by GISSELE GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
A newly passed Iowa law bans transgender girls and women from competing in sports according to their gender identity. This bill passage makes Iowa the second state to pass an anti-trans sports law this year.
Bill HF 2416 took effect immediately after it was signed by Gov. Reynolds and only allows cisgender women and girls to compete in female sports. This new law applies to all K-12 schools, community colleges, NCA, and NAIA colleges and universities in the state.
During the bill signing ceremony, Gov. Reynolds used transphobic language to justify the passing of the bill, stating:
“This is a victory for girls’ sports in Iowa…No amount of talent, training, or effort can make up for the natural physical advantages males have over females. It’s simply a reality of human biology… Forcing females to compete against males is the opposite of inclusivity and it’s absolutely unfair.”
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To help support LGBTQ+ Youth in Iowa, donate to Iowa Safe Schools.
“The mission of Iowa Safe Schools is to provide safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments and communities for LGBTQ and allied youth through education, outreach, advocacy, and direct services.
“With the stroke of a pen, Governor Kim Reynolds has made it clear that the lives of transgender children in Iowa do not matter,” – Becky Smith, executive director of Iowa Safe Schools.