DES MOINES, Iowa — House Republicans on Monday advanced a bill that would remove gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

On Monday morning House Republicans took up HSB 242 in a subcommittee meeting and dozens of LGBTQ advocates attended to voice their opposition to the bill. At some points speakers were forced to pause until protestors in the Capitol stopped chanting.

The subcommittee advanced the bill to the House Judiciary Committee scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. Only a couple hours later the Judiciary Committee passed the bill along party lines 13 to 8.

HSB 242 is now eligible for debate on the House floor.

According to Iowa Safe Schools, if the bill is passed Iowa would be the first state in the country to remove a protected class from a civil rights act.

“Today is a dark day for all Iowans as the Iowa legislature has moved this devastating piece of legislation forward,” Becky Tayler, Executive Director for Iowa Safe Schools, said. “Make no mistake — HSB 242 will empower individuals to discriminate against their fellow Iowans. It sends a message that Iowans aren’t welcome in their own state. We urge the Iowa House to reject this bill.”

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