Iowa bill on parental rights and LGBTQ protections sparks debate

Read more at KCCI news.

A bill moving through the Iowa Legislature is sparking a heated debate over parental rights and LGBTQ protections, as House lawmakers voted 65 to 31 to pass it.

The bill states it would not be considered child abuse for parents to seek therapy aimed at helping a child live according to their biological sex and would allow parents to use pronouns that match the child’s sex or decline gender-affirming medical care.

Supporters say the bill protects parents’ ability to raise their kids. LGBTQ advocates warn the language could protect conversion therapy and expose kids to harmful treatment. Democratic Rep. Angel Ramirez expressed concern, saying, “I urge a no vote because we will have the blood of LGBTQ+ kids on our hands.”

The bill now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it has to be approved in the next two weeks to stay eligible for the rest of the session.