025

Ned Leffingwell

Please oppose this bill. The Iowa legislature has myopically attacked transgender Iowans for the past few years. This bill does not protect anyone. It allows for the discrimination of trans Iowans who want nothing more than to exist. I strongly urge you to oppose this bill and focus your energies on helping all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ashley Hall

This bill is an egregious encroachment on civil rights flies in the face of the spirit of its principled belief in justice and equity for all. History will remember those who attempted to tread on the rights of citizens under the guise of patriotism and nationalist pride. Its DISGUSTING to think whose rights will be up for debate next to be decided by white nationalists parading as public servants. I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BULLSHIT ASS BILL! Trans rights are human rights and this bill will forever be on the wrong side of history. Work on the price of gas and eggs and stop worrying about shit that is not your business!

02-24-2025

Scott Fedler [None]

Don't strip civil rights protections from transgender Iowans. The fact this is being considered is absolutely absurd by the same party that alleges to be about individual responsibility and leaving people alone. I just don't get it. Vote like you USED to be a republican!

02-23-2025

Angel Head

I dissent. I object. I call for this bill to be swept to the wastebasket.The summation you have listed for HSB 242 is quite something. You seem to want to hide behind bureaucratic language, when it is actually a bill that is simple it is statesanctioned bigotry and discrimination. It would eliminate an entire group of humans from civil rights protection. It smells like a 1980s hog lot.A bit of history to explain the danger in bills like this one and all of the endless attacks on trans humans these last few years:In 1930s Germany the Nazis first attacked the trans community. Despite being a tiny population, they were used as a morality test for Germans. Would they allow people to be "outlawed," beaten, or even killed for "being different?" Yes. And once Berlin was sure, they moved on to another minority the Jews. Taking away civil and human rights is a slippery slope, you see. The next on the list of people considered "less than" could be a friend or family member of yours. Did you know that transgender people make up about .22% less than a quarter of a percent of Iowa's population? I am guessing you neither know or care. But it begs the question Why are you spending so much time attacking them? Is it because it is "popular" in your party? Do you get bigger donations from hate groups? What is your motivation? I wish it were not so simple, but I think cruelty in itself is the point.Our state motto is, Our liberty we prize, our rights we maintain. This motto means ALL Iowans, not just your chosen favorites. Do better. Get real work done.

02-23-2025

Victor Martinez

This bill is meanspirited and actually embraces discrimination and should be voted down. Using legislative powers to block taxpaying citizens from earning a living, obtaining housing, or being served by our government is not what Iowa's legacy should be.

02-23-2025

Suzi Alexander

Legalizing discrimination against transgender Iowans is wrong and the harm would be widespread. My heart breaks for the misery HSB 242 will cause if enacted and I urge you to get in touch with your humanity and reject this cruel legislation now.

02-23-2025

Kyla Land

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and any other legislation that aims to remove civil rights from Iowans. We should be looking to expand rights within our states, rather than attacking a small community that already struggles with discrimination. Do better.

02-23-2025

Tabitha Simms-Quigley

As an Iowan and a Christian, i'm appalled this bill is even getting sub. The harm this does to so many people is appalling. Actively bullying and legalizing discrimination by removing the legal protections is a cowardly move, so I strongly oppose this bill

02-23-2025

Eleanor Glewwe

Please oppose HSB 242. This bill targets transgender Iowans in multiple ways, but I'm especially concerned about the part where it removes gender identity from the protected classes in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This move would make it legal to discriminate against transgender Iowans in areas like housing, banking, employment, and so on. I have transgender friends and colleagues in my community and at my workplace who would be directly and negatively affected by such a change in the law. I don't want to see them hurt by the rolling back of civil rights protections, especially in a state that has such a proud history of extending, rather than reducing, rights and freedoms for its citizens.Transgender people want the same things as everyone else: to pursue work with dignity and to build a comfortable and fulfilling life for themselves. All Iowans should be able to rent an apartment or get a loan without being discriminated against for their sex, race, religion, or indeed their gender identity. We should be protecting everyone's individual rights and freedoms in Iowa. You don't have to share the beliefs of someone whose faith is different from yours to stand up for their right not to be discriminated against in public life and everyday business transactions. In the same way, you can have whatever personal opinions you like about transgender identity while still standing up for transgender Iowans' right to be treated with the same equality and fairness as everybody else. Please firmly oppose HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Olivia Carter

This bill is a clear violation of Americans civil rights. Enacting this goes against our constitutional rights as Americans in addition to being a blatant violation of human rights in general and as such should not be allowed to pass.

02-23-2025

Renae Angeroth [Self]

Honorable Members,It has been my privilege, delight, and good fortune to have four transgender persons in my Iowa life, beginning in the 1980s. They are all generous, kind, and sensitive. They make my life richer. But there is a new wave of unwarranted prejudice pummeling them right now, causing them extreme grief and anxiety. Transgender peoplelike all people generallyare equally morally upstanding and should not be castigated or ostracized based on unfounded fear and assumptions. All Iowans deserve to live a safe and wholesome life with equal access and rights. Please vote no on HSB 242.Thank youRenae Angeroth

02-23-2025

Teresa Baustian [Citizen of Iowa]

I am writing to you in opposition to HSB 242, a bill to remove not only civil rights protections from transgender Iowans, but their very identities. I grew up with a classmate and fellow band kid in my home town. We were in many of the same activities and I felt that I knew her well. Some time after both of us graduated from high school and went off to college and careers elsewhere, my mother informed me that Mary was now Mark. This was a number of years ago, before I had ever heard of people being transgender and I didnt immediately know what to make of this information. As my career in law and in civil rights enforcement developed, though, I had many occasions to recall all that I had thought I knew about Mark. One image that kept arising for me was Marks eyes. Often, they had a kind of distant, almost vacant stare as though he wasnt actually present behind them. I wondered for how long he had not known, nor understood who he was or why he was so ill at ease in the world. I realized that I had not known Mark, at all. I shudder at the thought that my state would other our transgender friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. I shudder at the thought that this bill would deprive transgender Iowans of the same right to earn a living, to have a place to live, or to be served by a business. People of faith know that the same rights for all of us is Gods plan for humanity. We have been commanded to not only love our neighbors as ourselves,but to model our love on the manner in which God loves us. Please vote against this bill.

02-23-2025

Kelly Stewart

Please reject HSB 242. Until recently I was a lifelong Iowan and this bill seeks to harm transgender and nonbinary Iowans by excluding them from basic human right protections. We all deserve basic human rights regardless of our gender identity. This bills effort to discriminate and exclude is dangerous and horriblefor Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ian Murphy

I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a needlessly cruel bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. It would be a true national embarrassment for Iowa to become the first state to remove a protected class of people from its civil rights protections. This would almost certainly jeopardize Iowa's ability to compete for corporations to invest in the state, host events in the state which would boost the economy of the state at large and our own West Des Moines neighborhood in particular. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgender and who make up less than 1% of 1% of peopleshould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. This bill needlessly and cruelly kneecaps their ability to do so. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers or contribute to the basic functions of a meritocratic and democratic society. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

AJ Jones

As an Iowa resident, and voter, I am strongly opposed to HSB242. Instead of considering to pass this bill the decent consideration would be, There, but for the grace of God, go I. You were not elected to take freedoms and rights from the residents of this state rather to uphold and protect every resident. I ask that you reject this draconian notion that a group should be stripped of their freedoms and rights.

02-23-2025

Sam Fillenworth

I oppose HSB 242. This bill is conversion therapy. Simple as that. It will leave children and cis women more vulnerable to attack if they don't fit the binary. For transpersons, it will create imminant danger. This bill denies basic rights to *anyone* under the guise of "gender identity," including gays, Black, Brown and POCs, as well as disabled and working Iowans. HSB 242 is a constitutional nightmare for our state. Cut funding, not our rights. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Julia Baker

HSB242 must be rejected because it will remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans, such as those who are born intersex, who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions.All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. My friends, neighbors, and coworkers include transgender Iowans and when it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Amy Carson

As a person who lived in Iowa for over 25 years, I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender & nonbinary folks in Iowa. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242). The stripping away of civil rights starts with transgender individuals and then moves to other groups. Please stop this now.

02-23-2025

Alicia Claypool [Former Chair, ICRC, 2005-11]

OPPOSE trans erasure bill, HSB242HSB242 would take Iowa back to a time when transgender persons lived in the shadows, scraped by because discrimination kept them from obtaining a good education, jobs and housing. A time when transgender persons frequently suffered from depression and many turned to alcoholism and drugs or committed suicide because society was so cruel and hateful. Iowa has made great strides since 2007 when the Iowa Civil Rights Act was amended to protect all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Transgender persons are more welcome in our schools, houses of worship, at work, and in our neighborhoods and communities. Until recently, they were able to more fully participate in our society, be ordained clergy, have families, take vacations, coach the tennis team, see themselves in our books and history, and simply pursue happiness, just like you and me. Our families are learning about the transgender people in our midst and are welcoming them into our lives and hearts, as you would with any family member. We see more trans folks and students these days, and we have learned more about them as human beings. Our family has joined the ranks of other families with transgender members. They are our family and we, my husband and I, would do all we can to protect their rights and dignity, which is why we write you today. Do not take away their rights! Let our grandchild have the opportunity to grow up healthy, get an education in her chosen field, seek and fulfill her dreams, fall in love, decide to become a parent if she wishes and live in peace. I am a person of faith who believes that we are all children of God and deserving of her love. This includes recognizing that transgender persons are children of God, too, just like you and me, and deserving of his love, respect and fairness. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination is heeding God's commandment to love one another as she loves you. Please do not advance the trans erasure bill, HSB 242, or any similar amendment, that would take rights away from transgender people. This is a moral issue and we are counting on you to respect the dignity of all persons, including transgender individuals, by opposing HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Kerry Cruse

This bill is unnecessary and unbelievably cruel. Transgender Iowans are our friends, our neighbors and our coworkers and some of our children. They deserve the same fundamental rights, dignity and respect as anyone else. This legislation will not improve the life of a single Iowan, but it will undoubtedly make the lives of transgender Iowans worse. We call on legislators to reject this proposal and get back to work on policies that make our state better for everyone.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Klinge

Please do not pass this bill! It honestly solves no problem whatsoever, its complete nonsense especially when our country has real actual problems that need to be addressed as does our own state. Work on passing things that will actually make a positive change and impact for our state.

02-23-2025

Rook Dunn

Please register my vehement opposition to this Bill HSB 242. What is the point of making life harder for trans people? What is the point? Please do not pass this Bill. I have scoured the comments and not found a single person favoring this Bill. Your job is to represent the people. Do it.

02-23-2025

Mirra Anson

I strongly oppose this bill. My family farm in Iowa has been in our family since the 1850s. We have roots here and this bill is the opposite of everything I know Iowa and Iowans to be. The bill will cause harm to my child, and for their safety if this passes, we need to leave the state. My husband and I work in public service and every single day strive to help the state and Iowa citizens. Besides a reasonable paycheck for our work, we dont ask for anything in return, but to be free to be who we are and do the right thing for our family and communities. This bill will is nothing but cruel and pointless.

02-23-2025

Adriyel Mondloch

I support the inclusion of gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. I oppose all attempts to remove protections for Trans Iowans. All Iowans deserve and are afforded protections from discrimination under the law and removing gender identity protections is a clear violation of civil rights.

02-23-2025

Jan libbey

I urge the House Judiciary Subcommittee to stop HSB 242 in its tracks. Removing civil rights protections afforded Iowans from those Iowans who identify as transgender is contrary to fostering a safe and welcoming state. Transgender Iowans are our neighbors and should enjoy the same civil rights protectoons as ALL Iowans. Please vote NO.

02-23-2025

Nadia Tornabane

I strongly oppose this bill as it removes rights from Iowans like me who are just trying to live their lives. Passing this bill will give the appearance of bigotry and will do nothing to help Iowans.This is not what our tax dollars should be spent on. This is fraud waste and abuse being of Iowan tax dollars and it is not going unnoticed.

02-23-2025

Robert Franks

Legislators, In my over 40 years of teaching Iowa college students computer science, Ive had only a couple who were transgendered. I could not tell any difference in their kindness, intelligence, compassion or aspirations from any of my other students. We cannot afford to tell law abiding portions of our population that they are not valued and welcomed. This bill attempts to define man and woman but what about the biological fact that a small portion of those humans born are intersexed? They have reproductive organs of both male and female. What are they under this bill?Please drop this bill and work on items that will help ALL Iowans.

02-23-2025

Hali VanWinkle

I strongly oppose HSB 242 as it directly harms the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa. Every Iowan deserves the right to live with dignity, safety, and equal protections under the law. This legislation promotes discrimination, erodes fundamental rights, and sends a dangerous message that some Iowans are less deserving of respect and inclusion. As a concerned constituent, I urge you to reject this bill and instead focus on policies that support and protect. Our state should be a place where everyone is valued and protected. Thank you for your time and consideration.

02-23-2025

Tyler James

Please do not vote for HSB 242. The effort to erase the civil rights and cultural presence of an entire group of people is cruel and unpatriotic. We are a country of varied and unique individuals pursuing happiness and freedom in original and authentic ways. If our fundamental freedoms become negotiable based on the biases, religious beliefs, and preferences of whichever party is in charge at the time, we are no longer pursuing the stated goals of a free society.

02-23-2025

Esther Farran

This act can only cause harm to Iowans. This bill accomplishes nothing for Iowa or America and it makes it easier for Iowans to be targets of hate and discrimination. The only reason why someone would pass a bill like this is because they are actively trying to cause harm to Iowans.

02-23-2025

Brandon English

I would like to register my strong opposition to this bill. This constant amplification of oppressive rhetoric towards such a small and already struggling community of wonderful humans seems to be, in my eyes, the acts of an increasingly hateful and powerhungry State testing the limits of their power on those they deem most vulnerable.

02-23-2025

Evan Jones

This bill is a travesty. It is bigotry pure and simple to discriminate against people because of their gender identity. It will further harm people who are already being demonized for no reason. Shame on anyone who supports this.

02-23-2025

Brandon English

02-23-2025

Katie Freeman

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and urge you to vote No. Going backwards is never progress and this bill does just that. Additionally it puts real life people at risk in every aspect of their lives. Spend time addressing actual issues and leave the transgender community alone.

02-23-2025

Katie Davis

As a resident of Iowa, I completely disagree and am completely opposed to the passing of this discriminatory bill, which is not only dismissive of transgender Iowans, but puts their safety at risk. Transgender Iowans are not mentally ill, and they are not dangerous, and they do not deserve to have their access to housing, credit, and public accommodation destabilized and their identities erased. They are our neighbors and a part of our community and the people you have been put in charge of protecting. This bill is nothing but harmful and annoyingly, needlessly, dangerously overbearing over the distinctinctions between men and women and their definitions, fluid, socialized definitions and distinctions that it chooses to make stricter and politicize in order to cruely threaten and control every Iowan that falls out of its gendered expectations, and that especially includes those who are transgender. And I do not care for it! And any representative that pushes it forward will lose whatever respect and support I have for them.

02-23-2025

Chris Downey

I completely oppose this bill. This bill dehumanizes the transgender community and says they do not deserve the same rights and protections as the rest of us. It is also a slippery slope of taking away the rights for a community of people. Whats next? We need to recognize that so many do not fit into the mold that society sets. This is already a community of people that are hurting. They deserve our protection not our hate. If this bill passes it sets a very dangerous precedent for our state laws.

02-23-2025

Christine Furlong

I am writing to express my opposition to HSB 242 and any legislation that removes civil rights protections. Stop the attack on transgender Iowans. Thus will negatively affect hard working individuals who are trying to just live their lives. Your constituents are NOT in support of this bill. Please do the right thing and oppose The Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act (HSB 242).

02-23-2025

Kayla Parkin

Bill HS 242 makes me so afraid to have children with my husband. I am a white, middle class, straight female and for the life of me I cannot understand why anyone would care what others are doing?! There are such more important issues to address and this breaks my heart to know that Iowa is prioritizing such a distracting and hateful bill. Please do not take us back in time. You do not have to agree with it or do it yourself, but you should not get to tell someone else what or how to think. We are better than this.

02-23-2025

Shannon Hammen Miner

Please register my opposition to HSB 242. All Iowans have rights to live and thrive, to codify language that equates sex and gender, only acts to "other." It perpetuates a strange obsession with how others express themselves. Please focus on actual problems impacting Iowans versus creating discrimination in our code.

