Thread by @iowasafeschools

THREAD: SF 2342 will be coming up for debate shortly. This bill bans trans athletes from participating in Iowa. We’re live from the gallery - keep an eye on this Twitter #ialegis

Read the bill in the meantime: legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bi… #ialegis

Senator Goodwin, the bill’s floor amendment, begins debate with a motion to adopt a conforming amendment to match the house bill #ialegis

Since the amendment was adopted, we are now debating HF 2416. This passed the house in our previous thread #ialegis

Senator @ZachWahls brings up how state athletic associations have had inclusive policies in place for 15 years and there have been zero complaints #ialegis

@ZachWahls proposes a work group with experts to investigate this issue in a fair and non partisan way. Says this bill is a partisan, unfair solution #ialegis

@ZachWahls “rather bringing forward real solutions to the Reynolds Workforce Crisis” - the Iowa legislature focuses on false political issues #ialegis

@ZachWahls - Republicans are hoping to drive attention away from the Reynolds’ workforce crisis with division legislation like this #ialegis

@ZachWahls legislation excluding LGBTQ people is “bad for Iowa”, especially the economy #ialegis

@ZachWahls - reads a letter from national business leaders addressing how bills like this harm ALL Iowans #ialegis

@ZachWahls asks his colleagues to keep an open mind and be willing to learn from the current generation of youth. Quotes @ashlynkeeney’s @DMRegister op-ed #ialegis

@ZachWahls “it’s not a mystery why so many young people are CHOOSING to leave our state.” #ialegis

@ZachWahls “if we’re truly considering fairness, not politics,” vote no on this bill #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi brings up the struggles women have faced in history, how litigation brought about equal protection in sports #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi - this bill violates title XII & Title IX. Puts @IASB_Iowa in an impossible situation between state and federal law #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi “This bill will force schools to choose between state and federal law and taxpayers will be on the hook for the bill” #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi “the @NCAA has had trans inclusive policies for years.”

The @NCAA policy’s purpose is to treat trans individuals the same as their cis colleagues #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi mentions Bostock v Clayton Co ruling on how “sex”, as federally defined, includes gender identity and that trans people are entitled equal protection under the law #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi also points out how the Biden admin has issued guidance on Title IX being inclusive of trans individuals #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi - Idaho courts have disagreed with their law banning trans sport participation #ialegis

@SenClaireCelsi this bill is “legally risky, petty, partisan, and hateful” #ialegis

Sen Julian Garrett responding to @ZachWahls’ proposal to a study group - insisting it should include non-affirming parents #ialegis

Sen. Garriott “I’m listening to the people who elected me (parents)”

Issue experts “do not run this body” and don’t hold them accountable #ialegis

Sen Jesse Green rolling out conservative talking points on how this bill “protects women’s sports”.

Calls today “a historic day” #ialegis

@NateBoulton - this bill forces our schools into a legal impossibility. Schools will be forced to pay damages in federal court #ialegis

@NateBoulton - this bill creates a basis for lawsuits in federal court. To Senator Garrett - “I am a parent”.

Applying regulations meant for elite athletes to all students is unnecessary. Even still, there is better guidance than the approach this bill takes #ialegis

@NateBoulton points out inequities regarding women sports facilities, name, image, and likeness legislation re female athletes. The senate has not addressed these issues #ialegis

@NateBoulton - we love to celebrate individual female athletes. But same Republican legislators who decry “saving women’s sports” ignore the real systematic inequities #ialegis

@NateBoulton “just let the kids play. No one is stealing medals.” #ialegis

This legislation is “cruel, divisive, and dehumanizing” #ialegis

@NateBoulton - we should be supporting girls sports. This bill does not do that #ialegis

@JoeBolkcom - “this bill was created by the fear of the unknown.”

States this issue does not and has not affected Iowa #ialegis

@JoeBolkcom - there have been no instances of a trans girl winning a meet, game, or being accused of unfairness #ialegis

@JoeBolkcom - this bill is hurtful to the student and disrupts the school environment #ialegis

@JoeBolkcom - this bill reminds me of marriage equality debate in 2004 in IA senate. 3 Republican senators joined 22 democrats blocking the resolution banning marriage equality #ialegis

@JoeBolkcom - history was made by these 3 republicans and they are remembered by those in the chamber.

Calls out republicans here today who aren’t comfortable or supportive of this bill. “I hope we see some courage this afternoon.” #ialegis

Sen Jim Carlin supporting HF 2416. Brings up how females should have to face “men” in the locker room. Says no female athletes have complained about the bill.

