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Iowa Governor Signs Controversial Law Targeting Trans Rights

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law prohibiting local governments from protecting the civil rights of transgender residents.
The measure follows Iowa's prior removal of gender identity from its civil rights code.
Officials in Des Moines and Iowa City called the law an extreme overreach and warned it could set a dangerous precedent.
Republican lawmakers defended the law, saying it aims to create uniform civil rights protections across the state.

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Story summary

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law prohibiting local governments from protecting the civil rights of transgender residents.
The measure follows Iowa's prior removal of gender identity from its civil rights code.
Officials in Des Moines and Iowa City called the law an extreme overreach and warned it could set a dangerous precedent.
Republican lawmakers defended the law, saying it aims to create uniform civil rights protections across the state.