A large group of transgender activists flooded the Iowa State Capitol on Thursday to protest legislation that would define “sex” and “gender” in state law as strictly male or female.
The demonstration, which drew over 2,500 people, was aimed at pressuring lawmakers to reject the measure, which protesters argue would infringe on transgender rights.
Iowa’s Capitol was just stormed by a mob of trans activists pic.twitter.com/GbXcqrx112
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 27, 2025
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According to The Des Moines Register, demonstrators filled the Capitol building, chanting and holding signs opposing the bill.
Protesters voiced their demands with slogans such as “Trans rights are human rights,” “We’re here, we’re queer, we will not disappear,” and “No hate in our state.”
As lawmakers inside the chamber proceeded with the vote, tensions escalated.
JUST IN: Trans rights activists storm the Iowa State Capitol as lawmakers consider a bill to remove gender identity as a protected class
You CANNOT protect both sex and gender identity in law as they directly contradict each other. Stay strong, @IowaGOP !!! pic.twitter.com/eUJ9nD3U5C
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A spectator from the gallery yelled, “Hope you’re proud of yourself,” while another shouted, “Fascist scumbags, eat sh*t!” before being removed by security.
Just hours ago, “gender identity” was successfully removed as a protected characteristic from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
Leading up to the decision, hundreds of trans activists filled the State Capitol building in protest, and shouted “F*ck you, fascists.”
Senate File 418… pic.twitter.com/7vlkldbIz0
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The legislation at the center of the controversy would redefine “sex” and “gender” under Iowa law, recognizing only biological male and female classifications.
It would also eliminate the ability for transgender individuals to update the sex on their birth certificates, regardless of whether they have undergone medical procedures or surgeries.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect legal clarity and prevent conflicts that have arisen from gender identity being included in Iowa’s civil rights code.
Danny Carroll of The Family Leader, a Christian advocacy group, defended the measure, stating that it was introduced to address the “unintended consequences” of the 2007 decision to add gender identity to Iowa’s civil rights laws.
“They probably did not anticipate the legal complaints that would be filed against businesses because they believe sex is limited to a man and a woman and they act accordingly,” Carroll told The Iowa Capital Dispatch.
He also cited court rulings that struck down a state ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-confirmation surgery and allowed transgender women access to women’s shelters and correctional facilities.
Carroll emphasized that the bill does not remove existing rights but instead clarifies the legal definition of gender.
“There’s still many rights that are retained, all the rights and freedoms that we’ve already had,” he said.
The legislation is expected to pass in both the Iowa House and Senate, where Republicans hold majorities.
Once approved, it will be sent to the desk of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for her signature.
If signed into law, Iowa would join a growing list of states that have enacted similar measures defining gender as strictly male or female under state law.
The decision is likely to face legal challenges from LGBTQ advocacy groups, who have vowed to fight against restrictions they claim discriminate against transgender individuals.
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