The Ames City Council voted to adopt an ordinance that protects gender identity during a meeting held at 18:00 on Tuesday. This decision comes in response to recent legislative changes in Iowa, specifically the enactment of Senate File 514, which removed gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Code.
The council first discussed modifying Municipal Code 14 to include gender identity in December 2023. After deliberating options, they progressed to “alternative one” during a January meeting, which allows the city to investigate claims of gender identity discrimination, impose significant financial penalties on violators, and incorporate mediation provisions.
The potential impact of House Study Bill 664, which seeks to prevent local governments from enacting protections that extend beyond the Iowa Civil Rights Act, was a focal point of discussion. If signed into law, this bill would inhibit cities like Ames from enacting local ordinances that safeguard gender identity. “If they pass this, then it’s over,” said Ward 2 Representative Tim Gartin, expressing concern that the council’s efforts would be rendered ineffective. He suggested pausing the ordinance to assess the bill’s fate in the legislature, but his motion did not receive a second.
Despite Gartin’s reservations, other council members voiced their commitment to the ordinance. “I don’t think the legislature over the last several years has shown any interest in listening to what municipalities have to say,” noted At-Large Representative Amber Corrieri. She emphasized the importance of protecting all individuals from discrimination, regardless of legislative attitudes.
Ward 1 Representative Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen reinforced the council’s position, stating, “In Ames, we believe in equal access to housing, to employment, to education, for all people.” The council did not solicit public input during the meeting, but a show of hands revealed overwhelming support for the ordinance, with only one attendee opposing the change.
The council voted 5-1 in favor of the first reading of the modified Municipal Code 14, with Gartin opposing. Similar votes followed for suspending rules and for the second and third readings, all resulting in the same outcome. The ordinance’s adoption passed with a final vote of 5-1, again with Gartin in opposition. The ordinance will not take effect until it is published.
In addition to discussions surrounding gender identity, the council unanimously approved the 2026 to 2031 Capital Improvement Plan and the adjusted budget for FY25/26. The council set March 24 as the deadline to adopt the property tax levy for FY26/27.
For further details on the Ames City Council and its initiatives, residents can visit the official city webpage.
