Representative Hans C. Wilz, serving Iowa District 25, has issued a statement regarding his vote in support of House File 583, a bill that addresses the definitions of sex and gender, gender identity protections, vital records, and the teaching of gender theory in Iowa schools.
“Yesterday, I cast my vote in favor of House File 583, a bill that brings clarity to important issues surrounding sex and gender for the purposes of statutory construction, vital records, and gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This decision was made after careful consideration of the complex issues at hand and the input I’ve received from a variety of stakeholders across our state. I want to take this opportunity to explain my position and the thought process behind it.
This bill seeks to address crucial matters, including defining terms like sex and gender in legal contexts, clarifying how gender is represented on certain vital records, and establishing guidelines for the teaching of gender theory in schools. At its core, House File 583 aims to ensure that all Iowans can live and work in a state that is fair, safe, and consistent in its application of the law, while also safeguarding women’s sports and protecting public spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
As a father to a gay son, I have a deeply personal understanding of the importance of respecting individual identities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued. I love my son and want him, as well as others in the LGBTQ community, to live in a world where they are treated with dignity and respect. That is why my support for this bill is not an opposition to the LGBTQ community, but rather a reflection of my desire to ensure fairness in all aspects of public life. This bill does not aim to diminish anyone’s rights but to balance competing interests in a way that promotes safety and equality for all Iowans.
I am fully aware that this bill has raised strong emotions across many communities, including the LGBTQ community. I have spent time meeting with LGBTQ individuals, particularly in the East Village, to listen to their concerns and hear firsthand about the challenges they face. These conversations, though often difficult, have only strengthened my commitment to ensuring that all Iowans, regardless of their identity, are treated with respect and fairness. I want to acknowledge the pain and frustration that some in the LGBTQ community feel, and I want to reaffirm that my support for this bill does not equate to a lack of support for your rights or dignity.
I believe it is crucial to protect individuals’ ability to live authentically, but we must also ensure fairness in areas where shared spaces and resources are concerned, particularly when it comes to sports and other public facilities. My vote on this bill was guided by the principle that we can both respect individual identities and ensure that women and girls have a fair playing field in sports, as well as safe spaces in bathrooms and locker rooms.
While I fully support the rights of the LGBTQ community, including my son, I also believe in the importance of maintaining fairness in public institutions. This bill is not about creating division but about finding a path that respects everyone’s rights while addressing these complex issues. We must continue to work together to ensure that every Iowan—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation—feels safe, valued, and respected.
I also want to address something troubling that has occurred in response to this vote: the hateful and malicious attacks directed at family businesses, staff, and community members simply because of political disagreements. It is never acceptable to resort to personal attacks, threats, or hate-filled rhetoric. While we may disagree on important issues, we must maintain respect for one another. I will continue to fight for a future where we can have difficult conversations without resorting to hate or harm.
Though this bill will have significant consequences for our state, it is not the final word. The conversation around gender identity and its implications will continue, and I remain committed to engaging with all Iowans—listening, learning, and working toward solutions that serve the best interests of our state. I am always open to hearing your thoughts, concerns, and ideas, and I encourage you to continue sharing your voices with me as we move forward.
As your representative, I will always stand for fairness, freedom, and respect for all people. I will continue to fight for the rights of every Iowan, including the LGBTQ community, and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to live with dignity and without fear of discrimination.
Thank you for your trust and for the opportunity to serve you. Together, we can ensure that Iowa remains a place where all people are treated equally, fairly, and with the respect they deserve.
-Representative Hans C. Wilz, Iowa District 25
