Over 100 people rallied in Grinnell’s Central Park and walked through much of downtown on Thursday to protest House File 583 (HF583), denouncing its exclusion of gender identity from civil rights that are currently protected by law. 18 years after Iowa codified civil rights for transgender citizens, the passage of HF583 would make it the first state to strip those protections and could set a precedent for their repeal nationwide.
Part of HF583 is the proposed amendment to Iowa Code Section 216.6A(1)(b), which, if signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds, would remove the language stating that gender identity is protected under civil rights law and effectively strip protections from transgender individuals.
The Iowa Senate approved the bill later on Thursday, only a few hours after the Grinnell protest and as hundreds of other protesters packed the hallways of the state Capitol in Des Moines. The bill was approved with a tally of 33 votes in favor and 15 against. Iowa House members also passed the bill on Thursday, with a tally of 60 votes in favor and 36 against. Governor Kim Reynolds still needs to sign the bill in order for it to become law.
“It’s called a women’s rights bill. I’m thrilled that it passed. It restores the right of women to have privacy in those private spaces, and it restores the rights of women to have their own sports,” said Rep. Dean Fisher (R – Montour). “If they were protesting against the bill, then they’re wrongheaded, and they’re trying to erase women in our society. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
The protest on Thursday was organized by a subgroup of the Grinnell Organizing Collective. The collective is working to establish a Pride Center, a Pride House and a PFLAG chapter in Grinnell, according to organization leaders.
“We had a meeting Tuesday night, and while some of us discussed going to the State House today, we realized that’s not something everyone can do,” said Kelsey Sandeno, who is part of the organizing group. “We wanted to do something here in Grinnell so those who can’t make it to the epicenter can still show that we’re there in spirit.”
The demonstration brought residents of all ages together, united in their concern over the proposed legislation.
“Human rights should never be contested by the government,” said a Grinnell high school student who chose to stay anonymous since her family disagrees with her political opinion on the matter. “They’re more worried about taking away rights from people just trying to live, and I feel like that is just not only unnecessary, but clearly their priorities are not where we need them.”
Protesters chanted, “Kim Reynolds go away, trans rights are here to stay” as they walked through downtown Grinnell.
“Trans rights are civil rights, and if we take away their rights, then that’s just really opening up for us to legally discriminate against them, to hate on them,” Grinnell resident Rhonda Scull, 60, said.
For many, the legislation represents a direct threat to vulnerable communities, particularly transgender children.
“One of the most important things we can do is protect our children. It is terrifying that there is legislation to not help every single child grow up to be successful,” said Angela Ruth, a Grinnell resident.
Others said the attack on trans rights is part of a larger pattern of restricting civil liberties.
“They won’t stop at trans people, women’s rights, trans people’s rights, same-sex marriage, immigrants, religious minorities. They’re all in line to be attacked by the folks who are behind these anti-trans laws. It’s all a piece,” said Grinnell resident Maura Strasbourg.
Grinnell College students also stood in solidarity, adding their voices to the protest.
“I just hope trans people in Grinnell and around here can feel that they’re not alone, no matter what national crisis they’re facing and the fear that they’re experiencing,” said Michael Murray `27.
For many longtime residents, the struggle for trans rights is deeply personal and ongoing.
“One of our best friends declared being trans 45 years ago,” Judy Barber, 75, said. “She became just frightened about bathroom issues and licensed gender issues — same day issues today — 45 years later, it’s awful, so I hope things will be better for her and everybody.”
The Pride Center’s first series of events, “third Friday, third space,” will be held on the third Friday of every month at Grinnell’s United Church of Christ, according to organization leaders. The first event will take place on Mar. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’re organizing a Pride Center here in Grinnell, and it’s going to take a lot of work,” Sandeno said. “It’s going to be a third space for LGBTQIA+ and allies where you can just be and know that there will be a rest for your soul and for your spirit.”
Editor’s note: HF583 was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday, Feb. 28.
Monique Shore • Feb 28, 2025 at 10:15 am
Thank you so much for covering this story! I really appreciate your efforts to cover events in the wider community. You do a wonderful job with capturing photos and gathering input. I especially appreciate that you reached out to Dean Fisher and am impressed you were able to get him to respond and get his thoughts on this bill on record.