Dozens of transgender Iowans, their families and allies filled the Iowa Capitol on Monday, shouting “shame” as House Republicans advanced two bills that would strip cities of authority to protect transgender residents from discrimination and shield parents — including foster and adoptive parents — from child abuse claims tied to anti-transgender parenting decisions.
Transgender Iowans, their allies and supporters protested bills advanced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, by Republican lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol that would prohibit local governments from protecting transgender residents from discrimination through local civil rights ordinances, and shield parents from child abuse charges for anti-transgender actions.
Coralville City Council member Katie Freeman testifies against a bill Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at the Iowa Capitol that would strip cities of authority to protect transgender residents from discrimination.
Jim Florence of Ankeny testifies on a bill Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, that he said is necessary to protect foster and adoptive parents whose caregiving decisions are shaped by religious beliefs.
Transgender Iowans, their allies and supporters protested bills advanced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, by Republican lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol that would prohibit local governments from protecting transgender residents from discrimination through local civil rights ordinances, and shield parents from child abuse charges for anti-transgender actions.
Transgender Iowans, their allies and supporters protested bills advanced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, by Republican lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol that would prohibit local governments from protecting transgender residents from discrimination through local civil rights ordinances, and shield parents from child abuse charges for anti-transgender actions.
Coralville City Council member Katie Freeman testifies against a bill Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at the Iowa Capitol that would strip cities of authority to protect transgender residents from discrimination.
Jim Florence of Ankeny testifies on a bill Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, that he said is necessary to protect foster and adoptive parents whose caregiving decisions are shaped by religious beliefs.
Transgender Iowans, their allies and supporters protested bills advanced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, by Republican lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol that would prohibit local governments from protecting transgender residents from discrimination through local civil rights ordinances, and shield parents from child abuse charges for anti-transgender actions.
