Robert Besser
03 Mar 2025, 21:34 GMT+10
DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa lawmakers have passed a new law that removes protections for gender identity from the state's civil rights code.
This makes Iowa the first state to take such action. Many people protested, saying it could lead to discrimination against transgender people.
The bill moved quickly, passing the Senate and House within an hour. Most Republicans supported it, while all Democrats and five Republicans voted against it.
The law would change how gender is defined, stating that "gender" means the same as "sex" and does not include gender identity or expression.
LGBTQ+ rights groups say this is the first time a state has taken away legal protections for gender identity.
The bill now goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has previously signed laws restricting transgender rights. If she signs it, the law will take effect on July 1.
Get a daily dose of Mediterranean Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mediterranean Times.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: An unrelenting heatwave sweeping across Europe has pushed early summer temperatures to historic highs, triggering deadly...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Tánaiste Simon Harris has called on the United States to use every hour to reach a zero-for-zero tariff agreement...
DUBLIN, Ireland: A blind woman from Dublin says she was hurt while getting off a bus because the driver refused to pull in close to...
DUBLIN, Ireland: The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has warned that there could be a serious trolley crisis this summer...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The U.S. dollar continues to lose ground, weighed down by growing concerns over Washington's fiscal outlook...
LONDON, U.K.: An unrelenting heatwave sweeping across Europe has pushed early summer temperatures to historic highs, triggering deadly...
President Donald Trump's plans to build a space-based Golden Dome missile defense shield have drawn immediate criticism from China,...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Paramount has agreed to pay US$16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by U.S. President Donald Trump over...
LONDON, U.K.: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer won a vote in Parliament this week to move ahead with changes to the country's welfare...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. President...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...