02-23-2025

Teresa Bomhoff

For a group to profess they are Christians this bill denying transgender individuals their civil rights is beyond cruelty. I urge you to find a level of decency that will take this bill off the table. Removing HSB 242 from consideration is the right thing to do.Please count me unequivocally against HSB 242.Thank you for your service to the citizens of Iowa.

02-23-2025

Timothy Oleksiak

I write to encourage a no vote on HSB 242. While you may not choose to listen to a voter from RI or wonder why a United States citizen from RI is concerned about what happens in Iowa, I will say this. These laws, once past have ripple effects across the nation. I believe in the right for trans people to life fully and exist free from persecution. A recent federal court ruled against the Trump administrations order that functions similarly to this bill. Her rationale and the logical conclusion that lead her to rule against legislation and executive orders That are similar to this bill is that they are entirely based on cruelty and a dislike for a single class of people. This is not allowed. It is against the law.Trans people exist and have rights to live free from oppression state violence. HSB 242 is violence. We must not participate in any law that seeks to deny trans people the fundamental dignity of access to our nations rights, protections, and freedoms.

02-23-2025

Zane Safrit

I know youre busy with many of the following issues:Food Insecurity: 14% of schoolage children experience food insecurity or go hungry every day.19% of Iowas bridges are rated as substandard$40 million in crop sales lost when USAID was closed.$10 million in soil conservation expenses for Iowa farmers will not be reimbursed. Rural hospital closings from the expected cuts to Medicaid programs by the GOPs budget.So I was curious how you and your GOP colleagues found time for House Study Bill 242? Given all of the above issues and your campaign slogan to Protect Freedom how did you decide to prioritize taking away the rights of a group of people just becauseyou dont like the way they dance or dress or sing or think of themselves? Do you feel they are a threat at all, to anyone? Love to hear your thoughts.

02-23-2025

Joshua LaFavre

HSB 242 (2025) is a reprehensible bill. There is no way to salvage this bill into something that cannot be viewed as a direct attack on the rights of Iowa citizens. The removal of gender identity as a protected class is in and of itself reason enough to strike this bill down, but it is by far not the only reason.This bill also seeks to insulate young people from information about gender identity during the time in their lives when it is most relevant, and by doing so could prevent relevant care before puberty. The need for care before puberty when dealing with these issues is a physical reality that is not changed by any intentions of repressing such issues among minors. As someone currently attending therapy directly stemming from such repression, I can personally vouch for the harm to mental health (and indirectly to physical health) that such an approach can create.This bill also seeks to redefine the very definition of gender (mental) to be synonymous with sex (physical), and by doing so legally erase an existing minority from laws both present and future.In all, HSB 242 seeks nothing short of erasing a minority of Iowa citizens in the word of law while also paving the way for physical and mental abuse of that minority and using language suggesting segregation. Anyone supporting such measures is in direct opposition to the basic human rights of American citizens.

02-23-2025

John McGowan

I strongly oppose this bill. When has stripping protections from one of the most vulnerable group of people and their families ever been an Iowan value? It's disgraceful. The sponsors of this bill should address their own internal fears rather than demonize others who aren't exactly like them. And as a business owner, I can say the sponsors of this bill are helping make Iowa one of the most inhospitable States in the Union for attracting and retaining talent. Stop dumbing down Iowa.

02-23-2025

John Soener

This bill is harmful, dangerous, and unnecessary. It would allow for widespread discrimination and benefit no one. As a state we should not allow for anyone to be denied housing and basic goods and services. Please reject this bill.

02-23-2025

Sander Cissne

Representatives,I am writing to urge you to reject HSB242, a bill that would stripaway essential protections for transgender Iowans and createunnecessary complications for others who do not fit within its narrowdefinitions. This legislation undermines the principles of fairnessand equality that should be foundational to our states laws.Every hardworking Iowan, including those who are transgender, deservesto be treated with dignity and respect. They should have the sameopportunities to earn a living, secure housing, and provide forthemselves and their families. Denying someone the ability to rent anapartment, access credit, or participate fully in society simplybecause of who they are creates an uneven playing field andperpetuates inequality. Antidiscrimination protections are vital toensuring that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or howthey are perceived, has a fair chance to succeed.Moreover, HSB242 poses a threat not only to transgender Iowans butalso to nontransgender women. The bill risks weakening protectionsagainst sex stereotyping, which are not explicitly covered underIowas current sex discrimination statute. This could havefarreaching consequences for gender equality in our state.Transgender people are an integral part of our communitiesthey areour friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. They deserve tolive, work, and thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion. Byrejecting HSB242, you can affirm that Iowa values fairness, equality,and the wellbeing of all its residents.I urge you to stand against this harmful legislation and uphold therights and dignity of every Iowan. Thank you for your attention tothis critical issue.Sincerely,Sander Cissne

02-23-2025

The Rev. Paul Gennett

I prayerfully ask the rejection of HSB 242. As a Christian, my baptism calls to respect the dignity of every human being as a created by God as we all are. As a citizen of this democracy, our Declaration of Independence calls that ALL people are equal and entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ALL people.

02-23-2025

Ace Christiani

HSB 242 won't get rid of trans people, we have always been here even when we were pushed down by laws like HSB 242. All this bill will do is show that the Iowa lawmakers and Kim Reynolds are stuck in a bygone era where instead of embracing differences they would rather shun and shame those who don't fit in the box of a perfect Christian.

02-23-2025

Jack Goodman

This bill is scientifically inaccurate and needs to be thrown out. First, it states sex and gender are the same. They are not. Sex has to do with reproductive organs and gender is the outward appearance/habits of an individual. While sex is assigned at birth, if a person inherited the transgender attribute, which is a physical medical condition, they can change their sex through hormonal and surgical means and an outside observer will not be able to tell the difference between a person born sex and a fully transitioned individual. Furthermore, this legislation is attempting to take away civil rights from the 7100 Iowans who happen to be transgender. This is shameful. Iowa legislators should be concentrating on improving the lives of Iowans, not trying to harm them. Transgender Iowans are citizens of this state and must be protected with all equal rights under the law.

02-23-2025

Gail Cudworth

I very much oppose HSB242. Not only is it discriminatory and dangerous, but you would be taking away basic civil rights that protect our transgender community. I worry about family members and friends that will be harmed and could die if this bill is passed. Its disgusting that you would put a target on every single one of them. DO BETTER! Love your neighbor!!!

02-23-2025

Avery Marple

I cannot disagree more with this. Passing a law allowing any people to be discriminated against is completely outrageous. This will only increase big problems already prevalent in our society. Honestly, the fact that this is even being considered shows that were going backwards when it comes to human rights.

02-23-2025

AM Racila

Our state motto, appearing on our official state seal, is: Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. Stripping rights from certain populations of Iowans is antithetical to this statement and the values underpinning it. Transgender and intersex Iowans live and work across this state. OPPOSE HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Samantha Brotman

this bill is a stain on Iowas history. If passed, well one day look back on this as an embarrassing and shameful mistake and all the lawmakers who made it happen will bear the legacy of hate and discrimination. Please be on the right side of history the long arc bends towards justice.

02-23-2025

Joni Meyer

Please, do not do this to our families, friends, loved ones, and fellow Iowans who have the right to live their lives as they choose. It saddens me to know it has come to this as IOWA had taken so many steps in the right direction of protecting and making everyone feel welcome whether they were part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Do not end their safe haven. We should love all and PROMOTE LOVE NOT HATRED OR DISCRIMINATION.

02-23-2025

Debi Spiller

Please oppose bill HSB242, no one deserves their civil rights upended or live in fear.These are our family members, friends, coworkers and associates who just want to live and love. I think you all need to have serious conversations to learn instead of judge.

02-23-2025

Heidi Hassen

I strongly OPPOSE HSB242. Removing civil rights for one group of people is not only wrong and a huge step backwards for the state, it also opens a can of worms for whose rights can be taken next. Every citizen of Iowa deserves equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, this will have a negative impact on our state's future and economic development. Young people do not want to move to, or stay in a state with unequal access to civil rights. Please reject HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Reagan Osborne

You are actively harming people with this bill. Thats not your job! You are setting the stage for putting the people who voted for you in danger. I dont understand this kind of selfishness and cruelty. You know this is wrong yet you do it anyway, like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

02-23-2025

Larissa Boeck

OPPOSE THIS BILL! Stripping protections from transgender persons goes directly against Iowa's beloved motto: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. It is not in our great state's interest to legalize transgender discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, but that is what this bill seeks to do. It is a slippery slope when discrimination is made legal against one group of people as history has shown us time and again it will not stop there. We can't allow our government to go down this road. People over party.

02-23-2025

Carol Harter

Please protect the rights of all people. No person deserves to not feel safe in their own environment. Do not support this bill. What are we teaching our children when bills are passed that discriminate against others. The progress that has been made in the past 50 years will disappear with the passage of this bill.

02-23-2025

Kristen Corey

This bill is incredibly cruel and is I'll advised. It does nothing but cruelly single out people for not fitting into a box that those in power have defined. The LGBTQIA population already faces high rates of suicide. What message are you sending to people by passing this? How does this help the people of Iowa? Your jobs are to help and make life better for Iowans not harm them.

02-23-2025

Kristen Corey

02-23-2025

cynthia doyle

I am writing to you to ask you to REJECT HSB242. The bill sailing through the legislature puts a dagger in Iowas reputation as a state known for being at the forefront of Civil Rights. It makes Iowa one of the first states to take rights away from people. It says so even in the name, Iowa Civil Rights Removal Act HSB242.This bill is contrary to the values we as Iowans hold most sacred and are enshrined in our motto, "Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" My family came here as early pioneers and made their home and raised generations of our family. They believed that everyone should "live and let live".While you push this bill as protecting women, it will do just the opposite. This bill could lead to even more harassment, intimidation, and threats to women who are or are suspected of being transgender.In closing, I ask you do NOT support HSB 242. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. Preserve Iowas long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

02-23-2025

Allison Gookin

I strongly OPPOSE HB 242. It is morally reprehensible. It would strip away basic rights of transgender Iowans to live normal lives with basic civil rights. We are already discriminated against enough, and this would further legalize that discrimination. We could be denied basic things needed to live, like jobs and housing, based solely on the fact that we are trans. This bill is also unscientific, defining sex as a strict binary of 'male' and 'female'. It has been shown plenty of times that there are more than two options for combinations of sex chromosomes, primary sex characteristics, and secondary sex characteristics. It has also been shown that many of those characteristics can be changed through medical treatments, and that it is the most effective way to treat gender dysphoria. Defining terms related to sex and gender should be left up to the scientists who study these matters, not unqualified people who happen to be legislators. Do not be fooled by those who tell you that this bill is about "acknowledging biological reality". The biological reality is that you can change your sex to be congruent with your gender identity. This bill is about nothing more than trying to dehumanize and discriminate against a group of people who are simply trying to live their lives.

02-23-2025

Abigail Scheppmann

This bill isnt just shameful, its utterly stupid. Vote no. Our community doesnt need this. Our tax dollars shouldnt be spent on wasting time with this ridiculous obsession over other peoples identities. There are a myriad of problems that plague Iowa that lawmakers should be focusing on instead. Hopefully they can prove that they serve a purpose by voting this down and moving on to do some real work for the state of Iowa.

02-24-2025

Christina Hatfield

Dear Representative, I am writing you today in solidarity with my friends and loved ones in the trans community. No one should have to worry about being fired, denied housing or educational opportunities because of their gender identity. As a proud Iowan, I am dismayed that my state, the state that I love whose motto is 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We will Maintain, this HF242 is contrary to the values we hold most sacred as Iowans, I ask of you, do not make Iowa the first state in the nation to repeal civil rights protections for its citizens. Finally, in closing, I want to state that while this bill is being pitched as a bill that protects women, it will do the opposite. 'Transvestigating' is a phenomenon in which women are harassed, intimidated, and threatened under the suspicion for being trans. Passing this bill will only increase this phenomenon.In closing, I ask you to not support HSB 242. Preserve Iowa's long tradition as a beacon for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.Sincerely,Christina Hatfield

02-23-2025

John Panning [Dobson Pipe Organ Builders]

As a rural employer and owner of a small business with an international reputation, I am writing to oppose HSB 242.My business depends on a skilled workforce, and we welcome as a coworker any qualified person regardless of race, gender, class, or sexual orientation. We have already lost potential employees because Iowas governor and legislature have made the state unwelcoming to those that differ from our leaders expectations. My company cannot grow if present and potential employees face the legalized discrimination this bill will permit. My small town suffers if our business does not do well. Our state suffers if its cities and businesses are not thriving.This country is founded on the idea that all people are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights. This bill flies in the face of the words of our Declaration of Independence, and its only point seems to be to institutionalize discrimination and cruelty. I urge you to reject HSB 242.Sincerely,John A. Panning

02-23-2025

Meg Wagner [The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa]

As an Iowan for almost 40 years, and as a priest in The Episcopal Church in Iowa, I beg you to not let HSB242 out of subcommittee. What HSB242 proposes stands in direct contrast to the promises we make at Baptism as faithful Christians to seek and serve Christ in all persons, love our neighbors as ourselves, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. HSB242 is incredibly cruel and dangerous to transgender and intersex Iowans and those that love them. Throughout my ministry I have come to know the stories of many of those Iowans and have ministered alongside them as colleagues and friends. They want the same things all of us want the opportunity to live, love, and work free from harassment and with dignity. This bill is the complete opposite of that. Not only does it strip those basic civil rights protections, it erases their identity from their legal documents, and weakens protections for all Iowans who might not fit into the bills narrowly defined gender norms.Over the course of more than 40 years now, the Episcopal Church has prayed, studied, and declared the blessing that LGBTQ+ people are and always have been in the Church and in the world. We advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of society and are firmly against stripping legal protections away from them. Transgender and intersex Iowans are a reality, and no bill can change that reality. What this bill WOULD do is to make their reality unnecessarily harder, more dangerous, and remove essential civil rights protections from them and that should never be the goal of legislators. Please do all that you can to make sure this legislation moves no further.

02-23-2025

Kathy Voss

I am writing to ask legislators to vote NO to HSB 242. The local and federal governments should focus on protecting the rights of all people. They should not be focused on carving out exceptions to discrimination laws to allow Iowans to be discriminated against in employment, housing, access to services, etc. The example we should be setting is to respect that not all people are the same and all individuals, including those that are Transgender and NonBinary, deserve to be able to live their lives free of discrimination. The fact that this is being considered as a priority in our Iowa government shows that the majority does not understand the actual problems that Iowans face and they are not interested in solving real problems. Please, let common sense prevail, and vote NO. Lets work on improving the life of Iowans, not tearing down a small, minority group.

02-23-2025

Allyson Swim

I STRONGLY oppose HSB242 and urge my representatives to vote against this discriminatory bill. Civil rights protections for ALL Iowans is a duty of our representatives to uphold! This bill clearly targets the rights of transIowans in an attempt to instill fear into the lgbtq community. This bill allows employment to be denied on the basis of their gender identity, employers to pay lower wages to trans employees, and it allows credit holders, health and accident insurance companies, landlords, and real estate professionals to deny trans people housing, healthcare, insurance, or services. This is a very dangerous bill that serves only as a cruel injustice to the citizens you have a duty to protect. Shame on this state for proposing such a bill that serves only as the legal framework for separation and discrimination. Iowans deserve better, we will never go back to separate but not inherently equal".

02-23-2025

Stephanie Simatovich

Please reject HSB242. Do not make Iowa the first state in America to remove civil rights from a protected class of people. Iowa has had a long history of being at the forefront of civil rights. Revoking rights for a class of people would be a stain on that history and be shameful for our great state. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. This bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute.If having civil rights protections for a class of people conflict with new laws Republicans want to pass, maybe those new laws are wrong and shouldnt be passed at all.Reject HSB242.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Wahlert

Do NOT support this bill. Stop the hate filled laws. We need to come together to protect our democracy. Not write and pass bills trying to dehumanize and attack the least protected among us. Find your humanity and stop this nonsense. History will not look kindly on these laws and actions you are all taking. This has all gone too far. Let citizens be free to be who they are without fear of their fellow citizens.

02-23-2025

Marlena Fishback-Guldenpfennig

Do unto others as you would have done to you. Please reject this bill. Even people you dont agree with deserve basic human rights and protections. Our government officials must stand for ALL their constituents.

02-23-2025

Victoria Aden

I urge you to oppose this bill and stop it from moving forward. The fact that this bill uses language that harkens back to the disgraceful Plessy v Ferguson decision should tell you all you need to know about how very wrong this legislation is. Stop with the hateful legislation and vote no.