Evidently, he missed @ashlynkeeney’s op-ed #ialegis

Sen Carlin - “maybe we’re trying to protect time-honored boundaries for women and girls.” #ialegis

Sen J Taylor thanks @IAGovernor for pushing for this bill. “Trans girls are boys. Trans women are men.”

“No matter how much we hear 2+2=5, it is not true.” #ialegis

Sen Taylor proposes that the fight for trans individuals is a conspiracy sponsored by democrats and “corporate media”. The trans movement endorses “the systematic erasure of women”, referencing TERF talking points #ialegis

Sen Taylor - trans youth deserve “respect” and should be protected from bullying.

This was his conclusion from a lengthy anti trans rant #ialegis

Sen Jochum - it can be hard to understand trans girls without being one or knowing one.

“Trans kids just want an opportunity to play sports for the same reason other kids want to” #ialegis

Sen Jochum - “this bill relies overly broad stereotypes” about trans women. Affirms the fact that all women, trans or cis, have different skills and athletic abilities #ialegis

Sen Jochum mentions a constituent who has a trans daughter who plays sports. States this bill will only continue to isolate this student and other trans children in Iowa #ialegis

Sen Jochum to Sen Carlin’s remarks about “time honored boundaries”

State that “time honored boundaries” have held back women, POC, disabled individuals, LGBT people, etc #ialegis

Sen Jochum “our history is stained with artificial boundaries that have been set”.

As time moves on, we’ve become a more inclusive society and a better people. “This is not the Iowa I know and love. This is not it.” #ialegis

Sen Cournoyer urges a yes vote on this bill #ialegis

Sen Sweeney - I have fought for recognition for women’s and girls sports.

“A no vote on this bill would strip everything my age bracket has worked for” #ialegis

Sen Quirmbach reads testimony from a Norwalk student who is also a member of the Board of Education. She is also a competitive athlete.

She calls out the bill for pushing “a false narrative”. States that there is no research supporting that trans athletes have advantage #ialegis

@EricGiddens4IA reads a letter from his constituents, practicing medical professionals at the Cedar Falls LGBTQ clinic.

“Do you believe all life matters? If so, do not pass this bill. HF 2416 will cause trans youth to take their life.” #ialegis

@EricGiddens4IA - these constituents have a trans child who’s participation in school athletics was critical to their well-being.

“Transgender individuals have as much of a right to participate in school athletics as their cis classmates.” #ialegis

@EricGiddens4IA “if you vote for this bill, you do not support life. Just some lives.” #ialegis

Sen. Driscoll - refers to “biological males” endangering women’s sports #ialegis

@janet4iowa “As a parent, that is something I want for my kids and all of Iowa’s kids - the power to be part of something – the power to feel the sense of belonging.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa “I think it is a universal wish from parents – that we want our children to grow up, knowing they are loved and worthy of love and inclusion.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa - “I’ve heard some very troubling comments that show a lack of knowledge and understanding about Iowa’s kids who are transgender. It shows just how much work is ahead of us to open hearts and minds to give our kids the love and support they need and deserve.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa - “(trans youth) deserve to feel like they belong. They deserve to be included, not excluded.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa - “When we give transgender students, like other Iowa students, dignity and respect – they thrive.  Our schools have figured out how to treat trans girls with dignity and respect.”

“Their policies are working.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa - “I know there are many trans kids watching this debate with their families and friends who are hearing the hurtful words coming from their statehouse today, and they wonder why…what did I ever do to you?” #ialegis

@janet4iowa “As a mom of four, as a lifelong Iowan – I want to tell our children, especially our LGBTQ+ students – I stand with you and so do many of my colleagues.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa - “Let today’s vote be a rallying cry – that we have work to do – to open hearts and minds.  Iowa is known for being an inclusive state where love prevails.  We can be that kind of Iowa again – a state where love wins.” #IALegis

“Colleagues, Iowa girls’ and womens’ sports didn’t need a rescue with this bill.  In fact, this legislation tarnishes Iowa girls’ and women’s sports reputation.  If you wanted to do something positive for Iowa athletes, or Iowa’s children – you could have addressed real problems”

@janet4iowa - “It’s time to quit stepping on Iowans instead of showing them love.  It’s time to quit manufacturing problems and passing false solutions that further your efforts to marginalize an already marginalized community.” #ialegis

@janet4iowa, concluding, “Iowans shouldn’t have to worry that their civil rights, and the civil rights of their classmates, friends, family members and neighbors, are on the line every time the legislature is in session.” #IALegis

We’re coming to final comments by Sen Goodwin. “Fairness and equality are not the same thing”.

Refers to being transgender as “a life choice”. #ialegis

We’re now onto final vote.

HF 2416 passes the Iowa Senate #ialegis