Iowa passes education bill that includes anti-LGBTQ+ Policies
[QUAD CITIES, IA & IL – May 26, 2023] – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a massive educational overhaul today, codifying into law policies that will harm LGBTQ+ youth across the state.
“We are not surprised to see more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation coming out of Des Moines,” said TPQC Chief Executive Officer Caitlin Wells (she/her). “The new policies included in this bill will make the lives of our LGBTQ+ youth even more difficult.”
SF496 contains a laundry list of anti-LGBTQ+ policies proposed by legislators this session including:
· Language removing curriculum requirements around HIV and HPV
· A ban on discussions around LGBTQ+ topics in grades K-6
· Requirements forcing teachers and other staff to out students
· Language banning a variety of books from school libraries
“It might seem like legislators are giving more control to parents and guardians. This is simply false,” Wells said. “This is about marginalizing queer youth and creating an educational environment where being different is unacceptable.”
In March Gov. Reynolds signed two anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law: one banning gender affirming care for youth and another forcing public school students to use bathrooms that do not match their gender identity.
Iowa is just one of many states enacting such policies. In fact, the ACLU has identified over 450 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state houses across the country.
“The Project firmly believes that all people should be treated with dignity and respect,” Wells said. “And we continue to urge all lawmakers to act in ways that protect this dignity. Our kids deserve better than this and we will not rest until they have what they deserve.”
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
Since 1986, The Project of the Quad Cities has served people living with HIV/AIDS through remarkable health care services. In recent years the organization’s services have grown to include:
Learn more about The Project’s services at www.tpqc.org.