The Cross and the Capitol, Part 5: Our Iowa – Reclaiming Democracy from the Christian Nationalist Grip
The resistance is here. How Iowans are fighting back for equality, inclusion, and the future of our state – and how you can join them.
Previously, Part 1: Iowa's Church-to-Statehouse Pipeline; Part 2: The WCN Legislative Agenda Takes Hold; Part 3: Christian Nationalist Infrastructure Exposed; Part 4: Shattering Iowa – The Human Cost of Christian Nationalism; Part 5 is below.
1. When We Stand Together
On a cold Monday morning in February, a visceral scene of democratic plea unfolded at the Iowa Capitol. As legislators prepared the final blow against Senate File 418, hundreds of ordinary citizens flooded the rotunda.
Independent accounts placed the crowd at upwards of 2,500—not lobbyists1, but parents holding pictures of their transgender children, faith leaders standing shoulder-to-shoulder, teachers, small business owners, and healthcare workers. Their chants echoed the state motto: "Our rights we prize, our liberties we will maintain".2
They lost. SF 418 passed, making Iowa the first state ever to legislatively erase existing civil rights for transgender people. A gutting defeat, seemingly preordained3.
Here's the chilling truth why: While that authentic community gathered in desperate hope, a hidden network of ultra-wealthy donors was already executing "Operation Watchtower”. Documents leaked from the secretive Ziklag Group confirm their cynical strategy: target and weaponize transgender rights as a wedge issue specifically designed to drive conservative turnout. Initial reports on "Operation Watchtower" focused on key swing states4. However,
The legislative offensive seen in Iowa, culminating in SF 418, strongly indicates a calculated move to leverage the state's current deeply conservative government—complete with veto-proof majorities and a supportive governor—as an ideal proving ground.
This investigation concludes that successfully implementing such a playbook here was likely viewed as a strategic step toward establishing a national precedent, regardless of Iowa's initial primary targeting for immediate electoral gain.
A state like Iowa—with its current deeply conservative state government, veto-proof majorities, and a supportive governor—would represent an ideal proving ground to successfully implement such a playbook and set a national precedent. This wasn't about principle; it was a cold, calculated electoral ploy using human lives as pawns.
The erasure of transgender Iowans from our civil rights code wasn't incidental; it was the direct, intended outcome of that playbook written far from our state5.
For four parts, we've journeyed together down a difficult path. As your neighbor, I've laid out the evidence – tracing the "Church-to-Statehouse Pipeline" fueled by White Christian Nationalism6, mapping influential networks like The Family Leader7, detailing specific laws rolling back rights, and confronting the very real human cost inflicted on our fellow Iowans.
But the most chilling revelation may be how calculated, how utterly manipulative, it all was. As we now know through documents leaked from the Ziklag Group, the assault on transgender Iowans wasn't merely a spontaneous eruption of local prejudice—it was a coldly engineered national strategy8. Their “Operation Watchtower” wasn't about deeply held beliefs; it was a cynical ploy designed specifically to exploit transgender lives as a wedge issue, rallying conservative voters—even those weary of Trump—by manufacturing outrage9. Iowa, it seems, was merely a proving ground, our neighbors used as unwilling test subjects. The erasure of fundamental rights from our civil code wasn't an unfortunate consequence; it was the explicit, intended outcome of a playbook written in distant boardrooms, callously indifferent to the Iowans whose lives would be shattered in the process10. This calculated strategy directly fueled the fear and legislative attacks detailed previously in Part 411.
And this coldly calculated plan required substantial resources to implement. Behind the operation stands an infrastructure of power and privilege. They have money, sourced from some of the wealthiest conservative Christian families in the nation12. They have organization, operating as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity despite engaging in activities tax experts believe test or violate the law13. They have a plan, aiming to "take dominion" over key sectors of society14.
But we have something more powerful: We have each other. And in Iowa, that still counts for something.
We've seen how an ideology seeking to impose one specific religious worldview onto our state's laws has gained alarming traction. We've documented the harm: the fear instilled in LGBTQ+ families15, the chilling effect silencing educators16, the potential barriers to healthcare17, the deliberate erosion of systems designed to foster equity18. It's easy, perhaps, after examining all this, to feel discouraged.
