DES MOINES, Iowa — After a week at the Iowa Capitol of protests and policy being advanced to remove ‘gender identity’ as a protected class in the state’s civil rights code, Iowa Republicans look to vote the bill through both chambers.

Thursday morning saw the largest number of protesters lining up around the statehouse at 8 a.m. The Iowa House held a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. lasting for an hour and a half. 167 speakers signed up to speak, with only 23 being in favor of the bill.

“Today is my 18th birthday. I stand before you fighting for the same basic civil rights that every Iowan deserves by humanely asking you to vote against this bill,” said Kayde Martin from Anamosa.

“…With liberty and justice for all,” said Keenan Crow, the Director of Policy and Advocacy at One Iowa, reciting the pledge of allegiance to open his public remarks. “Except for transgender people.”

Hundreds of protestors would pause chanting while those opposed to the bill spoke, and began chanting once again when those in favor would speak.

“The people who conditioned me into believing I was transgender were not just friends looking to help me, there were adults I trusted to guide me in the right direction when I was insecure and suicidal. Instead I was told I may have been born in the wrong body,” said Ariella Crouse from Carlisle.

“Support of this bill has been characterized as being unkind, uncompassionate and unloving, as well as denying of civil rights. Having read it, I don’t see any of that included in the bill,” said David Bush of West Des Moines.

Currently the legislation is being debated on the Iowa Senate floor and it will move over to the Iowa House later in the afternoon.

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