02-23-2025

Carla Grimes

As Americans, we cherish the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Legislation of this variety is targeted to reduce the rights for citizens of our country. Transgender individuals deserve respect and the ability to pursue their happiness. Vote against this restrictive bill that only serves to harm.

02-23-2025

Meg Mechelke

This as an embarrassing, ignorant, and hateful attempt at enacting real harm against Iowans across the state. Queer people are a real, beautiful, vital part of our community. Like it or not, these people exist and deserve to exist. Ignorance and cruelty helps no one.

02-23-2025

Jerry Uhlman [Retired]

Everyone should be protected from discrimination. It's unfortunate that we even have to put that into law and for marginalized groups in particular. Not everyone fits neatly into the boxes some would like to create but still deserve the protections the majority of us take for granted. That includes those who identify as transgender, or any other sexual orientation. This bill is just one of many attempting to allow discrimination.

02-23-2025

Bre Ward

This bill does so much harm and absolutely zero good. As much as people want to have their freedoms, certain legislature keeps coming around to restrict themespecially for marginalized communities (like the trans community). Let people learn, exist, and thrive. There is so much power in community care and educationstop trying to hinder that.

02-23-2025

Barbara and Jim Dale

We oppose any and all measures such as this which discriminate against people. In our opinion and belief all people are equal in creation and under the law, so creating laws that violate that principle have no place in society.

02-23-2025

Amanda Okopski

HSB 242 is wasting precious legislative time and energy. We, your constituents, elect you to build and pass legislation that will make Iowa more safe, productive, and *free* for Iowans. This proposed bill does none of that, andfar worsedoes the opposite. HSB 242 spreads the restrictive reach of government into areas of civic life and civil liberties which must be free in a democratic society. Please, stop participating in the scapegoating of transgender people, and get on with the work of solving actual complex problems facing our state in order to create a more perfect union for *all* Iowans. Stop HSB 242.

02-23-2025

McKennah Wiggins

I strongly urge you to vote NO on HSB 242. This bill is a blatant attack on the rights and dignity of transgender and nonbinary individuals in Iowa. It is discriminatory, regressive, and completely out of touch with the values of equality and fairness that should guide our laws. This legislation seeks to erase the identities of vulnerable people and impose harmful, outdated ideologies on our education system and civil rights protections. It is unacceptable to use the law as a tool to marginalize and oppress communities that already face significant challenges. If you support this bill, you are endorsing discrimination and turning your back on the principles of justice and inclusion. Do the right thingvote NO on HSB 242 and stop this harmful legislation in its tracks.

02-23-2025

Nancee Gearhart

Why are you persecuting people? I want to be proud to be an Iowan, but right now I am ashamed. This is not the American way. Why can't you just live and let live? This is no threat to you or anyone else. We are going backward. Have you talked to these people? They are not pedophiles. Please reconsider this action. It will not make people disappear or change their identity.

02-23-2025

Adam Hesseltine

This is hateful legislation that is beneath Iowa. Focus on making Iowans lives better instead of punching down on already beaten down trans people. They comprise a tiny portion of the population and do not pose a risk. Do not pass this.

02-23-2025

Joseph Quick

It is terrifying that HSB 242 will strip rights away from fellow community members and close friends who are simply trying to exist. Our government has no reason to take away civil rights under any circumstances. This will only further a precedent to allow more modifications to the Iowa Civil Rights Act. People should be able to be who they are without the government actively hurting their prospects of furthering their dreams and aspirations. This will only push an agenda of discrimination and worsen the lives of so many people that I and my community hold dear. There is no "plus" side for passing this, nor any reason to unjustly take away rights of fellow Iowans.

02-23-2025

Charleen svingen

I do not support removing civil rights for transgender people. This makes no sense and is beyond un American. Transgender and transsexual people have always existed . They are citizens and responsible citizens in this country that contribute greatly throughout their lives many being lawyers, social workers, computer experts, soldiers , teachers, mothers, fathers, welders, plumbers, and every profession in the book. They pay their taxes , contribute to our society doing good works. How do you legislate real peoples civil rights away because you dont understand this condition or you have decided you despise transgender people . This is not right. This is not just. People have followed the law and medical protocol for transitioning and now you are talking about transgender women with vaginas and trans me. With penises who clearly belong in places for their respective sex change gender signifier. To now back track and call these same responsible and loving people unacceptable toRetain their rights as citizens is not constitutional nstitutoonal and will not work . This medical protocol for people who are transgender has been studied by true professionals in this field who actually understand the biological needs and realities for this population and the protocol for transitioning needs to be guverned only by medical professionals in the field of gender care and not politicians who have a belief these people should not exist. This bill is a legal holocaust , nothing less , of a valuable group of citizens who should not be threatened essentially with death and loss of all legal rights to exist. This will remove every right we all enjoy just to live a life . This bill must be stopped and we must support our fellow citizens no matter who they are who are just living according to their true selves hurting no one . Iowa has always been a leader in civil rights for all people and Iowa is better than this bill. Please feel free to contact me.

02-23-2025

Emily Howes-Vonstein

Iowans deserve the space to be beautifully complex and ever evolving. To exist beyond binaries and hierarchies. To thrive without the fear of violence and hate. Please vote NO to HSB 242. Please stop attacking trans people. Stop emboldening hate. Stop proposing discrimination and the striping of civil rights. Our LGBTQIA+ neighbors are worthy of love. Theyre worthy of the freedom to flourish.

02-23-2025

Peter Schares

This bill is an attempt to create a category of secondclass citizens in the name of the country's most sadistic religious impulses. I firmly believe:That the United States should not be legitimizing the idea that any of its citizens ought to be given a more difficult life based on who they are.That the freedom OF religion that we (allegedly) value cannot be maintained without freedom FROM it.That we as a country are fully deserving of mockery if we try to hold ourselves up as a bastion of opportunity while our other hand is signing away the rights of our citizenry.That history is being recorded at a greater rate and clarity than ever before. I don't know when compassion will come back into fashion, but I do know that history tends to be unkind to politicians who deliberately target a subset of their population for harassment.In summary, I would ask that you please not hurt my friends, defy the core principles of the nation, and sully the name of your position in order to make bigots more comfortable.

02-23-2025

Deborah Cronin

Moving this bill forward would represent an unbelievable backwards step in civil rights. Transgender individuals exist. Their existence does not affect the lives of people who are not transgender in any way. There is absolutely no reason for this factually incorrect, bigoted bill to make it out of committee. This bill will harm Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ruth Ratliff

Do not vote for this bill which would remove protection of the civil rights of Iowans who are our friends, colleagues, and family members. If their civil rights are not protected in Iowa, they will feel compelled to move out of Iowa breaking up families and depriving Iowa of productive citizens.

02-23-2025

Steven Petty

Reject HSB 242! Eggs are $5/dozen, homeowner's insurance is increasing faster then inflation, Iowa's waterways and beaches are dirty and yet this is what you wish to spend your legislative time on? Start advocating for ALL Iowan's. When is the last time you raised the minimum wage? Respect all of God's children!

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Arnold

I oppose this bill. In 2007, the prescient addition of gender identity to the Iowa Civil Rights Act was done to help ensure the rights of ALL Iowans. It does not elevate the rights of our trans neighbors above others, but works to ensure that trans people can be our neighbors. The stripping of civil rights protections is abhorrent. Trans rights are civil rights.

02-23-2025

KATHLEEN WINTER [- Select -]

Taking rights away from people? Is this what Iowa has become? There have been absolutely no issues or problems that this bill is addressing. It is simply another attempt to target an already marginalized group of people. Vote no. Vote against discrimination.

02-23-2025

Dulce Escorcia

I have lived in Iowa for the majority of my life and I am happy that it is my home. I want to say I am proud, but bills like HSB242 do not make me feel proud. Instead, HSB242 makes me feel scared. This is a huge step back that will hurt everyone, not just trans Iowans. You may not understand what it means to be trans. You may not understand what its like to always be unhappy and uncomfortable with what you look like on the outside. To flinch when someone uses a name that is not yours, or calls you sir instead of maam. Or viceversa. You may not understand the fear of having to use a bathroom outside your home because neither option is safe for you. You may not understand the confusion and feeling of despair when youre trying to be someone youre not. I would ask you to try to imagine that, but maybe you have not faced any misfortune in your life that would grant you the ability to sympathize. And for that, you should count yourself lucky.Please oppose HSB242. Iowa is beautiful because of its diversity. Excluding people is not an Iowan value. Pushing people out of the state is not an Iowan value. Denying someone the opportunity to blossom and settle down, maybe even create a family here, does not align with our values as Iowans. Iowa is supposed to be the field of opportunities. I want that to be true, and I want it to be true for anyone, regardless of gender.I ask, again, that you oppose HSB242. I ask that you stand for Iowans, all of us, and not against us.

02-23-2025

A Fischer

We are all created equal and have the same Godgiven rights. Gender Identity gives additional rights to a specific group of citizens. This is unconstitutional. The Iowa ConstitutionArticle I, Section 6 of the Iowa Constitution states that all laws of a general nature must apply equally to all citizens. It also states that the general assembly cannot give certain citizens or groups of citizens privileges that others do not have equally.The Declaration of IndependenceWe hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.Please pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Lou Ramsey

It wouldnt matter what group of people you target; the government actively removing the rights of its citizens goes agains the states vow of our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. You are actively destroying the state of Iowa and chasing not just trans people, but our children and their families. I know youre probably aware of all this, which makes this worse. If this goes into law, I hope when the state is empty with nothing but dead corn fields and cops you are proud of the blood you spilt to earn your keep.

02-23-2025

Allison Brinkhorst

I urge a NO vote on HSB 242 because it removes civil rights and will cause significant harm to Iowans across the state. This bill would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. This bill would have grave consequences for trans friends of mine who care for their neighbors, pay taxes, and are valued and beloved members of our community. All peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the law.

02-23-2025

Alice Christensen

As a citizen Iowa and as a Christian I am reminded that all people, including those who are transgender, are God's children and must be treated as God's children. It is critical that all of God's children (including any transgender) must remain in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Please oppose HSB 242.Thank you for serving all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Katie Walters

Transgender people are part of our families, our communities, and our daily livestheyre our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Everyone deserves the same fair chance to work, find a home, and be treated with kindness and respect in businesses and government offices. Lets stand together against discriminationplease vote against HSB242

02-23-2025

Jacob Thomae

It is bloodboiling to see how often we need to come out in opposition to some new way of trying to limit what people can do, just because you don't care for their personal decisions. I am strongly opposing this bill, and if you have any respect for the privacy and wellbeing for your citizens, you should as well.

02-23-2025

Diane Abell

Please do not support HSB242. This is simply a way to eliminate trans as a person. You appear to believe that trans are not human. All of us are different in one way or another. My faith tells me to love my neighbors and treat everyone like I want to be treated. You are judging people and hurting people with this law. You are setting them up to be bullied, taken advantage, and worse, making it dangerous to live in Iowa. You are breaking up families when a transgender person has to move to a safe state. What happened to Iowa nice? It is hard to believe we have this focus on such a small population in Iowa (.22% of the population is estimated to be transgender) when there are so many issues that you need to address that have to do with feeding the hungry, finding affordable housing, the homeless, healthcare, day care, public school funding, and many others. Open your hearts as one who believes in the Bible. Jesus welcomed everyone and stands for love, not hate.Representatives are supposed to speak up and protect all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Nicki Hayes

This is Kim Reynolds' Iowa (attached image of right wing extremist group marching the streets of Des Moines). Is this the "Iowa Nice" we are always touting? Is this the Iowa you want to live in? Is this the legacy you want to leave behind? Your name will always be on record next to your choice. I don't remember Jesus teaching hate. I don't remember Jesus turning people away because he didn't agree with "their lifestyle" choices. Don't hide behind the skirts of Jesus, you would actually be the one he turned away. Stand up and say proudly, you are either a bigot or you are not.

02-23-2025

Liz Cooney

I vehemently oppose this bill. Not only is it blatantly discriminatory, this bill goes completely against our values and Iowa motto "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." Removing language, and protections, from our laws and codes will not erase LGBTQ+ existence, especially transgender and nonbinary people. We are here, always have been, and always will be. What it will do is cause more suffering, harm, lawsuits, suicides, bigotry, and acts of violence.

02-23-2025

Jenna Prusa

My name is Jenna Prusa and I am writing to you today as a white, Christian Iowa woman to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against this!

02-23-2025

Anita Christensen

No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. They are someone's child. Someone's sister. Someone's friend. No one is saying you have to like the idea of someone being transgender. Truly, they are not out to hurt anyone but to live what they feel is an authentic life. This country is supposed to be about freedom. Freedom for who? Only those who fit a narrow view? We are spending so much time beating down a very small part of our population less than 1%!Taking away rights and protections for things such as housing and credit is wrong. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Julie Popken

I am opposed to HSB242. I was so proud to call Iowa my home early in my residency given the state's support of human rights including those of the LGBTQ+ community. Now I am embarrassed and appalled that Iowa is considering legislation that would strip civil rights protections from transgender Iowans. This bill legalizes discriminationviolating fundamental principles of fairness and equality. Additionally, barring individuals from updating their birth certificates forces people to live with inaccurate, governmentimposed identities.This bill does not solve a problemit creates one. It exposes hardworking Iowans to discrimination, harms families, and tells an entire group of people that they dont belong. That is not the Iowa I know.

02-23-2025

Gordie Felger

ALL people are guaranteed equal protection under the law under the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. You can't just change the Iowa Civil Rights Act to allow for the enactment of discriminatory laws.This is anything but "common sense."

02-23-2025

Dulce Escorcia

I have lived in Iowa for the majority of my life. I am happy that it is my home, but unfortunately, I am not proud. Iowa, fieldsofopportunitiesIowa, is increasingly pushing people out every day. I should say its lawmakers doing this. I do not believe excluding people is an Iowan value. Denying someone the opportunity to find a home and community because of their gender is not an Iowan value. Transgender people make Iowa beautiful. Transgender Iowans belong here. I ask that you, please, oppose HSB242. Stand with Iowans, not against us. Oppose HSB242.

02-23-2025

Tara McGovern

I oppose HSB 242 in the strongest terms possible.We have always been here and we will always be here. You cannot erase us.If spending your time, your power and your money tangibly supporting and protecting Iowan is not your highest priority, get out of public office.

02-23-2025

Katina Evans

Oppose this bill. People deserve to live and making a living even if you dont understand it. Get out of your comfort shell and see them as a the humans they are. Every person you know can be considered a minority or unacceptable in some way. Whats to say they wouldnt prosecute people for being left handed? Quit using the government to dwindle an already small group of people when youre not willing to hold actual criminal accountable. The trans community is just trying to live and love like the rest of the people. Stop the nonsense and start working to make Iowa a better state again. We were once the highest state in the nation for education, thats gone. Were known for our niceness and were losing that. Its time to stop worrying about other peoples genitalia and expressive art like drag and address real issues in this state. For example, the buildings that have been struck by natural disasters from the past five years that havent been cleaned up. The enormous pot holes and other deteriorating roads conditions the gas tax was supposed to help. Helping generational farmers keep their land and not having to sell to corporations in order to survive. Focus on the majority of Iowans that need help rather than the small group of Iowans you have no interests in getting to know.

02-23-2025

Riley Ballantyne

I urge the committee members to vote against this bill. I think this bill is a gross representation of what Iowa's transgender population is currently fighting against. This bill paves the way to criminalizing many forms of gender expression.

02-23-2025

Jennifer Proctor

Please vote no.During COVID, many people wanted decisions about vaccines and other medical care to be between themselves and their doctors. Lets extend the same courtesy to women and those who are trans.As a Christian, I believe that we are to love one another. I believe our country is founded on the separation of church and state. No more should we be trying legislate one set of beliefs over someone of a different faith. Choose love over your fellow human and support the rights of all.

02-23-2025

Patricia Shipley

The decision to remove the term "gender identity" from civil rights legislation is gobsmacking. Removing it is simply an act of cruelty and covert discrimination. It is a sad day that this move is being made. If there is the erroneous belief that this legal gymnastics will suddenly remove the individuals from society is laughable. This is an unnecessary move to control a small subgroup of our population. It is getting more and more evident that the majority party is doing everything possible to write revisionist history. What data supports the action? What is the size of the population you are seeking to erase? This an example of culture war legislation. It's unnecessary and waste of legislative time.