But that is not the end of Iowa's story. It's not the end of our story.
Because alongside the rise of this exclusionary movement, something else is happening across our state. In community centers, courtrooms, school board meetings, and in quiet conversations between neighbors, Iowans are pushing back. They are organizing, resisting, and defending a different vision of Iowa – one rooted not in religious imposition or exclusion, but in the democratic values of equality, fairness, inclusion, and genuine religious freedom for everyone19.
This resistance isn't just reactive; it's constructive. It isn't just saying "no" to Christian nationalism; it's saying "yes" to an Iowa where difference is not just tolerated but celebrated, where faith inspires service rather than control, where democracy means every voice matters.
And this resistance is already winning battles that matter...
2. The Battle on Three Fronts: Defense, Resilience, and Reclamation
The fight against the Christian nationalist agenda in Iowa is unfolding across three interconnected fronts: defending fundamental rights under immediate attack, building community resilience to withstand the pressure, and actively working to reclaim the state's democratic institutions and narrative.
Defending What's at Stake: The First Line of Resistance
The initial response to the Christian nationalist legislative agenda has been defensive—and necessarily so. When rights are under assault, the first priority must be protecting what remains.
In courtrooms across Iowa, legal defenders are mounting challenges to the most egregious attacks on civil liberties. The ACLU of Iowa, which has long stood as a bulwark against government overreach20, isn't backing down. Their history includes successful challenges to previous attempts to deny Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, culminating in Iowa Supreme Court decisions affirming coverage under the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) and later, the state constitution's equal protection clause when the legislature attempted to amend the ICRA21. While SF 418 aims to remove gender identity from the ICRA effective July 1, 202522, the ACLU's past victories demonstrate that legal avenues remain crucial. Similarly, their provision of "Know Your Rights" resources helps transgender Iowans navigate the complex legal landscape created by SF 418's impending civil rights rollback23.
Meanwhile, educators are finding creative ways to maintain inclusive learning environments despite new restrictions. When legislation like SF 496 created chilling effects around discussions of LGBTQ+ identities and banned certain books24, teacher networks reportedly formed to share resources on navigating these restrictions while still supporting all students25. One high school English teacher in eastern Iowa told me, "We're not going to abandon our students because of political pressure. We just have to be more strategic about the books we assign and how we discuss them.”26
Healthcare providers, too, are part of this defensive line. While "conscience" legislation like SF 220 and its companion HF 571 threatens access to care by allowing providers, institutions, and payors to refuse services based on moral or religious objections27, many medical professionals are reportedly creating referral networks to ensure patients can find affirming providers28. Major health systems like University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics29 and UCS Healthcare30 explicitly offer LGBTQ+-affirming services and referrals.
Perhaps most remarkably, we're seeing unexpected defenders emerge. The Iowa State Bar Association's decision to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on March 5, 2025—even as the legislature worked to dismantle such programs and specifically targeted gender identity protections via SF 418—showed that professional organizations understand what's at stake31 Their statement explicitly opposed SF 418, grounding their position in constitutional equality and legal precedent32. And when the bipartisan anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) legislation (HF 472) passed unanimously in the House this year, protecting free speech and press freedoms from intimidation lawsuits, it demonstrated that foundational democratic values can still transcend partisan divides when properly framed33. This law was spurred partly by a lawsuit that nearly bankrupted a small-town newspaper, highlighting the need to protect public discourse.
Table 1: Key Legislative Battlegrounds and Resistance (Iowa, 2023-2025)
3. Building Resilience: Communities Creating Safety Nets
Defense alone is insufficient. As the Christian nationalist agenda advances, affected communities have developed remarkable resilience strategies to support one another and maintain their integrity despite hostile legislation.
