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Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill banning Iowa schools from teaching students about gender theory or sexual orientation.House File 2121 would apply to students in grades 7-12. It would expand the current law already in place for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and would also apply to charter schools.Critics of the bill say it risks marginalizing students from LGBTQ+ families. Lawmakers who support the bill say it’s meant to keep teachers focused on other subjects.The bill passed through subcommittee Wednesday. During public testimony, some Iowa parents and students pleaded with lawmakers to consider how the proposal would affect children who already feel vulnerable at school.“We care about our children being hurt and alienated and excluded and every time you guys pass legislation like this, that’s exactly what it does,” said Heather Ryan, a community activist and parent.Others echoed those concerns, telling lawmakers the proposal would make school environments even more isolating.“The entire premise of this is to make it harder for LGBTQ students to exist,” said Eli Cade, who also spoke against the bill.Supporters of the legislation said sexuality should not be part of public school instruction.“Political indoctrination ought not to be done on the taxpayer dime in public institutions,” said Jeff Pitts with the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.Others urged lawmakers to draw a clear distinction between what is taught at school and what is discussed at home.“Supporting this bill is about preserving family values, respecting parental authority, and ensuring minors are allowed to grow up without unnecessary pressure related to sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Katherine Bogaards with Protect My Innocence.Democratic state Rep. Elinor Levin also pushed back against the proposal.“I am myself queer. I have been since I was born. It is part of my existence,” Levin said. “To pretend that queer people do not exist, is neither workable nor wise in thinking about how we care for our kids.”Republican lawmakers ultimately moved the bill forward, emphasizing that they see it as a “narrow” policy.“This very narrow bill, it’s simply says teachers, please focus on educational topics. Please talk about academics,” said Representative Helena Hayes, a Republican from New Sharon.The bill is now eligible for consideration in the full House Education Committee. The committee is expected to take it up Wednesday night.
Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill banning Iowa schools from teaching students about gender theory or sexual orientation.
House File 2121 would apply to students in grades 7-12. It would expand the current law already in place for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and would also apply to charter schools.
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Critics of the bill say it risks marginalizing students from LGBTQ+ families. Lawmakers who support the bill say it’s meant to keep teachers focused on other subjects.
The bill passed through subcommittee Wednesday.
During public testimony, some Iowa parents and students pleaded with lawmakers to consider how the proposal would affect children who already feel vulnerable at school.
“We care about our children being hurt and alienated and excluded and every time you guys pass legislation like this, that’s exactly what it does,” said Heather Ryan, a community activist and parent.
Others echoed those concerns, telling lawmakers the proposal would make school environments even more isolating.
“The entire premise of this is to make it harder for LGBTQ students to exist,” said Eli Cade, who also spoke against the bill.
Supporters of the legislation said sexuality should not be part of public school instruction.
“Political indoctrination ought not to be done on the taxpayer dime in public institutions,” said Jeff Pitts with the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Others urged lawmakers to draw a clear distinction between what is taught at school and what is discussed at home.
“Supporting this bill is about preserving family values, respecting parental authority, and ensuring minors are allowed to grow up without unnecessary pressure related to sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Katherine Bogaards with Protect My Innocence.
Democratic state Rep. Elinor Levin also pushed back against the proposal.
“I am myself queer. I have been since I was born. It is part of my existence,” Levin said. “To pretend that queer people do not exist, is neither workable nor wise in thinking about how we care for our kids.”
Republican lawmakers ultimately moved the bill forward, emphasizing that they see it as a “narrow” policy.
“This very narrow bill, it’s simply says teachers, please focus on educational topics. Please talk about academics,” said Representative Helena Hayes, a Republican from New Sharon.
The bill is now eligible for consideration in the full House Education Committee. The committee is expected to take it up Wednesday night.