02-23-2025

Monica St. Angelo

Removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act is cruel, unnecessary and unAmerican. Making it legal for Iowans to discriminate against their fellow citizens is the complete opposite of Iowa nice and violates the 14th Amendment. Transgender Iowans just want to work and live their lives like anyone else. Please drop this unnecessary and cruel bill.

02-23-2025

Connie Wilson [Private citizen ]

Please reject HSB 242, this bill will only encourage more hate, that we witnessed in the East Village on Saturday. Those groups feel empowerment when lawmakers present bills that marginalized and discriminate a specific "non traditional" group of people. This bill is harmful and vengeful, this isn't who we are as Iowans.

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02-23-2025

Nancy Fett

Iowa has a proud history of civil rights. We believe in upholding and protecting the rights of people to live, act and be protected. Just because a fringe, minority is scared of a population they do not understand, should not give the legislative body license to discriminate against their constitutional right to be treated fairly and equally. This will be looked at along with other shameful bills as dark times in Iowa. This is not who we are. Stop the attacks on this minority population in Iowa and focus on the things that will benefit and strengthen our state in ways that will make people want to stay and move here. This is NOT one of those things. It is cruel, hateful and fearbased.

02-23-2025

Lisa Reboy

On the most basic level, no one should have their rights taken away. No one. And Iowa doesnt want the dubious distinction of being the first state to REMOVE a group of people from a civil rights law. All Iowans deserve to be treated like anyone else and protected from discrimination. All Iowans need a decent place to live, to be able to earn a living and to have access to all the resources that any Iowa citizen does. Taking away rights and protections for things like housing, employment, and access to health care is wrong. Please don't support this. Don;t let it go to the floor and if it does, don't vote for it.

02-23-2025

Christine Dietz

This bill removes civil rights from a vulnerable group of adults,children and families. It is hateful and scientifically inaccurate regarding sex and gender. There is no evidence that anyone is harmed by protecting the civil rights of transgender people and considerable evidence of harm if their civil rights are revoked. This is not who we are. This bill should be rejected.

02-23-2025

Nick Covington [Human Restoration Project]

Iowans oppose HSB242 and I urge you to vote against this harmful bill. If passed, it would strip away essential protections for transgender Iowans and create unnecessary challenges for others who dont fit into its rigid definitions.Every hardworking person in our stateincluding transgender Iowansdeserves to be treated fairly and equally under the law. Everyone should have the chance to earn a living, secure housing, and provide for their families without fear of discrimination. But if someone cant rent an apartment, get a credit card, or access basic services simply because of who they are, how can we expect them to thrive on a level playing field? These antidiscrimination protections are foundational to a fair and meritbased society, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities regardless of their identity or how others perceive them.Whats more, this bill doesnt just harm transgender Iowansit also weakens protections for nontransgender women by undermining safeguards against sex stereotyping, which arent explicitly covered in Iowas current sex discrimination laws.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family members, and coworkers. They deserve to live their lives with dignity, free from discrimination in housing, employment, and public services. Please stand with themand with all Iowans who believe in fairness and equalityby voting against HSB242.I hope youll do whats right to protect the rights and dignity of all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Ysandril Morrigan

This bill is one of the most vile and offensive measures of the state to date. The amount of taxpayer dollars spent on targeting a population less than 1% is despicable. Stripping civil rights of anyone is a huge step backwards that opens the door to harm other marginalized communities as well. The very thing that the majority part touts is saving the taxpayer money and removing a burden on the people of Iowa but this bill will do exactly the opposite. Dont want people to be dependent on state resources? Help pass legislation that helps those to get that hard work to be able to live without being denied housing, employment or furthering of themselves. When will the majority party stop being hateful bigots? Stop attacking trans people. We just want to thrive in a state that is making it clear that we are not safe or welcome. Vote NO on HSB242.

02-23-2025

James Sederquist

I oppose this bill. There is strong and consistent evidence of discrimination of persons due to gender identity and their protection under the Iowa Civil Rights Act is necessary. There are many other items that the legislature should be focusing on besides this type of hurtful legislation. Please stop this and similar legislation from moving forward.

02-23-2025

Courtney Rincon

Please do not pass HS242, it is a violation of everything Iowa stands for, it goes against our constitution and it is extremely harmful to our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain. Where the law ends tryanny begins. Please vote NO to protect the lives and livelihood of all Iowans!

02-23-2025

Emily Bush

Please reject HSB 242. Taking rights away from Iowans is wrong. This will not help any Iowans and will hurt people instead. Everyone should be treated equally including those who are transgender. This is not the Iowa I was proud to grow up in. Please do better. Instead, please consider working on legislation that will help all Iowans. This is not it.

02-23-2025

Joseph Stevens

Iowans value fairness, and most peopleespecially younger votersoppose government overreach into personal freedoms. If this bill passes, it will push more families, businesses, and workers to leave the state or reconsider moving here. It will also bring national attention, but not the kind that benefits Iowas reputation or economy.Undoing civil rights protections is an extreme step that will not age well. I urge you to think about the longterm consequences and vote against this bill.

02-23-2025

Don Gookin

I am strongly opposed to this bill. This bill would remove gender identity from the Iowa civil rights act. Transgender Iowans have been protected from discrimination under this law for the past 18 years, and this would take away those protections.Trans individuals could be denied employment, housing, etc. simply because they are trans. This is just outright legalization of bigotry.

02-23-2025

Karen Goedeken

Please do not vote for HSB242. This bill removes Iowans who are transgender from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and from other areas of the Iowa Code. It legalizes discrimination against Iowans who are transgender in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and credit. This is a moral issue. No one should have their rights taken away from them!

02-23-2025

Brents Oliphant

Please reject HSB 242 as it is a danger to many people. We need to be a kinder, gentler society with less judgement of other people. It is not anyone's business why someone is transgender except the person and their doctor. We would do well to be welcoming to everyone and not make their life harder.

02-23-2025

Dara Nestingen

Hi. My name is Dara. I am an Iowa citizen and student who is concerned for her future here. As a trans woman, I am very much against removing people like me from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. I am also confused about what social good you or your colleagues are trying to bring about with this change. Please let me know so I can understand. I just want to live my life in peace, be at liberty to make my own decisions, and pursue a happy life. I thought that was the point of being an American. I lived as a man for about 26 years. I tried my hardest to fit in, to be normal. For the longest time I convinced myself that I cant really be trans, I dont feel strongly enough, or maybe if I transitioned when I was younger but is it still worth it? This way of thinking was a poison. It made me feel like I couldnt be liked that people would reject me if they knew what I was, and it made me hate myself. It was hard to do anything because how can you get up and do what must be done when you cant see a happy future for yourself. On several occasions, I strongly considered taking my life. But I eventually decided, if I had nothing else to lose I might as well TRY and be myself. Those I talked to were a lot kinder and accepting than I could imagine. Over time, I learned that most people I interacted with at least tolerated but often were very welcoming to me and my identity. That is why I firmly believe that the slew of antitrans legislation isnt indicative of the everyday people. This once again makes me question why it is that these laws are being put in place. What is worth all the pain and suffering that this bill will cause? I cant change the fact that Im trans any more than I can change when I was born. I tried to Afight it, and I would have died if I kept fighting it. So why are you or your colleagues trying to take away protection for something so immutable? I want to live. Become a professor someday. Teach about the joys of mathematics and explore the edge of human understanding. Perhaps even push it just a bit further. But instead, it looks like I am not welcome here. One way or another, this bill will make it untenable to live here anymore. And for what?

02-23-2025

Ginny Huntington [Retired, ACLU]

Please oppose the Gender Identity Erasure Act (HSB242), since it will remove essential civil protections for people I care about. In order for us all to live in the best community we can make, non traditional gender folks should not be discriminated against in housing, employment, education, child care and their own personal safety. Equality of opportunity and personal safety is what America stands for.Please oppose the Gender Identity Erasure Act (HSB242).Thank you for your time, your service to the people of Iowa and your committment to Democracy.Ginny Huntington

02-23-2025

Sarah Hale

I would like to register my strong opposition to this bill. As hardworking Iowans, we strive to do our best for ourselves and our neighbors without discrimination. Rolling back current protections remove freedoms for hardworking Iowans who just want to succeed like everyone else.

02-23-2025

Stephanie Barrett

This bill is abhorrent! We should be expanding rights, not taking away rights. Transgender people have always existed in society. Removing civil rights protections for these people will only bring widespread harm. History has shown the devastation of targeting certain groups (WWII anyone?) We cannot let history repeat. I implore you not to advance this piece of legislation.

02-23-2025

Ben Hagen

This is a vile, targeted and disgusting attack on a minority group that just wants to live in a state that respects them, and they add to the value of our state in innumerable ways. We need to focus on respecting all Iowans and learning how we can grow better together. Those divisiveness only seeks to tear our society apart and is a clear indicator of the hate and discrimination so well displayed by the sponsors of this bill.

02-23-2025

Matt Arnold

I strongly oppose this bill, as it does nothing to move Iowa forward. Rather than addressing real issues that improve the lives of Iowanssuch as strengthening education, expanding healthcare access, or fostering economic growththis legislation reflects a narrow, exclusionary mindset rooted in fear and division.Iowa should be a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect, where policy is based on common sense and compassion, not ideological cruelty. Supporting this bill does not reflect leadership; it reflects smallmindedness and a failure to prioritize the wellbeing of all constituents. I urge lawmakers to reject this bill and focus on policies that build a stronger, more inclusive Iowa.

02-23-2025

Michael Loewen

I am very much opposed to HSB242. It is antithetical to freedom and focuses on punishing people rather than helping people. Stop creating scapegoats with bills like this and solve real problems like our failing education system.

02-23-2025

Melissa Heston

All this bill will do is drive people out of Iowa. Kids won't want to stay or return. Parents, as they age, will move where their parents are. The more Iowa excludes people, the less it will have to offer to anyone, including the people to stay. We heard a lot of talk about "brain drain" in the late 90s and the early 2000s. Iowa is simply going to accelerate that process. Low tax rates won't compensate for underfunded public schools, bad roads and bridges, increased pollution of our soil and water, and low wages. This bill, if passed, will just add to all the reasons to leave Iowa, without creating any good reason to stay.This bill makes a tiny portion of the Iowa population into pariahs without any evidence that this is needful or will be productive. We'd do much better to focus our energies and money on making Iowa welcoming to all.

02-24-2025

Kelly Hannan

I am against HSB 242 and do not support discrimination against any Iowan for any reason, including their chosen gender identity. My friends and neighbors and I want all Iowans to have equal protections under the law. Thank you for listening.

02-24-2025

Donna Huls

Under no circumstances should any human being be denied his or her human rights. What possible reason could any legislator have to do so? What are you people afraid of? Being different is not evil; it's merely different. You don't have to understand that; you only have to respect the lives of othersALL others.Please do NOT support House Study Bill 242. It is an immoral violation of human rights.

02-24-2025

Cara Rotschafer

I urge you to vote against HF583 (previously HSB242). My spouse and I moved to Iowa almost 5 years ago because of the state's antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. This bill would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans, including for my spouse. The Iowa Civil Rights Act doesn't give trans Iowans any special treatment it simply ensures that they are treated like anyone else. Taking away these protections will hurt and endanger trans Iowans, and drive them to leave the state. My spouse and I love it here, but we may be forced to leave if this bill passes. We are homeowners. We love our neighborhood and our community. We enjoy shopping at small, locallyowned businesses. My spouse works at a library, and I'm an attorney. We are foster parents and hope to adopt one day. We just want to be able to live our lives without the threat of discrimination. For our family, and for all of the trans people and families in our state, please reject this bill.

02-23-2025

Chris Fowler

Please reject HSB 242. It will unfairly, adversely impact the lives of Iowans. It is not up to our Government to decide such personal, choices by individuals. This bill is discriminatory, and puts countless young people in jeopardy.

02-23-2025

Amy Kraber

I oppose HSB 242. Please do not pass this bill. I am a Christian and a pastor and my faith requires me to love my neighbor, not strip them of their rights. In fact we are told this is the most important thing. Protect the vulnerable. Show mercy, kindness and justice. Treat people fairly. This legislation will only cause harm.

02-23-2025

Lucy Suros

As an Iowa resident, Im appalled that this bill has made it this far. I vehemently oppose HSB 242 and urge Iowa representatives to do the same. This bill is cruel, inhumane, and dangerous. It is not only unethical, it will also harm our economy. Without protections against bigoted people, transgender people will lose their jobs. They will lose their housing. Is that what Iowa needs? More unhoused people? More unemployment? Republicans who are pushing this bill either have not thought through the implications of this bill or they simply dont care about their constituents.

02-23-2025

Cecilia Norris

I strongly urge you to vote against this discriminatory bill. HSB 242 does not represent what the majorities of Iowans want. (Just look at the comments). It is morally, constitutionally, scientifically, and economically wrong. Not only does HSB 242 send a message that Iowa promotes discrimination based on something individuals have no control over, it wastes time and financial resources having to fight these issues in court. It is time for all Iowans, but especially our legislatures to be brave and do the right thing to protects rights of our most vulnerable Iowans and use our resources to built Iowa into a welcoming, productive, communitybuilding place. Vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Anita Johnson

Please do not let HSB 242 go any farther! Denying transgender Iowans of basic rights serves no purpose other than to be cruel and to further danger the lives of transgender people who are already at risk for being the victims of violence and for suicide. On behalf of the trans Iowans I know and love, as well as those I don't know, please kill this bill!

02-23-2025

Patricia Connell [Retired physician]

The way Iowa is trying to deal with LGBTQ, both the transgenders and those who are gay or lesbians is inhumane and unconstitutional. Youre chasing people out of our state and some of them are family members that I dont want to lose being nearby. Please vote no on the upcoming bill

02-23-2025

Bodhi Terrell

I completely oppose HSB 242. This bill brings no benefit to Iowa except to give legal backing to unjust hatred. This is a blatant attempt to punish an already underrepresented and targeted group with the sole purpose of allowing discrimination to become worse. This is not the work of a government that cares for its people, but rather a sign that a dangerous dogma has begun to infect our legislation. Do not support this act; if not for yourself, then do it in the name of the many transgender friends, family, and community members who wish for nothing more than the right to exist.

02-23-2025

Judy Bryant

What are you trying to gain by this other than exhibiting your lack of scientific knowledge? Transgender people have been around for centuries. Why cant we be accepting of all people instead of forcing your belief onto another person.You claim to be Christian but this is complelely contradictory to Christs teachings. I do not want to be part of a state which deprives a citizen of its basic human rights!

02-23-2025

Nicole Skaar

Please reject HSB242. This bill basically legalizes discrimination against a group of people based on their identity. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. I would not want to be denied housing because of my hair color or my skin color or because I am a woman; therefore, it is not ok for me (or anyone else) to deny people their rights to housing and other services due to their gender identity.

02-23-2025

Katarina Silverthorne

This is a horrible bill being pushed through that would negatively impact my life tremendously. No one wins with this and how its written. Ive had all surgeries done and look very female, and Ive been using facilitys without issue or incident for over 25 years, now you suddenly want me to swap? I have a vagina, whatever you think of that I still am unable to use urinals and am still at same risk by using a mens facility just as any born woman would be. You also dont want me to get proper medical treatment? I still need mammograms and other things attributed to females. Im married to a man and just try to live my life in peace without bothering anyone. This kind of stuff is a huge disruption to that peace in several ways and causes anxiety and fear I otherwise did not have and doesnt truly protect anyone. It is based on a false idea that we are all just sexual predators invading womens spaces and want to groom kids and thats simply a huge misrepresentation. You shouldnt let people simply self identify and go wherever, it was clearly abused, but also those of us who have gone through hell to get where we are and just want to live our lives should not be punished over that. This bill is just some disrespectful way to cater to our presidents poorly written garbage and attack on us. Never mind you seem to want the reverse of us using womens restrooms, you know big testosterone filled hairy people with beards? I dont see how thats a win and will just cause more awkwardness and fear to the very people you claim to want to protect. You create problems where none actually existed over a fear that is nearly non existent and wasnt a issue even 20 years ago. When you could make laws that hurt no one, dont strip protections, and still protect women. I strongly oppose this and all of these cruel bills across America. Write better laws and focus on helping your fellow Iowans not hurting them.