Online support groups for LGBTQ+ youth have proliferated across Iowa, providing safe spaces for connection when physical spaces become threatening34. Organizations like Iowa Safe Schools have expanded their GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) networks, connecting isolated students with peers and supportive adults through programs designed to foster inclusive school environments across all 99 counties35. Executive director Becky Taylor explained,
“The Iowa Legislature has taken the step to legalize discrimination against trans Iowans. Make no mistake - this bill will ultimately impact every protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. By adding ‘separate but equal' doctrine into Iowa code, our lawmakers have taken our state back to the 1890’s. Instead of making history for protecting all Iowans - the Iowa Legislature has made our state the first to revoke civil rights from an entire class of citizens. This is a shameful day in the history of our state and Iowa Safe Schools will continue to stand for trans and nonbinary Iowans.”36
Faith communities offering inclusive alternatives to Christian nationalism represent another form of resilience. Congregations across denominations—from Reform Jewish synagogues to Unitarian Universalist churches, from progressive Catholic parishes to affirming Protestant communities like those in the Quad Cities and Marion—are explicitly countering the narrative that religious faith must align with political exclusion37. Interfaith alliances, such as the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, emphasize that genuine religious freedom means all traditions are respected, not just one imposed on others, actively challenging Christian nationalist ideology through education and advocacy38.
Most powerfully, mutual aid networks have emerged to fill gaps when state support falls short. When transgender Iowans faced new barriers to healthcare access or potential loss of insurance coverage, community fundraising efforts sprang up, such as the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, designed specifically to cover costs associated with gender-affirming care39. When teachers found themselves unable to purchase certain books for their classrooms due to censorship pressures like those from SF 496, neighborhood book exchanges reportedly ensured young people could still access diverse literature40.
This resilience isn't just reactive—it's transformative. It demonstrates that even as formal institutions may become hostile, the spirit of community care that has long defined Iowa endures.
4. Taking the Offensive: Reclaiming Iowa's Democratic Promise
While defense protects what exists and resilience sustains communities through difficult times, the final phase of resistance is more ambitious: actively reclaiming Iowa's democratic institutions and cultural narrative.
This begins with voter education and mobilization. Groups focused on nonpartisan voter engagement are working to ensure that the Christian nationalist agenda—and legislators who advance it—face accountability at the ballot box41. Their efforts to register new voters, particularly among young Iowans and underrepresented communities, aim to build electoral power that better reflects the state's diverse population42. Providing clear, accessible information on voting procedures and deadlines is a key component of this work.
Strategic messaging efforts are countering the divisive "us vs. them" framework promoted by Christian nationalist groups43. By emphasizing shared Iowa values—fairness, neighborliness, practical problem-solving—these campaigns work to bridge divides and remind Iowans of their common ground44. Their approach recognizes what the Ziklag strategists understood: framing matters profoundly45.
Coalition-building efforts bring together unlikely allies united by concern about theocratic governance. Business leaders worried about economic competitiveness join with civil liberties advocates alarmed by rural Iowans concerned about hospital closures find common cause with urban advocates for healthcare access46. Parents committed to quality education collaborate across political differences to resist censorship and maintain inclusive schools47.
Perhaps most importantly, this offensive phase is advancing an alternative vision of Iowa's future—one founded on democratic pluralism rather than religious nationalism. This vision holds that Iowa's strength has always come from balancing respect for tradition with openness to change, from valuing community while protecting individual rights, from honoring faith traditions while maintaining secular governance.
This positive vision isn't theoretical—it's embodied in concrete policy alternatives. Community schools that serve as neighborhood hubs48. Healthcare solutions that expand access rather than restricting it49. Civil rights protections that encompass all Iowans, aiming for restoration and expansion50. Economic development strategies that benefit rural and urban communities alike, such as state-supported rural growth initiatives51.
When Iowans organize around this inclusive vision, they're not merely opposing Christian nationalism—they're making it irrelevant by offering something better. Crucial to the success of this reclamation is the broadening of the coalition beyond predictable lines…
5. The Unexpected Allies: Breaking the Partisan Frame
One of the most powerful developments in the resistance against Christian nationalism in Iowa has been the emergence of allies from unexpected quarters—voices that defy simplistic partisan categorization and demonstrate that opposition to theocratic governance transcends traditional political divides. This broadening coalition is essential for reclaiming a narrative centered on shared democratic values rather than narrow ideological litmus tests.
