Iowa State Senate Passes BIll Adding Transgender Protections To State Hate Crime Law

From One Iowa:

The Iowa Senate passed a bill adding gender identity and gender expression to the state’s hate crimes law today with a 27-21 vote. Adding gender identity and gender expression to the law would provide transgender Iowans with legal protection from hate crimes. The bill will now make its way to the Iowa House of Representatives.

“The Iowa Senate again came down on the right side of history.” One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing said. “For almost a year, we have spoken to Iowans about the need for the addition of gender identity and gender expression to the hate crimes law. Almost 1500 Iowans signed our petition and today the Iowa Senate showed real leadership and a commitment to equality.”

While the bill passed easily in the Democratic-controlled state Senate, I'm not sure how this will play out in the state House where Republicans have a majority.

At least 15 states have gender identity written into their hate crime laws.