02-23-2025

Shirley Buelow

A vote against HSB242I am a longtime resident of Iowa and I definietly oppose any proposed elimination or repeal to anyCivil Rights of our citizens.How can you take away a citizen's protected Civil Rights without it having a snowball effect? As Iowa Representatives, where do you stop? In the future who will deserve the right for housing? Who will have privilege for education? Will it be spinning the bottle for who gets the right for freedom of speech?Eliminating a citizen's Rights will inevitably be seen as retaliation against any person or group not kindred to your political party. You should remember, you are the Representatives to All Iowa citizens no matter what gender they are.

02-23-2025

Kailee Pearson

This Bill is blatant erasure of Transgender/Transexual People within out State. The only intentions shown throughout the wording of this bill is to make life harder for Transgender people who have lived within the state for years or even since birth to live. This will allow places of employment to discriminate Transgender people for just existing as themselves. The wording on this bill mentions that these decisions are to be made in regards to health, safety and protection for others. Why is this not extended to Transgender people? Why is this deliberately trying to make it so Transgender people can not earn a living within this state?With the striking out of gender identity in many of the passages, it will imply that is openly accepted to discriminate against Transgender just because of who they are. Along side the replacement of Gender Identity with Gender Theory, this is deliberately trying to other Transgender People for again, simply existing. I also want to point out the language of "equal" does not mean the "same" or "identical". Frankly I wish to understand what you mean by equal then. Cause this will be the language that will bring us down the slippery slope of Hatred & Discrimination for ALL of the citizens of the United States of America.If it is okay to strike out Gender Identity, what will be next? Disability? Sex? Age? Our state government is allowing these things to happen if this bill were to go through. Iowans do not deserve this level of cruelty. Americans do not deserve this level of cruelty.

02-23-2025

Susan Harper

I oppose this bill, and urge the Legislature to oppose it, because it takes the unprecedented step of removing civil rights from an entire group of citizens. To remove rights previously granted under state statute sets a grim precedent and I strongly encourage the elected officials of Iowa to think about what that precedent could mean in the future. As a scholar of gender, I also urge the Legislature to reject this bill because it strips dignity from intersex Iowans by essentially declaring being intersex a disability. While some intersex folks do experience disability due to conditions that cooccur with their intersex traits, this is far from universal. Intersex is a common human variation more common than having red hair and blue eyes and many intersex folks don't even know that they are intersex until later in life. To declare a relatively common human variation a disability also sets a grim precedent and further marginalizes intersex Iowans.I understand that for people deeply rooted in the worldview of the gender binary as most of us in the US are raised to be the idea of gender variation can be unsettling and troubling. However, gender variation beyond the binary is well documented in Indigenous cultures in the Americas as well as around the world. Cultures thrive when they make space for gender variation, not when the criminalize it. While members of the Legislature may find themselves troubled by the idea of a gender system that goes beyond binary genders, this is not grounds for granting secondclass citizenship to an entire group of our neighbors, colleagues, loved ones, friends, and community members.

02-23-2025

PW Jakoubek

I am opposed to this bill. All HUMAN rights shall be respected. Pay attention to your constituents and not the super PACs that are funding your elections. Replace the word transgender with farmer and see how little sense this bill makes. Stop wasting time and resources on trying to unhuman less than 1% of the population.

02-23-2025

Wade ONeal [Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus ]

Please vote against this bill. It is hurtful, harmful, and immoral. Passing this bill will take legislation backwards and not forward. We should be focusing on things that create peace and harmony to bring us all together; not tear us apart.

02-23-2025

Blakely Mortvedt

I am vehemently against this. This bill does nothing to help people and is just cruel. Trans people existing does not harm anyone else. Trying to legislate them out of existence wont work, but it will make Iowa a much worse place to live.

02-23-2025

Kathy Graeve

reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.. Please vote against HSB242. Please focus on working to improve the lives of ALL Iowans. Iowans are exhausted by all the legislation that seeks to divide us rather than make Iowa a welcoming state.

02-23-2025

Nathan Williams

Iowans believe in equal rights, and we were a leader in equality for generations. We know that civil rights laws are not about granting special treatment, they are about ensuring that everyone is actually treated equally. This legislation would specifically remove civil rights protections from one named group of people, in the service of a legislative agenda that is directly attacking that group. This is not complicated: The attempt to remove transgender Iowans from the civil rights law clearly illustrates why they need protection in the first place.

02-23-2025

Megan Weinberger

Please vote NO to this bill! These laws will hurt the citizens of Iowans. Taking away the human rights of transgender individuals is abhorrent. HSB 242 allows outward hate to be viewed as acceptable which is dangerous to all minorities here in our state.

02-23-2025

Carrie Kent

I beg you to vote NO on HSB 242. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like everyone else and not be discriminated against. As the mother of a transgender person, you have no idea how hurtful all of these legislative attacks are on our family. Transgender people are your neighbors and coworkers, maybe even your family and friends. Please stand up and do the right thing. Vote NO on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Sara Dahlstrom

Transgender people exist, have always existed, and will continue to exist. Removing rights from them and pretending they dont exist will not change that reality, but will cause needless harm and suffering. Hurting others out of willful ignorance is not making America great, and it is not Christian. To say otherwise is hypocrisy at the highest level.

02-23-2025

Carmella Furio

HSB 243 has brutal and authoritarian ramifications for all Iowan's. This act will do more harm than good, and sets Iowan's freedoms back more than just decades. I implore people to remember that it is impossible to police our bodies without first breaking our rights to bodily autonomy. This law cannot be enforced ethically and goes against science (in which people can have XXX or XXY chromosomes, and so fall outside of the strictly male or female category). Most of all, its vague language will bring about dangerous levels of depression and mistrust among all Iowans, but especially amongst our youth. Safe children are healthy children, healthy children are happy children, and happy children are people who feel seen and supported no matter how they look or feel. Just because people are different does not mean they are immoral or perverse. I beg the committee to act with a sound conscious.

02-23-2025

Franklin Van Sumple

This is an absolute joke of a bill. Why is this the legislation you are chasing when Iowas cancer rates are at an all time high, the cost of goods are increasing, and the regular working man and woman are struggling more and more to put food on the table. This is regressive politics meant to demonize people who only want to exist, not even speaking of the intentionally vague language used in this bill which can be used as a weapon to wield against people who dont even fall under the umbrella of transgender. Shame on you, shame on everyone who supports this bill, you all need to do better for the people of Iowa. Absolutely pathetic and shameless behavior.

02-23-2025

Caroline Vander Weg

I strongly oppose HSB 242. How have we gotten to the point, where in 2025, its controversial for me to want basic human decency for others? Trans people have never hurt you. They dont interfere with your life at all. This is just an attack on the human rights of innocent people, so call it what it is. Who exactly does this help? No one. Shame on anyone who supports this bill.

02-23-2025

M M

This document is absolutely horrifying, it takes away the civil rights of transgender Iowans and puts them in danger, on behalf of other Iowans I ask of you to reconsider this bill and think about what you are doing and how you are affecting your people, the people that have made families here adults, teenagers, children you are harming, I ask you to reconsider your morals and ask yourselves is this a bill you want passed? Cause if it is, that says All I need to know about who is running our state. And how people arent safe here with bills like these being passed.

02-23-2025

Dr. Paul Hengesteg

What is the point of this law? Its clear that discriminating against some Iowans, who merely want exist safely, is the point. Why should our government make things worse for them, when all should be uplifted. Stop playing the racist playbook and give Iowans the freedom to flourish. We are better than this. Well, most of us are.

02-23-2025

Ethan Vance

Please do not pass this bill. This will mess with people's lives to an extent that causes mental harm, could result in more suicides, and inadvertently send the message it is okay to harm others who are different in some way from one's self. Please divert more energy, resources, and time to issues facing the state such as unclean water and cancer rates.

02-23-2025

Joyce Templeman [Private music teacher - grandmother of a transgender person]

I strongly oppose this bill taking away rights of transgender citizens. What is the purpose? Why are you negating the Civil Rights law of 2007 which was bipartisan? Transgender peoples rights are human rights and should be equal in the law to everyone elses. This bill should NEVER come before the House.

02-23-2025

Abbi Castle

This is a horrifying and disturbing precedent to set. It is a distraction and an assault of free expression at best, and is more likely a sign of greater government overreach to come. I feel shame to be an Iowan right now and this is not ok.

02-23-2025

Ian Carriere

Please reject this bill. Its purpose is the demonize every day Iowans who just want to live in peace. They are already marginalized as a group and removing their rights will only harm them further. This is a bill intended to harm, not help. I believe our elected officials should be working to create a more equal and positive environment for everyone living in this state.

02-23-2025

Joyce Templeman [Private music teacher - grandmother of a transgender person]

02-23-2025

Nicole VanderLinden

Please vote no on HSB 242. I can't think of anyone this bill would help, but I can think of plenty Iowans it would hurt: transgender Iowans just trying to live their lives, nontransgender women who don't fit a particular idea of what a woman "should be," children witnessing a group of citizens erased from public life in realtime, and anyone who even pretends to believe that Iowa's slogan "Freedom to Flourish" is true. Transgender Iowans already face disproportionately high rates of violence and discrimination. How can we be proud to fasttrack making it worse? Putting conditions on who deserves basic civil rights in Iowa is such a dangerous road. Transgender Iowans are not going anywhere. They are not a TikTok trend. They are our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members. Please don't go down this road.

02-23-2025

Renee Harper

Oppose this bill. It is a petty, cruel and ridiculous embarrassment to our state. It is actively harmful to my loved ones, friends and neighbors, and people I have never met, all of whom deserve to be valued and cared for in our communities. It does not help to keep women safe in any way. Protecting the vulnerable amongst us is the most BASIC part of your duty as a public servant. Please, do your duty and oppose this bill.

02-23-2025

Nicole Keedy

As a psychologist who provides care related to gender identity and who cares about individuals in my community with various gender identities, I worry about the potential harmful effects of removing protections related to gender identity. It is well known that suicide rates are higher for transgender individuals than the general population, and an unsupportive environment is a known contributor. That is, the risk of suicide is mitigated by support. This bill sends a harmful message that not only fails to support but attempts to ignore the validity of gender identities that are, indeed, valid and not included within binary categories. This bill presents a potential for harassment, discrimination, and, ultimately, increased likelihood of suicide in adults and children in our state. Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time.

02-23-2025

Lauren Andrews

This bill is a clear effort to deny transgender and nonbinary people legal recognition, strip them of essential civil rights protections, and impose an outdated, rigid definition of gender that ignores the lived experiences of many Iowans. Rather than addressing the real challenges facing everyday people, this legislation stokes divisive culture wars. Meanwhile, pressing issues like corporate exploitation, stagnant wages, weakened labor protections, and tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of working families continue to be ignored. Bills like this serve as a distraction from the fact that too many Iowans are struggling to afford healthcare, housing, and other basic needs while lawmakers prioritize policies that benefit the powerful. Additionally, HSB 242 threatens critical thinking and open dialogue by attempting to enforce a narrow, inaccurate view of gender that contradicts both science and human experience. It seeks to regulate classroom discussions, preventing young people from engaging with complex and important ideas. This isnt about providing clarityits about control, discrimination, and silencing diversity. I expect my representatives to advocate for all Iowans, not just those who conform to a particular ideology. I strongly urge you to oppose HSB 242 and any other measure that aims to strip away civil rights and target marginalized communities. Iowa should stand for freedom, fairness, and dignity for everyonenot for enacting discrimination under the pretense of clarity.

02-23-2025

Bridget Penick

Iowa has long been a leader in the protection of civil rights. This bill does an about face on that history. I have four daughters I have raised/am raising in this state over 4.0 GPAs, full rides to college, and one by one they are determining that Iowa is no longer a welcome place for them and their friends/peers. do the right thing to protect and retain the youth of our state. do not pass this bill

02-23-2025

Christopher Lehnertz

To those still considering moving forward on HSB242,Setting aside the empirical data of any 100 level Biology, Zoology, Genetics, Human Physiology, Anthropology, or Archaeology class; where does this end? At what point, in your perceived goal of the Legal eradication of fellow Human Beings, will you be satisfied? Does Our existence since time immemorial offend you so deeply that you yearn to sign the Final Solution order yourselves? Or are your intentions to return barbarically proselytize People, because as I learned as a child Nobody expects The Spanish Inquisition.Does this attack on your citizens end when enough people disappear or will you be the ones loading the chattel trains?

02-23-2025

Alicia deLeon

Please reject HSB242, which would remove protections for Iowans. Everyday Iowans who just want to work and love and live their lives in peace.All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.What is the point of preventing someone from renting and apartment or getting a credit card because they identify as something different? How are they hurting anyone?These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived.Transgender people are my friends. Your neighbors. Our family. Our coworkers. PLEASE vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Chelsea Mccrum

Iowa government should be focused on more important things than how someone identifies as. Its disappointing to see this attack on the LGBTQ community and you all should learn to listen to the Iowan people and not this dangerous agenda.

02-23-2025

Kay Kinkel

I am writing in opposition to HSB 242, and I urge you to vote against this bill. By removing protection of civil rights for transgendered people, not only hurts these individuals and their families, it hurts the fabric of our society. When one marginalized group is denied civil rights, it makes it much more difficult for them to contribute in so many positive ways to our communities, and puts all of us at risk of losing our civil rights. ALL Iowans should have the fundamental rights of living where they want, working where they can use their gifts and loving and expressing that love to whoever they choose.

02-23-2025

Lorene Snyder

I am strongly opposed to HSB242. Removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and Iowa Code is immoral and wrong. As a person of faith I believe that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated. Transgender and nonbinary people are children of God, the same as cisgender individuals. Taking away an Iowan's right to fair housing, education, credit or employment is unethical. This issue hits close to home with me as I am the proud parent of a transgender daughter. She is a smart, capable and caring person. Her journey through transitioning has been inspiring and her strength of character is amazing. This bill would cause so much harm to people who are just trying to live their lives in peace. Please encourage your fellow legislators to not allow this bill out of committee and let Governor Reynolds know that Iowans are not in favor of this bill.

02-23-2025

Andrew Hird

I thought Iowa was moving forward and this is so wrong on so many levels! How are we going back in time? So many good humans are effected by this but the ones who are trying to enforce this have no idea how it will effect them. Its truly sad to see a world full of hate and we claim to be a free country! Do better Iowa!

02-23-2025

Rev. Barbara Nish [Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.]

Please reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. As a person of faith, we are called to treat everyone with compassion, and not to see others as less than ourselves. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. They should be able to earn a living, choose where they live, and be served by businesses or government offices. Because transgendered people are often the victims of discrimination, there is reason for them to be protected under Iowa Civil Rights law.

02-23-2025

Celia Phillips

Didn't think our lawmakers would need a refresher on the only 'scripture' they are supposed to abide by, but here we are...Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

02-23-2025

Linda Appelgate [None ]

Dear Subcommittee Members Holt, Fett, and Wilburn Please take the time to understand that transgender Iowans are perfectly normal and deserve and have the right to every protection that everyone not transgender has. We are all humans with an array of differences. Thank you for looking into the science if thats where your confusion lies. All the best,Linda AppelgateIowan

02-23-2025

Sora Ushiromiya [Thief King]

I am against hsb242 for obvious reasons. I believe if we remove protections for transgender Iowans we will be taking a big step back. I miss the days when Iowa was ahead of its time when it came to protecting the citizens of its state. now thanks to Kim Reynolds in the GOP run government, we have only taken giant ass steps backwards instead of going forwards. Yransgender Iowans are people like you and me. we all deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Also, it was pointed out, the Iowa flag says "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." If this bill passes, this opens up a nasty can of worms which allows transgender Iowans to be discriminated against in terms of employment, housing, financial things, etc. Basically, to put it simply, we would not be allowed to participate in everyday life as Iowans. This would affect me as I could be evicted from my apartment or maybe kicked off of section 8. Do not pass HSB 242. If you do you'll be setting this state several steps backwards into the pits of hell.

02-23-2025

Jess Sauer

Please reject this bill (HSB 242) which literally takes away protection from discrimination for a group of Iowans. As a teacher, I have had plenty of transgender students over the years if you don't think that transgender people exist, I urge you to expand your circle of friends and acquaintances. It's harder to discriminate against people when you know them. I strongly oppose this bill. Please vote against it.

02-23-2025

Steven Henn

This bill is flat out wrong. It basically codifies discrimination and segregation by the state of Iowa. We moved past that a long time ago and those rights belong to all Iowans no matter their religion, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, etc... There are ways to protect women in sports and other marginalized groups without vilifying and discriminating against another group. I hope this bill never makes it out of committee.