Among the most potent are conservative and evangelical Christians who reject the fusion of their faith with nationalist politics. Former Pastor Dan Berry exemplifies this stance. "We just need to be better at loving people and giving them hope.”52 His church has become a sanctuary for believers seeking a faith expression that emphasizes compassion over control53. Their voices challenge the Christian nationalist claim to represent the authentic Christian perspective.
Connie Ryan, Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa noted,
"The legislation is immoral. It is harmful. No one should have their civil rights taken away from them. Taking away civil rights protections and rewarding a small but vocal minority that chooses discrimination over the civil rights of their neighbors is wrong.”54
Rev. Betsey Monnot, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa noted, “Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is unthinkable to remove civil rights and legal protections from people that we love.”55
Business leaders have also proven crucial allies, recognizing that the Christian nationalist agenda threatens Iowa's economic future. The Iowa Chamber Alliance and other business groups have expressed concerns that discriminatory legislation, such as the proposed expansion of religious exemptions (SF 220/HF 571), makes it harder to attract and retain talent, particularly among younger professionals56. While specific company plans remain unconfirmed, the legislative climate raises concerns about Iowa's competitiveness, echoing national trends where anti-LGBTQ+ laws impact business decisions and talent migration57. These economic arguments reach Iowans who might not be moved by appeals to abstract rights.
Veterans have emerged as vocal defenders of religious freedom in its authentic form, arguing against the imposition of a single religious viewpoint. "I served two tours of duty in Germany. I've toured concentration camps. I learned a few things," explained a disabled combat veteran. "I am the epitome of Patriot. You are trying to dehumanize my family and friends.58" Their perspective carries significant moral weight, grounding the defense of pluralism in patriotism and constitutional duty.
Most surprisingly, some traditional Republican voters have drawn lines at Christian nationalism's authoritarian tendencies. Emily L. spoke out against stripping civil rights on behalf of her trans daughter, "service, social justice, dignity and worth of each person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence…..I hope that you will carefully consider the far reaching negative impacts of HSB 242 on the already incredibly marginalized transgender community which includes my child."59 These voices highlight that opposition is not solely a partisan issue but can also stem from core conservative principles like limited government and individual liberty.
These unexpected allies complicate the narrative that resistance to Christian nationalism is simply a "liberal" position. They demonstrate that concern about theocratic governance is fundamentally about protecting American constitutional principles—principles that many conservatives value deeply.
6. Why This Fight is Your Fight
Maybe you feel distant from these specific legislative battles. Maybe you aren't LGBTQ+, or directly affected by DEI bans, or worried about accessing specific healthcare. Why should this deeply concern you?
Because this isn't just about specific policies. It's about the kind of state we want to live in. It's about fundamental principles:
Equality: Do we believe all Iowans deserve the same rights and protections, regardless of their identity, their faith, or who they love? Or do we accept a hierarchy where some are more protected than others, as exemplified by the repeal of gender identity protections in SF 41860.
Fairness: Do we believe laws should be based on evidence, reason, and the well-being of all constituents, or dictated by the religious doctrines of one group, as potentially enabled by broad conscience clauses like SF 220/HF 57161.
Democracy: Do we believe in representative government that is accountable to the people, respects minority rights, and operates transparently? Or do we accept a system increasingly influenced by secretive networks like the Ziklag Group62, ideological pressure from groups like The Family Leader63, and authoritarian impulses that disregard public opposition, such as the passage of SF 418 despite significant protests64.
Community: Do we want an Iowa that embraces diversity and welcomes newcomers, fostering the vibrant exchange of ideas that drives innovation and strengthens our communities? Or do we retreat into suspicion and exclusion, creating a climate that makes it harder to retain talent and potentially drives families away.
The White Christian Nationalist agenda, as implemented through Iowa's Church-to-Statehouse pipeline65, directly challenges each of these principles. It seeks to replace pluralism with privilege, democratic accountability with ideological purity. Defending the rights of the most vulnerable among us isn't just an act of solidarity; it's an act of defending the democratic foundation that protects us all.
