Friend –

This week, on July 1, a number of new laws went into effect, the result of an incredibly difficult Iowa legislative session. In particular, it is heartbreaking to see gender identity protections stripped out of the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

People all over the state are grieving the loss of such important legal protections. Many Iowans now have fewer civil rights than they did in the past. People will be hurt – at work, in getting a place to live, and even just going to the store. This is tragic for transgender Iowans and for every Iowan. It violates our very principles of equality under the law.

Meanwhile, our legislative team at the Iowa Capitol and elsewhere continues to work to mitigate harms when possible. And we help pass positive legislation more often than might be evident during this difficult political environment.

For example, two good laws taking effect are an anti-SLAPP law that protects freedom of speech and also a new law that requires more open meetings training and increases fines for violating open records laws. The ACLU of Iowa has been working on free speech and open government issues for decades. These are big wins that will have an immediate impact on people's right to free expression and government transparency.

Read more about the 2025 legislative session.

Since the ACLU of Iowa was created in 1935, people who care about civil liberties have seen some legislative sessions that were easy. Some have been hard. But know that no matter how easy or how hard, we'll continue to do everything in our power – with your help – to preserve our fundamental rights in Iowa.

With appreciation,

Pete McRoberts
ACLU of Iowa Policy Director