New law dehumanizes transgender kids

When I saw the picture of Gov. Kim Reynolds, surrounded by young women and girls, signing a bill that makes discrimination against transgender people part of Iowa law, I was reminded of pictures I have seen of attempts to desegregate schools. Parents brought their children to teach them to hate and dehumanize people of color.

Trans people are human beings who deserve to be treated with the same respect and compassion that all of us expect for ourselves and our family members. This bill is designed to single out children who are already struggling and target them by prohibiting them from participating in the school-sponsored activities they enjoy. The picture speaks a thousand words, and the message is that the Iowa Legislature and governor choose hate and discrimination, and our children are watching.

Susan Salter

Cedar Rapids