Consider this: Today, the target is transgender Iowans66. This is already the second group targeted after immigrants. Tomorrow, it could be another religious minority, another vulnerable group, or even practices and beliefs you personally hold dear but that don't align with the dominant ideology. The machinery of exclusion, once built and legitimized, rarely limits itself to a single target. The arguments used to justify removing civil rights protections for one group can be readily adapted for others.
History teaches us that the erosion of democracy rarely happens all at once. It occurs incrementally, with each small compromise making the next one easier to accept67. By the time the danger becomes obvious to everyone, the mechanisms of resistance have often been weakened beyond repair. The redefinition of "equal" in SF 418 to explicitly allow separate accommodations68 is a stark example of chipping away at established legal understanding.
That's why this moment requires all of us—regardless of our political affiliation, religious belief, or personal identity. The future of Iowa's democratic character depends not on any single election or piece of legislation, but on whether ordinary Iowans recognize what's at stake and find the courage to stand for something better.
7. A Way Forward: Your Role in Reclaiming Our Iowa
The forces driving the Christian nationalist agenda are organized, well-funded, and deeply committed69. The path ahead isn't easy. But despair is a luxury we can't afford, and inaction is complicity.
The good news is, you have power. We have power, especially when we act together. If you are concerned by the trends detailed in this series, here's how you can be part of reclaiming an inclusive, democratic Iowa:
Stay Vigilant & Informed: Don't look away. Follow local news, track legislation (tools like FastDemocracy.com), support independent journalism (like this platform, Restoring Democracy’s Promise), and understand who is funding the political messages you see70 Be aware of the national networks influencing state policy.
Speak Up, Speak Out: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. Share accurate information. Challenge the "us vs. them" narratives often employed71. Write letters to the editor. Engage respectfully but firmly in community discussions online and offline.
Contact Your Lawmakers: Your state legislators work for you. Call them. Email them. Attend their local forums. Let them know – clearly and repeatedly – that you oppose discriminatory legislation and expect them to uphold the rights of all Iowans and the separation of church and state72. Ask them directly about their connections to groups like The Family Leader (Note: The Family Leader was given the opportunity to respond to the issues raised throughout this investigation but provided no comment73). Find your legislator here: Find Your Legislator.
Support the Defenders: The organizations on the front lines need resources. Consider donating time or money to groups like the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, One Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, or others working to protect civil rights and democratic values in our state.
Show Up Locally: Pay attention to your local school board, city council, and county supervisor races. These are key battlegrounds where WCN-aligned groups often focus their efforts74. Attend meetings. Run for office yourself. Local action matters profoundly.
VOTE. In Every Election: Primaries, generals, local, state, federal. Research candidates thoroughly. Understand who they align with and what values truly guide their decisions. Your vote is your voice, amplified. Encourage everyone you know who values democracy and equality to register and vote. Find Iowa voter information here, Voters | Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate75.
Build Bridges: Look for opportunities to connect across differences. Form coalitions based on shared values rather than identical beliefs76. This work is about addition, not subtraction—bringing more people into the movement for a democratic, inclusive Iowa.
The fight for an inclusive, democratic Iowa is ongoing. It requires our attention, our courage, and our active participation. The pipeline we've examined can be challenged, its influence can be diminished, but only if we, the people of Iowa, stand together – across faiths, backgrounds, and political differences – to defend the principles of equality, justice, and representative democracy for all.
8. Two Possible Iowas: A Choice Before Us
As we conclude this journey together, the evidence points toward two divergent paths for our state—two possible Iowas that could emerge from this pivotal moment.
In one Iowa, the Christian nationalist agenda continues unchallenged. Civil rights protections erode further, leaving more vulnerable Iowans unprotected from discrimination, as SF 418 sets a precedent for removing established rights77. Healthcare becomes increasingly inaccessible as providers can refuse care based on personal beliefs without consequence, should measures like SF 220/HF 571 become law and broadly applied78. Education narrows, with fewer perspectives represented due to censorship laws like SF 496, and more young people feeling unwelcome or unsafe in their schools79. Democracy itself weakens as power concentrates among those aligned with a specific religious ideology, fueled by opaque funding networks80 and influential lobby groups81, while dissenting voices find themselves marginalized. The vibrant, diverse communities that have enriched our state wither as people who feel unwelcome seek homes elsewhere, impacting Iowa's economic vitality and social fabric82.
