Recently a bill that was proposed by a group of Iowa lawmakers effectively died the same day.

Representative Phil Thompson and eight other Republicans were co-sponsors of a bill regarding transgendered individuals. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the bill was brought up due to concerns over the Iowa Supreme Court ruling that Medicaid funds would be allowed for gender reassignment surgery, as per the Civil Rights Act. Thompson argues another reason why he co-sponsored the legislation.

“The spot that puts our schools in: Biological males wishing to compete in girls sports or wanting to use locker rooms and showers. These really aren’t hypothetical situations anymore and schools that draw a line anywhere are opening themselves up to lawsuits.”

Thompson points out the bill’s intention wasn’t to allow for discrimination against transgender individuals, who could lose their job or be bullied. He believes transgender people are unintentionally using ways to create some difficult situations. 

House Judiciary Committee Chair Representative Steven Holt stated he wasn’t going to bring the bill to a sub-committee hearing this session. Thompson says he understands that Holt has a lot in committee right now, but he wanted to get this topic out for discussion and believes it is now on Holt’s radar.