Transgender in Iowa - Know your rights!
Unlike some states, Iowa has protections for transgender people written into its law. Chapter 216 of the Iowa Code is known as the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) of 1965. ICRA provides protection against various forms of discrimination on the basis of specific individual traits or characteristics. Among other things, ICRA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, which were added as protected characteristics in 2007.
ICRA defines "gender identity" as "a gender-related identity of a person, regardless of the person’s assigned sex at birth." ICRA also established the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the state agency that receives and investigates complaints about ICRA violations. There may be local civil rights and human rights ordinances in your community that provide additional protections.
Transgender people are entitled to equal treatment in every aspect of employment. Read more here, including a link to a downloadable flyer about these issues.
And, during these unfortunate times of injustice for our LGBTQ+ friends, it’s more imporant than ever to support organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Donate to ACLU Iowa here.
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