02-23-2025

Sara T

02-23-2025

Marta Ferguson

A moment of perspectivemy greatuncle Peter was born in Iowa around 1900. He was vocally and visibly trans, having been born AFAB and having determined early to live as the man he was. He traveled the world as a photojournalist. He went back to school at midlife to become a librarian. I grew up knowing the family considered Peter's gender identity and presentation "quirky," but ultimately inconsequential. I want to believe, 125 years later, my trans kid can have a life with at least as many rights, options, and protections.I support trans rights. I oppose this and any legislation that would limit a trans person's ability to transition legally, medically, or socially.I believe in ageappropriate materials on queerness and transness for schools and libraries and I trust our librarians, teachers, and curriculum specialists to choose those materials. I support continued protection for gender identity and sexual orientation under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

02-23-2025

Lisa Peterson-Burch

I strongly urge you to vote NO to HSB242. I had hoped our elected lawmakers would have something better to do than to waste time trying to take away the rights of voters and their families. This will give another reason for people to leave this state and for others to not consider moving here.

02-23-2025

Lacy B

I oppose this bill. Years before people were able to identify the way they felt they needed to people were still unofficially identifying as whatever gender they felt they were. Passing this bill will not change that. People should have the freedom to identify whichever way they feel they want to identify. One has to question how the state is governed when our leaders spend time dismantling something based off of a personal belief system, that inevitably changes absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. As a transplant in Iowa, I am deeply disturbed and disappointed by the amount of time and energy leaders of the state are putting into setting a new standard of dismantling a freedom that was fought so hard for. With all the issues that affect us all we are most concerned about how a person identifies. This is a sad place to be in history.

02-23-2025

Kellen Kraber

Please appose HSB 242. I feel it is un Democratic to discriminate against a person for something that poses no harm to other people. Furthermore, no state has ever removed civil rights protections already enshrined in a constitutional document. Lastly, from the point of view as a healthcare provider, we are taught to care for all equally whether we agree with their life choices or not.

02-23-2025

Zi Jian Saw

This is a terrible bill aimed to eliminate protections for trans people. Please do not pass this bill. You might be thinking that you are protecting children, but you are just hurting people and allowing companies to discriminate trans people.

02-23-2025

Andrea Dickerson

My name is Andrea Dickerson and I am writing to you today to ask you to reject HSB242, a bill that would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who do not fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Asa Crowe

Please don't support this bill. Y'all are trying to play doctor or scientist or something when you dont know what you're talking about and all the people you're hurting and it's embarassing. I was born and raised in Iowa, and attrocities like this destroy any interest I had in moving back and giving you my taxpayer dollars.

02-23-2025

Carole Frazee [Act Justly at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City]

I am writing to let you know that I OPPOSE HSB 242 and ask that you vote to end it.ALL humans deserve the right to be seen, heard and to exist authentically, and the Iowa Constitution includes rights specifically for people that are transgender. They are born who they are, which does not always match up to their birth anatomy. They cannot change the essence of who they are, but they should be allowed to change physical aspects of their body to match who they are, allowing themselves to be SEEN as their authentic self. This bill is more than just not allowing them to change their birth certificates. You are removing ALL of their rights under the Iowa Constitution. Our constitution protects their rights, and this bill is trying to erase them and is a hateful act. This is not what the people of Iowa stand for or want. End HSB 242 now!

02-23-2025

Angelina Anderson

HSB 242 is nothing but a method to enshrine discrimination into Iowa law. All people in our state deserve to live and provide for their families without fear of discrimination. No one should be punished for the way they look or dress. Their appearance does not make them less deserving. This isn't middle school; it's real life and it affects real lives. Try to remember that.

02-23-2025

Stephanie Tutson

Please reject HSB 242. This bill is unconstitutional and violates the basic human rights of Iowans. The transgender and nonbinary community have so much to offer our state. Instead they are demonized and attacked repeatedly by our legislature. This is an attack on personal freedom and is a clear targeted offense on a small and marginalized population. Our legislature must change directions and stat spending its efforts on uplifting and building up communities instead of tearing them down and stripping away rights. Removing civil rights from a group is beyond reprehensible. All HUMANS deserve protection under the law. Please vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Evelyn Kraber

I am writing in opposition of HSB 242. The job of a government is to protect and support its people; a government should never discriminate against its people, period. All Iowans deserve to be protected under the law, regardless of how they identify, regardless of whether you agree with them or not. So many Iowans will be put in danger by this bill, and it should never become law.

02-23-2025

Malena Magnolia

I cannot believe there is a bill even being considered that would allow discrimination against anyone, let alone some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This is beyond unethical. Trans people make up only about 1% of the population. We should be passing laws that will protect Iowans rather than discriminating against a tiny part of the population. Trans people have been my friends, my family, and my coworkers. They are normal people just trying to live and be happy. Please vote no and refuse to be apart of rolling back peoples rights and the progress weve made as a state and as a country.

02-23-2025

Abigail Van Every

I ask that you all choose to allow gender identity to remain protected under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. I see no good reason to get rid of it when we could be spending this time cutting taxes. Just remember who votes for you.

02-23-2025

Patricia Benson

This is a moral issue. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. For example, our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.This is about neighbors and family. Transgender Iowans are our neighbors and family. When it comes to earning a living, finding a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, we want our neighbors and family to succeed just like the rest of us.For people of faith:Protecting people who are transgender from discrimination means treating others as we want to be treated.Gods promise to care for all children of God means everyone should be treated as such. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination upholds Gods promise.Thank you for being brave and standing for what you know is right. Taking away rights and protections for things such as housing and credit is wrong. Please vote no.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Schwind

This bill would harm many Iowans who are literally not doing anything to harm anyone else. They are merely existing. Everyone deserves rights regardless of beliefs and that includes our LGBTQ community their existence does not infringe on anyone else's rights but others are trying to infringe upon theirs. Please let our neighbors be our neighbors and do not pass this hateful bill.

02-23-2025

Patricia Benson

02-23-2025

Bev Louk

I am asking on behalf of all transgender Iowans that you please consider, they are humans that have mothers, fathers, siblings, and children that love them and their existence. If you should strip their rights and anyone unsliced themselves due to this I hope you would h ad ve first considered this!

02-23-2025

Melodee Pomerantz

Dont support HSB 242. This bill is singling out trans kids and not supportive of gender identity. We need to support the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Your are attacking the rights of Iowans. I am born and raised in Iowa and these attacks on our citizens is appalling.Stop wasting our time and yours and start producing laws that are important not threatening. You work for us start listening to us. Vote no on this bill!

02-23-2025

Penney Morse [United Methodist Women]

I oppose HSB 242. Our legislature should be protecting minority rights, not demonizing a small population. My sister graduated from Osage High School in 1966. She was a lesbian, but she was only able to be truly happy and at peace when she could openly be who she was. This bill will only make life more difficult for children and adults who already face discrimination you can only imagine.

02-23-2025

Quinn Powell

Trans Iowans are Iowans. They wake up every day with the same hopes, responsibilities, bills, families, etc as the rest of us. They deserve to be able to live their lives without worrying about their own government denying their personhood, humanity and happiness. They are hurting no one. They are being used as a scapegoat. Our government should show some backbone and protect their own constituents. All of them.

02-23-2025

KRISTIN HAUG COLLET

I am writing in support of legal rights for transgender Iowans. I believe in Nondiscrimination policies that offer explicit, enumerated protections for transgender people and that specify punitive policies for those who are disrespectful.Regards, Kristin Haug Collet

02-24-2025

Jaymee Britt

This bill is not only full of hate, its inhumane. We live in a country where we are supposed to be moving forward and making progress for everyone. Every day I cant believe how far backwards our state is, and how they would rather continue into hatred in darkness than protect those under the transgender umbrella. You cant just erase a group of people because you dont understand. Your fear is not going to make trans people disappear, its just going to alienate and destroy lives. If our lawmakers believe all life is precious they wouldnt be doing this.

02-24-2025

Jennifer Anderson

Please vote no on this bill. Discriminating against a marginalized community does not reflect the values of the citizens of Iowa and being the first state to remove a group from The state civil rights is not something that I think Iowa wants to be remembered for.

02-23-2025

Mary Starry

House Study Bill 242 has no purpose other than hurting some of the most vulnerable citizens of our state. Ongoing animal and human research, as well as genetic studies, have proven that the biology we learned 20 to 50 years ago, whether in high school or college, was an overly simplistic view of viewing sex and gender as dichotomies, male or female. Science and genetics has since shown us that almost every human feature, including sex and gender, exists on a spectrum. It is easiest for people to assume distinct classes, such as only a few eye colors, while in reality there is a spectrum of thousands of eye colors. However, ease of understanding does not make something accurate. Refusing to accept what science and genetics are continuously demonstrating makes our state and the people of Iowa appear extremely ignorant and uneducated. Then trying to change the language of sex and gender, ruling that they mean the same thing, is equally uneducated. We have two different terms because the words sex and gender have two different definitions for biologists, scientists, medical personnel and educated citizens. Iowa has a long history of being considered a well educated population, and for our legislators to push forward a bill demonstrating such profound lack of education on the subjects of sex and gender definitely puts another nail in that coffin.Then, there are so many Iowans who have finally obtained understanding and confirmation of the sexual and gender identities they had to struggle with back when science looked at this issue as a dichotomy. These people have always been in our population, always being made to feel like they were not normal, like there was something wrong with them. Recently, with the science and medical community recognizing them and supporting them, these Iowans are beginning to feel like they can be contributing members of our society. And then, just like that, you want to deny them their rights and try to deny their existence and right to exist! This is wrong and cruel. Every one of you will at some point have descendants or relatives who do not fall into these false dichotomies, not by some fault of theirs, but because genetics and fetal development is variable and flexible and produces more than two sexes and genders! Please consider how this law would affect them.I am asking you to not pass this law, as it hurts decent people who have done nothing to deserve this cruelty and it only demonstrates the ignorance and lack of education of those who wrote it.

02-23-2025

Betsy McClimen

I am begging you on behalf of the very small percentage of trans people we have in our state please show empathy in your vote today. Did you know 3% of people are born intersex? This means their chromosomes do not match their physical body. I have a cousin who was born with male chromosomes, but the child was born without a penis, and what looked like a vulva, so their mother was raising them as a girl. Until she was made aware that her daughter was not in fact a girl but a boy. At the point she found out she was ashamed of switching her daughters gender, and is still raising her son as a girl. Keep in mind, although this child does not have a penis she also does not have a uterus or ovaries, and will never know what it is like to have hormones running through their body. She will never have a period will never develop breasts. The mother has decided to have the difficult discussion with her child when her child can better understand the biology of their situation and then they will decide about gender. This will require the assistance of a therapist and also doctors who will help them get through each stage of their development. This situation is more common than you realize. You remember the percentage that 3% of humans are born intersex? Let me put it this way 3% of people are born with red hair! We all know someone with red hair. Which means we probably know someone who is intersex. These people should be free to discuss their situations and feel comfortable choosing which gender feels right to them. Please consider this in your vote today. I urge you to consider this with an open heart and mind. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Hensley

How does this bill compare to what the Nazis did to isolate and demonize the Jewish people in the 1930s? And how will employers, landlords, vendors, etc. recognize trans people so they can treat them as less than every other human in Iowa. Will they have to wear something equivalent to a yellow Star of David at all times? I was born and raised in Iowa, as were my grandparents (farmers) and parents (members of IAM and Retail Clerks). They taught me to treat all people with respect. Didnt your parents teach you that? What are we teaching our children if this measure is approved?

02-23-2025

Russell Parkin

HSB 242 is a reckless and damaging piece of legislation that threatens Iowas economy by driving away businesses, discouraging investment, and creating costly legal battles. By legally excluding transgender individuals from civil rights protections, the bill forces employers into a confusing conflict between state and federal law, exposing them to lawsuits and compliance risks. Businesses that value diversity and inclusion may choose to relocate or avoid Iowa altogether, costing the state jobs and economic growth. Additionally, the tourism and hospitality industries could suffer as national organizations and major events boycott the state in response to this discriminatory policy. Instead of fostering a probusiness environment, HSB 242 creates uncertainty, legal liability, and reputational damage that will hurt Iowas competitiveness in the national economy.

02-23-2025

Joseph Parker

How will the government know without genetic testing. Are you requiring genetic testing of of every newborn before sex is assigned? Adding government is not smaller, nor is it cost effective. It's just bullying if you're not serious about determining the sex of every constituent and their children. If you are serious about government overreach into social norms, and private lives just say that.

02-23-2025

Jean Minahan

I wan to express my opposition to HSB242. Transgender persons are citizens of Iowa just like I am. They deserve to have the same rights as all Iowans. I don't believe they are hurting anyone with their beliefs and actions. I consider myself a Christian and believe that everyone should be treated with love and dignity. This bill doesn't seem to do that.

02-23-2025

Mary Johnson

I am writing to opposeHSB 42. I am appalled that you would consider such a bill that would be against our constitution and the civil rights of all Iowans. As a Christian I believe that all people were created in the image of a loving God, that includes transgender individuals.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Dirks

Protection from discrimination is the barest minimum. Rolling back those protections is a vote to whole cloth demote a subset of ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors to a less than human status because of their identity. Vote no to this cruelty.

02-23-2025

Presley Tapken

Please reject HSB 242. As a mental health professional, this is incredibly harmful to so many individuals who are trying to live their lives as their true selves. Transgender individuals, especially youth, already face significant challenges related to mental health, social acceptance, and access to proper healthcare. This bill would only exacerbate these issues and contribute to an environment of fear and marginalization.As your constituent, I ask that you consider the realworld consequences of this legislation on transgender people, their families, and our communities. I urge you to stand up for the rights and dignity of all Iowans, regardless of gender identity, by voting against this harmful bill.Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I hope you will make the right decision in support of equality and human rights.

02-23-2025

Lily Neumann

Is this who Iowa wants to be? The first state to ROLL BACK protections of its citizens? Progress is not bad or scary it is necessary for a civilization to advance and grow. I would barely even consider "accepting people who are different than me" as progress personally, it seems like a pretty basic thing. Progress would be rolling out MORE protections for a demographic of people that still deal with literal hate crimes on the regular. This is not what Iowans want. We do not want to see our neighbors suffer, I just want my friends to be happy and live their most fulfilling lives. Listen to your citizens for once and do your actual job.

02-23-2025

Amanda Caraballo

Vote no for HSB 242.This bill is completely unacceptable and is a mockery of Iowan values. Iowans care about one another, about our friends, our neighbors, and our community. This bill will only hurt our transgender family, friends, and neighbors by stripping away their legal protection from discrimination. Iowans do not want our legislators to hurt a marginalized community, so stop writing legislation like this and listen to your constituents!Our state flag says "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain". Look at the comments about this bill! The majority of people want transgender Iowans to have the right to freely express themselves and to be a protected class in our State Civil Rights Act.This legislation is a disgrace to Iowa's history as a state that, in the past, was a leader in our nation's fight to achieve a fair and equitable society for all people.Finally, Line 26, on page 1 (part of New Section 4.1A) is very disturbing. That line reads 'The term "equal" does not mean "same" or "identical"'. The following line (27) says "Separate accommodations are not inherently unequal." I am sure we can all remember learning about the 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. The lasting outcome from that case has been that separate is not equal. Adding this language into our state civil rights act is disgusting. Throw this whole bill away!Vote no on HSB 242!

02-23-2025

Amy Barret

Iowa used to be ahead of the curve in offering rights, freedoms, and quality education as a state for its citizens. Our ability to be forward thinkers and limit the government in our private lives is what made Iowa a state focused on leading the way to a better future. In contrast, this bill is designed to waste taxpayer funds to enforce hatred as a right. Furthermore, it is so poorly written to justify its use to victimize those not following a social norm of fashion based solely on sex characteristics. I feel that this bill will be used for greater harm and targeting towards Iowans and the tights they cherish.Make Iowa a state that provides equal opportunity and attracts people to live here. Vote no on this proposed legislation.

02-23-2025

Quinten Kuiper

If HSB 242 were to pass not only would it harm individuals that identify as transgender, it would also harm their families. This would cause children of transgender adults to be put in harms way, causing them pain in their current and future life. Iowans should be protecting everyone that lives in this state. Not just those people of power may seem worth of existing. Iowans should be showing empathy, compassion, and care to every citizen.

02-23-2025

Marissa Jennings [None ]

I am writing to ask you to reject HSB 242. It is unconstitutional and would strip many Iowans of their civil rights protections. This bill is harmful to the trans community and to other Iowans who dont fit the narrow scope of the bills definitions. As someone who has lived in Iowa my whole life, to say I am horrified by the direction the state has gone in my lifetime is an understatement. We should be protecting each other and letting our neighbors, coworkers, and friends live in peace and safety. I adamantly oppose this bill.