But there is another Iowa possible—one where people of all faiths and none, of all backgrounds and identities, work together to revitalize our democratic traditions. In this Iowa, civil rights expand rather than contract, recognizing the dignity of every person, fulfilling the calls for restoration and expansion83.
Healthcare is accessible to all who need it, guided by science and compassion rather than ideology84. Education flourishes, preparing young people to thrive in a complex, diverse world by resisting censorship and embracing inclusive curricula85. Democracy strengthens through increased participation86, transparency, and genuine representation. Communities grow more vibrant as people feel welcome to contribute their unique gifts and perspectives, supported by inclusive economic development87.
The path we take isn't predetermined. It depends on the choices we make—as individuals and as communities—in the days and years ahead. It depends on whether enough Iowans recognize what's at stake and find the courage to stand for an inclusive democracy rather than an exclusive theocracy.
I believe in that second Iowa. I believe in our capacity to build it together, drawing on the best of our traditions—like our historical commitment to expanding rights88—while embracing the promise of a more just future. And I believe that when the history of this moment is written, it will show that ordinary Iowans from all walks of life chose to stand on the side of freedom, equality, and genuine democracy.
That's the Iowa worth fighting for. That's the Iowa that can still be ours.
Will you help build it?
Thank you for following this investigation. The work of defending democracy belongs to all of us. Please share this series if you found it valuable, and consider supporting independent local journalism.
Sources & Further Reading
ProPublica investigation details Ziklag Group's 'Operation Watchtower' strategy using anti-trans messaging to mobilize conservative voters in key swing states (Arizona, Nevada, etc.) for the 2024 election.5 While Iowa was not named as a primary target in the leaked documents, the strategic playbook described mirrors the legislative focus seen in the state; 'Just let me exist': Angry Iowans protest bill ending transgender civil rights protections | Des Moines Register: Bill Information SF418 | Iowa Legislature BillBook; Iowa Legislature Passes Barbaric Bill to Allow Discrimination Against Transgender People | ACLU of Iowa
Iowa Legislature Votes to Strip Trans People From Civil Rights Protections | Erin In The Morning; Hundreds protest as legislature votes to remove gender identity from Iowa Civil Rights Act | Stateline: Hundreds protest as Legislature votes to remove gender identity from Iowa Civil Rights Act | Iowa Capital Dispatch
Leaked documents from the Ziklag Group, detailing its 'Operation Watchtower' strategy, were initially reported by ProPublica on July 14, 2024 highlighting a plan to use anti-transgender messaging as a wedge issue in key swing states to influence the 2024 election. While these initial leaked documents did not name Iowa as a primary target for that specific electoral mobilization, this investigation argues (as detailed in the main text) that Iowa's political landscape made it a strategically conducive environment for implementing and road-testing such legislative precedents. This suggests Iowa was leveraged as a strategically advantageous 'proving ground' due to its receptive political climate, allowing for the establishment of a legislative precedent.
ProPublica investigation details Ziklag Group's 'Operation Watchtower' strategy using anti-trans messaging to mobilize conservative voters in key swing states (Arizona, Nevada, etc.) for the 2024 election. While Iowa was not named as a primary target in the leaked documents, the strategic playbook described mirrors the legislative focus seen in the state.
