“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” -Genesis 1:27
Please take a few minutes today to stand with us in defense of the equality of men and women, in opposition to the current culture that says we are the same, and for the protection of women and girls.
On Monday, February 24, the Iowa House Judiciary Committee passed HSB 242, Gender Protections & Sex Definitions, now known as HF 583. I was honored to testify on your behalf (30:00). This bill restores the Iowa Civil Rights Code to previous language by removing the gender identity that was added in 2007. This bill states that “equal does not mean the same or identical” and that “separate accommodations are not inherently unequal.” This protects women’s safe places, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, from the presence of biological males. Removing gender identity helps eliminate the risk of courts overturning legislative action to protect women and children. Despite the left’s protests, this bill does not strip anyone’s rights, such as housing, bank loans, or jobs. Instead, it restores equality for all Iowans who are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.
The House is scheduled to vote on HF 583 tomorrow, February 27, with a public hearing at 9:30 a.m.
Action: Please get in touch with your state representative today and respectfully ask them to pass HF 583. If you do not know who your representative is or need their contact information, go here. Be sure to tell them you were informed about this bill by Concerned Women for America of Iowa.
Prayer: Please pray for wisdom and courage for our representatives as they consider HF 583. Pray for your representative by name. Pray for safety within the capitol. Things have gotten so tense that several of the legislators and their staff need uniformed escorts when out of their offices. Pray for those currently refusing God’s plan for their lives; may they come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Monday’s opposition protest outside the hearing room. It was difficult to hear as the protestors screamed every time a speaker testified in favor of the bill. They texted someone outside the room every time a conservative began to speak. Chants include profanities and threats to individuals and groups. Video links are provided by the Iowa Standard.
A special thanks to Ames/Story City Prayer/Action Chapter Leader Laura Carlson, Johnston Prayer/Action Chapter Leader Debra Davis, and former Legislative Liaison Kathryn Kueter, for testifying yesterday as citizens.
Congratulations to Laura Carlson for taking on the role of Legislative Liaison as of today! If you have legislative questions, please feel free to give her a call at 515-291-5430.