02-23-2025

Amanda Moellering

Please vote No against this atrocious bill. Our trans Iowa neighbors do not deserve this attack on their civil rights. Removing these protections will make their lives more difficult, less safe and infinitely more challenging. I cant imagine why we would ever consider removing protections of civil rights for any Iowan. Do the right thing and vote NO.

02-23-2025

Andrew Zubrod

this is a slippery slope bill. First its this, then theyll be banning evolution in classrooms. America is a country of progress, we dont undo the good we do. How is it less harmful to smother children in lies than to let them be who they are? Reject this bill

02-23-2025

Anemarie Ganea

Vote YES for HSB 242. Children are being brainwashed in schools and made believe they are born in the wrong body. God doesn't make mistakes, people do. There are to many young adults with mental disabilities, stop the madness and let's get back to the basics. There are only two sexes made by God, anything else is Evil. Gender identity is nothing else than a tool to control and manipulate weak minded people.

02-23-2025

Mary Jobst

Please support HSB242 ! This bill is essential to protecting the rights of biological women. . Gender identities that are disconnected from our embodiment as male and female are lies. This is why transgender identities must not be given recognition and legitimacy in law and culture.Biology is not a matter of opinion. Politics and culture must be built on truth. Affirmation of transgender identities is not kindness or virtuous.Gender affirming care is corrupt medicine that allows and encourages people to destroy themselves instead of compassionate care to help people resolve psychological issues that have caused them to hate their natural, healthy bodies.

02-23-2025

Steve Sanda

This bill should NOT be passed. Limiting or taking away rights for any human is not something the government should be doing. Projecting expectations of male/female onto individuals is also not something the government should be doing. The government's role is to protect and provide to individuals, not filter or segregate on gender identity. Gender identity is something someone is born with, just like the color of their skin. Passing this bill would be an act of segregation with the same merits as racism. Please do NOT move this bill forward.

02-23-2025

Kyle Hobt

This bill should absolutely not be passed. Limiting or taking away the rights of any person to this extreme is not something the government should be doing, let alone devoting so many resources to. There are much bigger issues to worry about and focus on. This is not solving an issue, and people cannot be erased.

02-23-2025

Cathy Beck-Cross

This study bill, in addition to being a gross violation of individual civil liberties, flies in the face of "Iowa nice" and allowing people who are just peacefully living their lives to go about their daily business. I personally know folks who are transgender. If you had a conversation to learn more about them, you would find their aspirations are the same as yours: Care for family, work in a meaningful job, contribute to their communities, and enjoy time with friends. Passage of this bill would impact people who are transgender in all these areas of their lives. I implore you not to pass this study bill and drop the idea altogether of the idea of removing civil rights protections for people who are transgender, or for that matter, for any person in Iowa who has a gender identity that is one different from your own or one you don't understand.

02-23-2025

Britt Shank

To the members of the HSB 242 subcommittee:You wont know my name or even my face, but my story is not unique. Im an Iowan. Im a human. Im a member of the queer community. And I dont fit into the standard gender norms that society has constructed. But never have I thought this was something that should force me to be seen as less than in the eyes of the State of Iowa.Civil rights are described as the freedoms and protections that ensure people can participate in society without discrimination or abuse. I urge you to consider what the goal is with this legislation and how it aligns with the civil rights we should innately have as human. I urge you to choose the wellbeing and safety of all Iowans and protest this inhumane and unjust bill from gaining any more traction. Iowans deserve so much better.

02-23-2025

Lora Coffman

HSB 242 is a bill that reflects nothing of the people of Iowa. It does NOT reflect average Iowans who only care for equal treatment under Iowa law, for all Iowans. This bill strips transgender Iowans of legal protection from discrimination, which is counter to any modern American value. You and I may not understand a transgender persons personal experience, but it takes a special ignorance and smallness to want to remove protection from discrimination.Transgender people are a minority, but they are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. They should be treated with dignity and respect, and with equal protection of the law. I urge you do the right thing and to vote NO on HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Paris White

Please, reject this bill which seeks to erase a entire group of people. Every single human being is worthy of love, dignity, respect and EQUAL RIGHTS. It is not your job to decide how people identify or express themselves. Do not let your personal bias get in the way of our country's founding principle of freedom. Our transgender, nonbinary, and friends on the gender/sexuality spectrum are not harming ANYONE, they are simply trying to live freely into the whole human being that God has created them to be. Please do not take away another human's right to exist.

02-23-2025

Jenn Riggs

As an Iowan, business owner, and human being I strongly oppose HSB 242. Its a cruel and unnecessary bill that only serves to dehumanize and strip rights away from some of our citizens. Please do the right thing, and vote no.

02-23-2025

Andrea Leeper

Reject HSB242. The rights of all those living in Iowa should be protected with the utmost care. To pass this, it would be a denial of our rights to free speech and human rights. Our transgender siblings, neighbors, friends, and family deserve protection and equitable treatment to all Iowans.

02-23-2025

Micail McPhee

Please do not pass this bill. Trans people are just people. They're just normal people who walk their dogs and love their families and cook dinner each night. They're just people. They deserve kindness, dignity, respect, and civil rights like every other person. Passing this bill will truly just be legalizing cruelty. It's a low that elected representatives should never, ever stoop to. Please don't do this.

02-23-2025

Lora Coffman

02-23-2025

Logan Fleming

I strongly opposed this bill. The cruelty one needs to have in their heart to strip away civil rights protections from any group threatens all of our civil liberties. The fact that the Republican party in our state would even consider this is frightening to me and should give everyone else who lives in the state pause. I urge our lawmakers to answer one simple question: how does this bill improve the lives of any Iowan? All I can see is that this harms a specific group of Iowans and opens the door for far more harm to be done to other groups as well. Vote no on this disgrace of a bill.

02-23-2025

Brittney Crist

I find this bill disgusting. Why would we go backwards after all of the progress thats been made and ostracize people of this state? What purpose does this serve outside of hate?Iowa needs to focus on REAL needs of its people. Not this BS where a few bigots and neonatzies feel their feelings are more important than anyone elses. Our rights only extend as far as they do not trample others rights. The vote should be no.

02-23-2025

Daniel Cullinan

As a lifelong Iowan, I am ashamed that the state legislature has allowed a reprehensible bill like HSB 242 to get this far. What good does stripping the away the civil rights of transgender Iowans accomplish? I find the fact that the state legislature feels its appropriate to determine that some people are worthy of civil rights and others are not utterly abhorrent. Once upon a time, Iowans stayed out of each others business and adopted a live and let live strategy. This virulently hateful bill is evidence that the current legislature has turned its back on these Iowa values. In Iowa, we maintain our rights, we dont take them away. Please reject this discriminatory bill targeting people just trying to live their lives authentically.

02-23-2025

Kimberly Folkers [Personal card]

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and ask legislators to do the same. Stripping Iowa citizens of their rights, discriminating against them based on gender identity is unconstitutional, not to mention unwarranted and cruel. Where does this hatred and fear of those who are different from us come from? Much of this agenda comes from outside influencers to our state. Many of the Iowans I know care about others and believe that we are stronger together when we have a variety of backgrounds and experiences to draw from as we approach challenges and problems in our state.

02-23-2025

Lelouch Lamperouge [Ashford Academy ]

I Lelouch Lamperouge oppose HSB242. I believe that it is vital for any society to make sure all its citizens are treated equally. If this bill is passes, it will be a HUGE step back for Iowa. So I implore you to vote NO on HSb242. Trans rights are human rights.

02-23-2025

Nichole Ingram

I oppose this bill and any legislation that aims to remove civil rights protections.All people should be treated fairly and equally, and be protected by their government. If passed this bill would remove civil rights from a marginalized communities.

02-23-2025

Elizabeth Kosmicki

I am a strongly opposed to removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Our state motto in Iowa is, "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." This bill goes against everything Iowans value.

02-23-2025

Catherine Pollard

I am writing to express my complete and total opposition to HSB 242. This bill is a calculated and intentional attempt to erase the trans community and Iowans will not tolerate this. This is a clear and utter violation of international human rights law and our own Civil Rights Act and 14th Amendment. ALL Iowans deserve equal protection under the law and to take any other stance is a disgrace. Your job as legislators is to represent your constituents and this is NOT something that anyone wants or needs. In the entire time that gender identity has been a protected category in Iowa there has NEVER ONCE been a time that a trans woman entered a woman's space and caused harm, there has also never been a case of a cisman pretending to be trans in order to gain access to women's spaces. This has NOTHING to do with protecting women.If this bill moves through, history will not look back on this assembly kindly. Instead, our state will be a source of embarrassment and shame. How dare you do this to the people that you took an oath and swore to act in their best interest. How dare you use your positions of power to oppress. As a student in Iowa, NO ONE that I know wants to remain and work here because of the dangerous and hateful environment that the legislature is responsible for creating. You want a strong workforce? Stop this in its tracks. Do the right thing and vote "NO". Do not make Iowa the first state to remove a protected category from our civil rights code.

02-23-2025

Michael West

I am not a transgender person and I am not a democrat. I feel that it is absolutely disgraceful to conceive a bill that would remove civil rights protections for a specific class of people. If that class was Christian or redheaded individuals or any specific race, you would view this as the hateful and ill conceived attack on a minority class that it is. With legislation like this we open the door to similar legislation, we set precedent for stripping human rights protections.

02-23-2025

Rita Carter

I am a practicing United Methodist who strongly supports the protected civil rights of transgender Iowans now and in the future as currently stated in the Iowa Civil Rights Act and Iowa Code. It is not politicians right to decide a persons gender! Get your heads out of peoples private parts and focus on ensuring that rights are respected and protected! Do not advance HSB 242!

02-23-2025

Sara Even

I am vehemently opposed to HSB242. This bill rolls back civil rights for transgender Iowans and would put us first in the nation to begin actively removing rights from people. As a lifelong Iowan, I would much prefer we be first in the nation on initiatives that help our citizens, such as cleaning up our water and air to reduce cancer rates (second highest in the nation and rising), public education, and affordable housing rather than needlessly attacking a vulnerable population that makes up less than 0.5% of our population. Punching down isnt a good look on anyone.Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintainunless you are transgenderunless you are not straightunless you are not whiteunless you are not Christian. Iowa is sprinting down this slippery slope with hateful and completely unnecessary legislation such as this. Live up to our state motto. Support and lift our population so we can all thrive. Do better. Vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Amber Carver

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Iowa House Bill 242. This legislation is not only harmful but it also contradicts the very principles upon which our state was founded. Iowas motto"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"calls on us to uphold the freedoms and rights of all Iowans, not restrict them.Instead of protecting liberty, this bill undermines the rights of Iowans and sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach. Rather than fostering a more just and equitable Iowa, it promotes division and exclusion.To truly honor Iowas values, our legislature must reject HB 242 and focus on policies that expand, not restrict, rights and freedoms. I urge you to uphold the principles of fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all Iowans by voting against this bill.

02-23-2025

Jivani Rodriguez

I oppose HSB242. I urge that the committee do everything in it's power to REJECT and HALT the bill from moving forward. If gender identity is a protected class in the constitution, is this not unconstitutional? Not only that, but it is morally and ethically abhorrent this bill will prevent everyday, hardworking Iowans from receiving protections and services that should be available to all, regardless of identity. This law will not benefit ANYONE, and will only lead to discrimination and harm to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals as well as their families. If someone cant rent an apartment or get a credit card simply because of who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with their peers. This will be another ethical disaster like the notorious "separate but equal" ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. It would be a blight on the state of Iowa and it's representatives.Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. Transgender people are NORMAL. Please remember that just because you don't like or don't understand something, doesn't mean it's wrong and that it must be legislated away. You have a chance to get back on the right side of history by stopping this bill before you hurt the constituents you are purportedly here to support. Vote NO on HSB242.

02-23-2025

Nichole Ingram

02-23-2025

Rachel Bryant

This is inhumane. I know many families and individuals who are precious to me that would be stripped of their fundamental rights if this moves forward. I am vehemently against this kind of legislation at any level of our government. You should be ashamed!

02-23-2025

Liz Love

HSB 242 is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of Iowans. All Iowans deserve rights, protections, and respect. This bill is not about fairness or equalityit is about stripping away fundamental rights from a vulnerable population. I urge you to oppose HSB 242 and stand against legislation that promotes harm and discrimination.

02-23-2025

Rebecca Smith

I am vehemently opposed to HSB 242. This act of discrimination against an already oppressed and marginalized group of people who are only trying to live their lives honestly disgusts me. I am a life long Iowan and am embarrassed that this type of legislation is even being considered here. I have always considered my fellow Iowans to be among the kindest, most caring of people. Who does this bill benefit? Why is our government wasting their time and my tax dollars on this hurtful, demeaning, belittling act instead of solving the actual problems our state is facing. With the skyrocketing cost of food, I find it hard to believe that a state so dependent on agricultural has nothing better to do than try to tear others down.Please be the REPRESENTATIVES you were elected to be and speak up for ALL Iowans not just the ones who hate.

02-23-2025

Melissa Hanson

Im greatly saddened and disappointed in our government to propose to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Protections. This bill does nothing except generate hate and discrimination against a small group of citizens who already are discriminated against. After witnessing the white supremacy marchers march through our beloved downtown on Sat I am heartbroken that our state is choosing a path of hate and fearful that these groups feel comfortable in our beloved state.Our fellow transgender Iowans deserve the same rights as all Iowans!

02-23-2025

Tommi Karma

Iowa has a long and rich history of being a leader in civil rights. It will be shameful and harmful to remove protections from a group of people who are already marginalized and vulnerable. This is not Iowa nice and does not align with what Iowans want. Please do not remove gender identity from our civil rights. This will harm my friends and family who are tax paying, voting Iowans

02-23-2025

Doug McPhee

This bill is meanspirited, unnecessary, and dangerous. The emotional, psychological, and physical impact of even proposing this bill is profound for many Iowa families and individuals. Appeal to your better angels and focus on legislation that will positively impact Iowans, instead of weaponizing policy and injuring vulnerable populations in pursuit of personal ambition.

02-23-2025

Jessica Peel-Austin

I strongly oppose HSB 242 and I urge our representatives to reject this and any further attempts to remove civil rights protections from Iowa citizens. This legislation is extremely harmful to the already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community and is an affront to our state's history as affirmative to the civil rights of marginalized communities. Please reject this bill and send your time crafting legislation that actually helps your constituents.

02-23-2025

Sora Anderson

I am STRONGLY opposed to HSB242! As a trans man myself, I am very afraid of this bill being passed! How DARE you threaten to take my rights away and open me and my community up for discrimination!? We are about 3% or so of the population..us being transgender DOES NOT affect you or HURT your cisgender hetero lifestyle!! Equal rights aren't pie..you don't lose your rights by other groups of people gaining or keeping rights. We all deserve to be treated as human under the law. We the People includes ALL of US!! Not SOME of us. I for one do not want to be at risk of losing my apartment or anything...and this is what you will be subjecting us to if you pass this bill... discrimination for simply being transgender...I do not want a repeat of Nazi Germany...we all deserve to be here... Transgender people belong in Iowa! Vote NO on this bill. Jesus would.

02-23-2025

Jessica Greenwell

I oppose HSB 242. Its discrimination. A person being transgender is no different than some one else being left handed for example. Its a non issue. Its not a problem. We have real problems to focus on. Vote no to discrimination towards others. Thank you.

02-23-2025

Megan Hodges

I am strongly opposed to HSB242. All peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state, and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are or how they are perceived. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. This proposed legislation attempts to move Iowa backward instead of forward. Please reject this!

02-23-2025

Catherine Palczewski

Please register my absolute opposition to this bill. All Iowans have a right to equal treatment under the law. Everyone's civil rights should be recognized and protected. All people should learn state of the art science on sex and gender, and this bill is completely retrograde.

02-23-2025

Navia E

DO NOT PASS THIS BILL. Trans people make up such a little percentage of our population and yet our government insists on infringing on what little rights they have. This bill helps no one and should not have even been proposed to begin with. Protect our trans siblings and VOTE NO.

02-23-2025

Wil Hohmeister

I can't imagine the purpose of this bill, particularly given the economic, health, and other issues currently of concern. This is a waste of taxpayers' time and money at best, and performative cruelty by people who should know better. Get back to work and start addressing the bird flu that is affecting farmers and all Iowans, and stop trying to take away the rights of our fellow citizens.

