(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is backing a bill that would define the words “sex,” “man,” and “woman” in state law. Reynolds says the measure would allow the law to recognize biological differences while forbidding unfair discrimination. Reynolds says it’s needed to protect spaces where women’s health, safety, and privacy are threatened, like domestic shelters and rape crisis centers.
Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement regarding HSB 649.
“Women and men are not identical; they possess unique biological differences,” said Governor Reynolds. “That’s not controversial, it’s common sense. As we did with girls’ sports, this bill protects women’s spaces and rights afforded by Iowa law and the constitution. Unfortunately, defining a woman in code has become necessary to protect spaces where women’s health, safety, and privacy are being threatened, like domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers. The bill allows the law to recognize biological differences while forbidding unfair discrimination.”
The LGBTQ advocacy organization “One Iowa” calls the measure discriminatory against trans-Iowans, same-sex parents, and others.