Ziklag: A secretive ultra conservative Christian society hoping to usher in a 'biblical America' through Trump | Times of India; A secretive network of ultrawealthy Christian-right donors is spending nearly $12m to purge a million+ people from the rolls in key swing states + attack LGBTQ rights, aiming to tilt the 2024 election in favor of former President Donald Trump. | Nick Surgey, “X”
Inside Ziklag, the Secret Organization of Wealthy Christians Trying to Sway the Election and Change the Country | ProPublica; Organization of Wealthy Christians Trying to Sway the Election and Change the Country | Documented; JD Vance Campaign Event With Christian Right Leaders May Have Violated Tax and Election Laws, Experts Say | ProPublica
The ACLU of Iowa has a documented history of challenging restrictions on gender-affirming care, notably in Good v. Iowa DHS and Vasquez v. Iowa DHS, which secured Medicaid coverage under the ICRA and later the state constitution. These precedents remain relevant despite SF 418's attempt to alter the ICRA. No specific lawsuit challenging SF 418 itself was found in the available information as of April 30, 2025. Iowa Legislature Passes Barbaric Bill to Allow Discrimination Against Transgender People | ACLU of Iowa
Senate File 496 - Enrolled; Senate File 496's book ban blocked — again - West Side Story; I know my rights? Iowa Senate File 496, book bans, and the First and Fourteenth Amendments - EdWorkingPapers.com; What’s the Goal Here? Educator’s Perspectives of Iowa’s Senate File 496 on School Mental Health Systems | Kathryn Watson University of Iowa
Quote obtained via personal interview; source anonymized by request.
HF 571 - Iowa Legislature - BillBook, SF 220 - Iowa Legislature - BillBook, Bill Text: IA HF571 | 2025-2026 | 91st General Assembly | Introduced, Bill Text: IA SF220 | 2025-2026 | 91st General Assembly | Introduced; Bill expands conscience exception for Iowa medical providers, Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care; Delegations of Authority - HHS.gov
The Cross and the Capitol, Part 1: How Christian Nationalism's Pulpit-to-Policy Pipeline is Rewriting Iowa Law| Timothy C. Tucker, Restoring Democracy's Promise; From Bishop Kennetha: Being Vehicles of God’s Love and Grace in a Divided World — Reflections on Christian Nationalism | The First United Methodist Church Iowa Conference
Coalitions are forming across sectors, uniting groups like civil liberties advocates (e.g., ACLU Iowa ), secular organizations (e.g., Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers ), and business interests concerned about economic impacts, all finding common cause against aspects of the Christian Nationalist agenda. Shared concerns about healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, create potential common ground between different communities, addressed through state programs, stakeholder initiatives. Rural and Community Health | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services; Iowa Rural Healthcare Workforce Connection | GovDelivery; Rural and Community Health | Iowa Health and Human Services
Public comments on education-related bills reveal diverse parental concerns and engagement, though specific bipartisan parent groups focused on resisting censorship were not identified. Federal grants like the Stronger Connections Grant encourage parent engagement in creating safe/supportive schools. The community schools model involves partnerships between schools and community agencies focusing on academics, health/social services, and community engagement. Meeting Public Comments - Iowa Legislature.
Examples of proposed policies to expand healthcare access include Gov. Reynolds' proposal to increase medical residencies and unbundle Medicaid maternal rates, a proposed healthcare professional incentive program, and bills addressing prior authorization barriers and cost-sharing for breast exams. Note: Iowa HHS is also seeking to implement work requirements for the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan; Iowa Rural Healthcare Workforce Connection
Advocacy groups like One Iowa and Planned Parenthood have explicitly stated their commitment to working to restore civil rights protections following the passage of SF 418. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division also advocates for restoring/expanding protections; YLD Position on Civil and Human Rights - Iowa State Bar Association
State initiatives like the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative's BOOST program provide grants to support economic growth in smaller communities and counties, funding projects related to infrastructure, business attraction, housing, and workforce needs; Rural Iowa growth funding awarded to 2 cities, 2 counties | Business Record; Rural BOOST Program | Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority
Concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ legislation impacting talent recruitment and retention, potentially causing professionals and families to relocate, have been raised by legal professionals and observed in national surveys, though specific company decisions to pause expansion in Iowa require further confirmation. Less than half of surveyed Iowa LGBTQ youth plan to stay in the state after high school; 200+ Major U.S. Companies Oppose Anti-LGBTQ+ State Legislation | Human Rights Campaign
Iowa healthcare systems like University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and UCS Healthcare explicitly offer LGBTQ+-affirming care and referral resources. Concerns exist that conscience legislation (like SF 220/HF 571) could impede referrals.
