Headline: Des Moines Register, 2/12/2025
A number of LGBTQ Iowans and LGBTQ rights groups came to the Capitol on Wednesday to oppose the bill, while religious and conservative groups spoke in favor of the legislation.
Berry Stevens, a 14-year-old high school freshman who uses they/them pronouns, told lawmakers it is "infuriating" coming to the Iowa Capitol "over and over again to beg for your protection."
"It is because of bills like this that kids like me struggle with bullying, mental health crises and higher suicide rates than the general population," they said. "You should be protecting us, but instead you’re endangering us. How are you able to look me in the eye and say that you want to get rid of me?"
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