End of ‘historic’ session pauses legislators’ assault on Iowans’ rights

With spring came the end of Iowa’s legislative session. The reigning Statehouse party called it “historic.” Historic indeed. In more than 30 years, I’ve never seen so many rights so viciously stripped from Iowans.

Under the guise of “protecting children,” lawmakers banned gender-affirming health care for transgender kids (without understanding what gender-affirming care for minors is). Again, unqualified legislators are making medical decisions for us all.

While this law targets trans kids, it also denies parents the right to make health care decisions for their children.

But inexplicably, Iowa lawmakers were supremely concerned about parents’ rights when they passed a law that forces teachers to out trans students.

This is a dangerous law. It forces teachers to become government snitches under penalty of law, undermining the essential element of trust between students and teachers. Teachers could also mistakenly “identify” any student as transgender, resulting in needless, invasive investigations.

It may also be dangerous for children. Not all families are loving and supportive. Kids could face abuse or rejection at home.

Coming out is a personal, transformational event in a trans person’s life. Each person needs to reach this point in a time, place, and manner of their choosing. To deny any LGBTQ+ person this moment is cruel and disrespectful. No law should shatter this right.

The bright side of the legislative session’s end is that it pauses the damage elected officials can do to our human rights. Let’s all take a deep breath and prepare for next session’s onslaught.

Gordie Felger

Hiawatha