02-23-2025

Nancy Dunn

As a mother with an adult child who identifies as transgender I am disheartened that Iowa legislators are considering removal of civil rights protection from a group of Iowans. I believe your job is to represent ALL Iowans. I am concerned that this will allow discrimination against transgender Iowans in education, housing, employment, and more. We no longer permit discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Why remove this group from protection and open them up to being treated unfairly? Iowa needs a strong workforce, not another reason for folks to leave the state or to be denied employment. It makes me heartsick and I hope you will vote against HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Katie Redington

Please reject HSB242. This bill would remove basic protections for transgender Iowans and create complications for other Iowans who don't fall neatly into the bills narrow definitions. All hardworking peopleincluding those who are transgendershould be treated fairly and equally and have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. If someone cant rent a place or get a credit card, because they face discrimination based on who they are, we cant expect them to be able to compete on a level playing field with others. These basic antidiscrimination protections are an important part of any meritbased system, allowing people to access opportunities regardless of who they are. Further, the bill jeopardizes sex stereotyping protections for nontransgender women that arent included in Iowas sex discrimination statute. Transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. I care about my cousin who is transgender, my coworker's wife who is transgender, and my mom's coworker who is nonbinary. Humans are complex individuals and each person should be allowed the freedom to be themselves. Seeing a person who is transgender may make some people uncomfortable, because things that are different from yourself or from your family that you are not familiar with, that you don't understand, can be uncomfortable. That doesn't mean they don't deserve freedom, protection, and prosperity. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. Please vote against HSB242.

02-23-2025

Teresa Sullivan

According to world population review, 7100 people in Iowa identify as transgender, it is wrong to target this extreme minority for political gains. Think of our Iowa motto "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" and reject Hsb 242. Thank you

02-23-2025

Michelle Wiegand

I strongly oppose this bill. Please show compassion for all of Iowa's community members. This would be a huge step back for Iowa. I once took pride in Iowa for being one of the first states to legalize gay marriage. Protect trans youth and adults, please. Let's focus on real ways to support Iowans through food and job security, quality education, improving our the health of our natural environment, improving healthcare, including preventive care (look again at our natural environmentclean air and water, and treating others with dignity.

02-23-2025

Amy Lauren

Please stop targeting marginalized and vulnerable people with these fascist, Christian nationalist obsessions with genitalia, bodies and peoples private lives. Steps away from protections for transgender and genderdiverse people will hurt all Iowans, even those who currently believe they have much to gain by oppressing marginalized neighbors. Even if you think transgender people are your enemies, remember how Jesus treated his own enemies and commanded us to serve our neighbors. We are to give the clothes off our backs to our neighbors, not police what they wear and prescribe our vision for their lives. That said, religion really has no place in government. This isnt the Vatican. Regardless of ones beliefs, democracy requires us to honor and protect all citizens, not using the excuse of ancient Scripture or anything else to strip their freedoms. Please leave transgender Iowans alone, focus on the real issues affecting our communities and register my strong opposition to HSB 242.

02-23-2025

Virginia Harlow [Retired]

We should therefore NOT be taxed by a state that does NOT recognise our constitutional rights to exist! Why are they focusing on this smallest of minorities? What are they doing while we are distracted by this smokescreen? What are our legislators afraid of? When they have finished coming for us, then who is next? This has the appearance of a copycat legislation at the Federal Government level possibly to win brownie points with the current Republican Agenda.

02-23-2025

Jen Wiater

Take Action Against Attacks on Equality and LGBTQ+ RightsTHROW OUT HSB 242!!Please!Today, I unite with the Human Rights Campaign to oppose any and all actions, policies, and rhetoric that threaten or undermine the principles of equality, justice and dignity for ALL people.I am deeply troubled by the Trump administrations discriminatory policies that target vulnerable communities and damage the fundamental values of our democracy. Attacking hardfought civil rights serves no purpose but deeply harms the lives of millions of people. Rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ people is not only wrong but also lifethreatening.Our country is better than this every person deserves to live with dignity, respect, and fairness.I have hope, and I have power! I proudly sign my name below, as someone who opposes discrimination and every attack on every American, our civil rights, and our democracy.

02-23-2025

J H

This bill is a disgrace to the state Ive lived in for eight years. Nobody, not one single person, should have their civil rights and protections stripped away by the state. This bill, if passed, would be devastating to say the very least. I do not support HSB 242, and Im clearly not the only one. Listen to the voices of the people do not pass this bill.

02-23-2025

Christa Galvin

This bill is harmful and hateful. It also ignores and even opposes accepted medical practices and mental health care practices. Trans people are people, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. Please vote no on this bill and ensure that all humans are entitled to their basic rights in our society.

02-23-2025

David Epperson

Do we really have to do this song and dance every year? Iowan's voices have been heard time and time again on this issue, we don't want this bill. Removing protections for transgender individuals from the Iowa Civil Rights Act aside from being reprehensible is a waste of the legislature's time and effort. I would rather my representatives focus on issues affecting Iowans rather than on bullying a small subset of our population.Throw this bill out of committee, and get back to work on things that will actually help your constituents.

02-25-2025

Nick Stokes

Hello, my name is Nick Stokes. I am a 32 year old transman. I live an average life as a dad, a teacher, a son, a friend, and an Iowan. To you, I may not be important because I am a trans man, or at least that's what this bill is telling me. However, to my kids, I'm an important person. I am the person who loves them unwaveringly. I am who nourishes them, who holds them when they're sad, who cheers with them when they're excited, and the person who provides everything for them. Currently, the same group of people who say they care so much about children and lives that they want to be sure to keep all lives from conception, is showing that they don't actually care about those lives if it's an inconvenience for them. Those lives are only important when they're in utero but once they're out of the womb they no longer care. My ability to have a job, have good lines of credit, have stable housing, and good wages will all be affected by this law and in return will also affect my children. If I don't have protections the same as every other American because I don't fit into your box, then my children also don't have those protections to rely on. If I don't have income or housing or equality because I'm discriminated against, that means they don't get proper housing or their fundamentals met either. You only care about lives that fit into your mold, and that's disgusting and definitely not very Christian of you. Iowa is supposed to be "Iowa Nice", but what's nice about bigotry, hate, and stripping people of their rights? These laws will negatively affect a lot of people. It doesn't better anyone or anything, it's just set to make other people's lives harder. It's the same sort of thinking that separated blacks and whites before until people realized how wrong that is. We shouldn't be going backwards in history, we should be working towards a better future and this does not create a better future. I teach my kids not to bully and to call out bullies and put an end to it. I teach my kids about love and acceptance and having an open mind. I teach them kindness and respect and how to show others those qualities. Kim Reynolds seems to need to go back to preschool to learn these simple rules because the laws that are trying to be passed certainly do not mirror any of those morals. I ask that this bill not be passed and that all people can keep their rights. I ask that legislators stop bullying people for the sake of bullying and trying to erase transgender people or any people of minority. Simply making it harder to live here isn't going to make us go away or delete us. We will stand up and keep fighting and our voices will get louder and louder until there's no choice but to hear us and listen to us. Please do what's right,and don't pass bill. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Nick Stokes

02-25-2025

Susan Mrzena [Women’s March iowa]

I am exactly who my God intended me to be. The difference between you and I is the difference between your God and mine. And that is certainly beyond your ability to discern. Leave the matters of the soul and the spirit to the soul makers and the spirit makers. Leave the manners of the law and the rules to the law and the rule makers..

02-25-2025

Emily Wehr

I strongly oppose HSB 242! Civil Rights must be protected in our state and country. Stop attempting to strip rights from those who need them the most. A just society is measured by how it treats its most marginalized citizens.

02-25-2025

Wanda Thackery

HSB242 (Against) A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a persons sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.EXPLANATION OF THE BILLThe bill removes Iowans who are transgender from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and from other areas of the Iowa Code.It legalizes discrimination against Iowans who are transgender in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and credit.The bill replaces the term gender identity with gender theory in various areas of law, erasing Iowans who are transgender under the law.It removes the ability of Iowans to update gender on their birth certificates.The bill weakens protections for other Iowans who are intersex and cisgender who dont fit rigid gender norms.OUR MESSAGEThis is a moral issue. No one should have their rights taken away from them. People who are transgender should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against. For example, our transgender neighbors should have equal access to housing and credit in Iowa. Keeping gender identity in the Iowa Civil Rights Act protects them from discrimination.This is about neighbors and family. Transgender Iowans are our neighbors and family. When it comes to earning a living, finding a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, we want our neighbors and family to succeed just like the rest of us.For people of faith: Protecting people who are transgender from discrimination means treating others as we want to be treated.Gods promise to care for all children of God means everyone should be treated as such. Including gender identity in the civil rights law and protecting people who are transgender from discrimination upholds Gods promise.Thank you for being brave and standing for what you know is right. Taking away rights and protections for things such as housing and credit is wrong. Please vote no.

02-25-2025

Ruxandra Marcu

Please vote NO on this bill and on stripping civil protections from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The arguments supporting this bill are misleading and harmful. Trans people are not a threat in public spaces or womens private spaces. There is no historical evidence that trans women pose any danger to cis women in public settings.As the proud mom of two daughters one trans and one cis I want both of my children to be safe, protected, and able to live their most joyful lives as authentically as possible. Data shows that when trans people lack protections and support, they face higher rates of depression, suicidality, and violence compared to their cisgender peers. This bill would increase those risks.It is against the fundamental values of our nation to impose religious or ideological beliefs on others. You have the right to raise your child as you see fit, but that does not grant you the right to strip my child of her protections under the guise of safety.Trans people are beautiful, valuable members of our community who deserve the same respect, dignity, and civil rights as everyone else. Please stand on the right side of history and vote NO on this harmful bill.

02-25-2025

Danielle Bailey

There is no meaningful or ethical benefits to our communities or our state. Every one is entitled to basic human rights and protections of those rights. Bills like this will only have a cascade of negative consequences for society as a whole. Furthering our community tensions and doing more harm to everyone. Why are we not working towards organizing laws that create equitable channels for all community members? I think history has proven itself that oppressive systems will eventually crush themselves. Why are the leaders of this community enabling oppressive systems?

02-25-2025

Jennifer Hutchinson

I am a nurse practitioner and former educator with a wide social circle. I believe the fallout of this bill is beyond your comprehension. Prescriptions are written daily for gender affirming care that have nothing to do with the morality or being a trans person. Hormone replacement for cisgendered individuals, fertility treatments, breast augmentation, mastectomy, viagra, hair transplant, laser hair removal, and MANY other medical decisions could be considered gender affirming. Aside from the morality question, there is a privacy concern you cannot fathom. The CPT codes and RX BIN numbers are the same no matter why they are ordered or prescribed. This affects MORE THAN A LEGISLATOR can comprehend. I am dual certified in psychiatric and internal medicine and have cared for marginalized communities alongside the general population for 25 years. The needs of these groups are exactly the same as the needs of normal people. To be healthy. To feel seen. To sleep well at night. To love and be loved. THEY are not the villains. Anyone who tries to limit the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of a group of people, ARE the villains in this story. Sincerely, Dr Jennifer Hutchinson DNP ARNP AGNP PMHNP

02-26-2025

Sarah N Greenfield

This bill affects me as I do have to take gender affirming care as a non trans woman. I have two conditions that greatly impact my body and the only way to treat it is by taking hormones. I have a daughter who will eventually have to seek gender affirming care due to one of her conditions.I have friends that are trans and non binary and I remember what it was like for them vefore this law was added. They were kicked out from their homes and were fired which is a shame because they are wonderful people and excellent problem solvers. I'd rather work with them than a bitter bigot who can't problem solve and believe me I have one of them at work. I'd definitely rather have a problem solver than a petulant child stuck in an a retirement age adult's body who clearly hates their job. Cut this bill.

02-26-2025

Nicholas Sellers

HSB 242 is a deeply flawed piece of legislation that undermines essential rights and protections for Iowans. It prioritizes political interests over the wellbeing of our communities, setting a dangerous precedent for government overreach. If passed, this bill will have longterm negative consequences, restricting freedoms and limiting opportunities for the people it claims to serve. Lawmakers must reject HSB 242 and focus on policies that truly benefit Iowas residents, rather than pushing an agenda that harms more than it helps.

02-25-2025

Amie Adams

I am a constituent of Representative Wilburn, and I would like to thank him for voting no on this dangerous, discriminatory bill (HSB 242). I urge those who have supported this legislation to reconsider their actions and intentions. Discrimination toward anyone on the basis of gender, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, has absolutely no place in Iowa. Please, I urge you to choose empathy and compassion over fear and distrust. Transgender Iowans overwhelming deserve respect, care, and safety from our government and our communities.

02-25-2025

Kiersten McGuire

Bren Browns definition of empathy is something like I believe what ones experience isnot necessarily because I can walk a mile in their shoes, as they say, but rather that I trust that they know their experience better than I do. Please consider being empathetic to the experiences of your fellow Iowans. Lead with love. Supported and loved people make a powerful team. Lets bring us together. Sending you all so much love.

02-25-2025

Rhonda Wempe

To Governor ReynoldsConcerning the trans gender billAs a parent of a transgender daughter I beg you not to sign this bill. I believe if you do you will be taking transgenders and our state back into times of segregations of a race of human beings. My daughter is a loving caring human, who owns a home and business, she works hard and pays taxes, she has volunteered in our community. We as a county have worked against discrimination I pray our state is never known for this disgrgraful bill.

02-25-2025

Rhonda Wempe

02-26-2025

Lacy Orcutt [Prairie Home Wellness and Counseling ]

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL . I am a licensed therapist in Iowa, and I stand against taking away of rights from trans people, who are humans who deserve to have these rights maintained. All Iowans and humans deserve these protective rights. Trans people are our neighbors, parents, friends, our children, and all different members of our communities. Do not take these right ls away from Iowans!! We cannot go backward.

02-26-2025

Lauren Welter [Prairie Home Wellness and Counseling]

I am writing as an Iowa licensed psychologist and private citizen to STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill. As a licensed mental health provider, it is important to provide some basic education on gender. There are not just two experiences of gender (i.e., male and female) but instead a diverse range of experiences of gender. Many individuals fall neatly enough into their assignedatbirthbasedongenitalia category of male or female, but there is a small (but substantial) number who do not. These "gender nonconforming" or "transgender" experiences are part of the normal range of gender experiences that have been well documented in diverse cultures over time. Gender dysphoria, transgenderism, and gender noncomnformity are not "choices" that people make, but are lived experiences for a small proportion of individuals who feel innately that their experience of gender does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. These individuals are human beings who deserve (and need) access to basic human rights, just like anyone else. It is also welldocumented that transgender individuals experience high levels of discrimination, abuse, and violence based specifically on their gender identity. Being transgender does not increase levels of mental health problems alone, in fact, living in line with one's desired gender actually decreases mental health concerns (i.e., depression, anxiety, relational problems) quite dramatically. However, discrimination and abuse do dramatically increase the rates and severity of mental health and physical health problems. This bill would codify discrimination and abuse, and literally prevent transgender individuals from access to housing, jobs, and more.Like all Iowans, these individuals deserve basic respect and human rights. Regardless of one's belief about whether or not someone "should" be transgender, or whether they are "choosing" these labels, these are human beings who absolutely deserve to have access to safety, housing, jobs, and this bill HSB242 removes even basic protections for transgender Iowans. It is cruel and inhumane and appalling that this bill is even being considered. Thank you.

02-27-2025

Brett Norris

This bill, and others like it, are a gross misuse of legislator time and energy. Stripping the rights of vulnerable individuals should never enter your agenda, let alone take priority. Gender identity is critical to the lives of many Iowans, and to incorrectly label gender as a synonym of sex, and force compliance with that definition, is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of those Iowans. There are real issues facing the people of this state, like homelessness, healthcare affordability, public employee layoffs, rising costs of living, public education funding, and many more. To spend time backing this hateful, overbearing, harmful bill is an afront to the oaths that you all took upon entering office. A person's gender identity is no one's business but their own, and it harms no one. Do not be so frail as to try to control something that has nothing to do with you. What happened to your "conservatism"? This is disgraceful.

02-27-2025

Daniel Field

I stand in strong opposition to HSB 242. I am deeply saddened and disheartened by this senseless attack on my friends. I hope that more people will open their eyes and listen to their hearts and see this bill as I domean, bullying and immoral. Let's stand up for love and fairness for all in the face of such indecent hurtful and backwards politics.