Last Tuesday, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit wit ACLU of Iowa and with co-counsel support from the law firm Jenner & Block LLP to block a sweeping law in Iowa (SF 496) that seeks to silence LGBTQ+ students, erase any recognition of LGBTQ+ people from public schools, requires reporting on students who ask to be referred to by names or pronouns that align with their gender identities, and bans books with sexual or LGBTQ+ content. Website Link Here .

Virtual press conference about the lawsuit and the clients:

Website Link Here .

In 2009, Iowa was the third state in the country to recognize and legalize marriage equality in the lawsuit Varnum v. Brien [ Website Link Here ] . But now, anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and lawmakers claim that most people want to erase LGBTQ+ people from society. We know this is not true, and that they do not represent the majority public opinion. When these hateful figures rise up, Lambda Legal is always ready to fight back and protect LGBTQ+ rights.

Schools should be safe havens that protect all students—including LGBTQ+ students—so they can learn and thrive in an affirming environment. Lambda Legal has fought for and won protections for students in the past, and we're back in court in Iowa to do this again.

See Website Link Here .

Also see Website Link Here .

In the past several years, we have seen states turn their backs on LGBTQ+ students by enacting harmful "Don't Say LGBTQ+" laws as part of a coordinated effort that vilifies the LGBTQ+ community and aims to roll back our progress.

By forbidding even the acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ topics, these laws send the message to LGBTQ+ kids that their identities are too shameful to be acknowledged. They endanger not only students' mental health, but also their physical safety and well-being, putting students at risk of bullying, violence, and even suicide.

And they must be struck down.

Article Link Here