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IOWA CITY A resolution reiterating the Iowa City Council’s commitment to upholding the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community was unanimously adopted on Tuesday. The action follows the passage of a bill by Republican state lawmakers this year that amended the state’s Civil Rights Act.
According to city officials, the resolution was put up in part to remind citizens of local anti-discrimination provisions and to draw attention to the city ordinance, which has recognized gender identity as a protected class since the mid-1990s.
Senate File 418, which was approved by the Iowa Legislature, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, and took effect on July 1, struck down the state’s definition of gender identity, established new legal definitions of male and female based on the reproductive organs at birth, and eliminated gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
Additionally, the measure established a new definition of gender that would be regarded as a synonym for sex and not as a shorthand or synonym for gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender role itself.
Regardless of their identity, everyone in Iowa City deserves to feel appreciated, safe, and protected. The safety and dignity of everyone are at risk when one group’s rights are taken away. Council member Mazihir Salih stated that this resolution “reaffirms our values as a city and sends a clear message that Iowa City stands on the side of equity, justice, and human rights.”
Resolution developed in partnership with Trans Advisory Committee
Members of the Trans Advisory Committee for Johnson County collaborated to write the resolution.Members of the transgender and nonbinary community, county employees, supervisors, and other county citizens make up the committee, which was formed in March 2024.
Although the resolution had no legal implications for the city, council members stated that they believed it was a crucial step for the Iowa City community.
Putting your head in the sand won’t protect you if you look at history, will it? Oliver Weilein, a council member, stated. Not only must you make bold claims, but you must also take bold action. And you must be prepared to stand up for the people in your community, whether it means going to court or enacting resolutions that you know could be contested. You must not back down from a fight because there is always a chance you will prevail.
Weilein expressed his desire for similar resolutions to be passed by other nearby municipalities, including Coralville and North Liberty.
At Tuesday’s meeting, community members expressed support for the resolution, but many also stated that it should only be the first step and that the city should keep looking for more measures to defend and support all citizens.
During public comment on the resolution, Emma Denney, a member of the Trans Advisory Committee, stated, “I’m glad to see this resolution here today and would like to recognize it as a welcome first step in this fight. It means a lot to know that our city is willing to take steps that no other city in the state has, especially the commitment to join the legal fight to restore and preserve our rights and the understanding that these are constitutional rights.”
Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance
The Human Rights Ordinance of Iowa City prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected classifications in public accommodations, employment, education, credit, and housing.
Anybody can report discrimination, and Iowa City employees will look into it. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission automatically receives complaints against the city or its employees.
According to council member Laura Bergus, local enforcement can respond to accusations of prejudice in the neighborhood more quickly, and city-level actions may be customized to that community and really represent our values.
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