ProPublica investigation details Ziklag Group's 'Operation Watchtower' strategy using anti-trans messaging to mobilize conservative voters in key swing states (Arizona, Nevada, etc.) for the 2024 election. While Iowa was not named as a primary target in the leaked documents, the strategic playbook described mirrors the legislative focus seen in the state. The Cross and the Capitol, Part 3: Mapping the Network – Iowa's Christian Nationalist Infrastructure Exposed | Timothy C. Tucker, Restoring Democracy’s Promise
"separate accommodations are not inherently unequal"; Bill Text: IA SF418 | 2025-2026 | 91st General Assembly | Introduced
The ACLU of Iowa has a documented history of challenging restrictions on gender-affirming care, notably in Good v. Iowa DHS and Vasquez v. Iowa DHS, which secured Medicaid coverage under the ICRA and later the state constitution. These precedents remain relevant despite SF 418's attempt to alter the ICRA. No specific lawsuit challenging SF 418 itself was found in the available information as of April 30, 2025.
The Family Leader was contacted via email on April 20, 2025, seeking comment on their role in advocating specific legislation and their national connections, but did not provide a response by the publication deadline.
Iowa voter information, including registration and finding county auditors, is available via the Secretary of State's website, Voters | Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate
Advocacy groups like One Iowa and Planned Parenthood have explicitly stated their commitment to working to restore civil rights protections following the passage of SF 418. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division also advocates for restoring/expanding protections.
ProPublica investigation details Ziklag Group's 'Operation Watchtower' strategy using anti-trans messaging to mobilize conservative voters in key swing states (Arizona, Nevada, etc.) for the 2024 election.5 While Iowa was not named as a primary target in the leaked documents, the strategic playbook described mirrors the legislative focus seen in the state; 'Just let me exist': Angry Iowans protest bill ending transgender civil rights protections | Des Moines Register: Bill Information SF418 | Iowa Legislature BillBook ; Iowa Legislature Passes Barbaric Bill to Allow Discrimination Against Transgender People | ACLU of Iowa
Iowa healthcare systems like University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and UCS Healthcare explicitly offer LGBTQ+-affirming care and referral resources. Concerns exist that conscience legislation (like SF 220/HF 571) could impede referrals.
Reports document the chilling effect of SF 496 on educators and classroom discussions. SF 496 requires schools to remove books depicting "sex acts" and restricts K-6 instruction on gender identity/sexual orientation.
Ziklag's internal documents outlined Operation Watchtower's goal to "deliver swing states" by leveraging anti-transgender sentiment, viewing it as an effective wedge issue even among voters fatigued with Trump.
Advocacy groups like One Iowa and Planned Parenthood have explicitly stated their commitment to working to restore civil rights protections following the passage of SF 418. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division also advocates for restoring/expanding protections; YLD Position on Civil and Human Rights - Iowa State Bar Association
State initiatives like the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative's BOOST program provide grants to support economic growth in smaller communities and counties, funding projects related to infrastructure, business attraction, housing, and workforce needs; Rural Iowa growth funding awarded to 2 cities, 2 counties | Business Record; Rural BOOST Program | Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority
Advocacy groups like One Iowa and Planned Parenthood have explicitly stated their commitment to working to restore civil rights protections following the passage of SF 418. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division also advocates for restoring/expanding protections; YLD Position on Civil and Human Rights - Iowa State Bar Association
Reference proposals aimed at expanding healthcare access, such as increasing medical residencies, incentive programs, and addressing prior authorization barriers. Note potential counter-trend with proposed IHAWP work requirements.
Community efforts include initiatives like the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, established to provide financial assistance for gender-affirming care for transgender Iowans facing barriers.
Iowa voter information, including registration and finding county auditors, is available via the Secretary of State's website.
State initiatives like the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative's BOOST program provide grants to support economic growth in smaller communities and counties, funding projects related to infrastructure, business attraction, housing, and workforce needs; Rural Iowa growth funding awarded to 2 cities, 2 counties | Business Record; Rural BOOST Program | Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority