Iowa activists rallied against anti-LGBTQ laws, Boston declared itself a trans sanctuary, and North Dakota lawmakers rejected a challenge to marriage equality.

Anti-LGBTQ Bills Spark Capitol Rally in Iowa

The state’s recent slew of anti-LGBTQ legislation pushed some to rally at the Iowa Capitol, holding signs and spreading messages of love and acceptance.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed a bill into law that erased gender identity as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

"It's common sense to acknowledge the obvious biological differences between men and women. In fact, it's necessary to secure genuine equal protection for women and girls,” she said in a video she posted to social media.

Waving rainbow flags and singing “we shall overcome,” the Iowa Capitol protest saw hundreds of people in attendance.

City Council Labels Boston A Trans ‘Sanctuary’

Boston City Councilor, At-Large Julia Mejia. Photo via www.boston.gov.

In a 12-1 vote, City Council members declared Boston a sanctuary city for transgender people.

Members like Councilor-at-Large Julia Mejia voted to adopt the measure as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s harmful rhetoric toward the LGBTQ community.

“Boston is not going to back down,” Mejia said. “We’re seeing attacks on our trans loved ones, and here on the local level, a lot of folks are feeling helpless.”

Though the resolution is more symbolic than a binding agreement, Mejia said it is a vital first step and an “opportunity to set the groundwork for the legislation.”

Resolution Against Marriage Equality Rejected in North Dakota

Photo via Austin Foss, Facebook.

The North Dakota Senate rejected a resolution that would have requested the Supreme Court to reexamine its 2015 decision on marriage equality, according to The Hill.

Rep. Austin Foss, one of three openly gay men in the state Legislature, testified against the resolution in February. Foss, who married his husband last year, said he never thought he’d have to fight for his marriage to be recognized under the law.

“This hurts,” Foss said in February. “I don’t come into your church, into your home, and force you to relabel your relationship just because I don’t agree with it.” 

The state House passed the resolution in February, but it was rejected by the Senate last week in a 31-16 vote.

Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for the ACLU of North Dakota, said the Senate made the right decision.

“We’re disappointed, however, that because of the blind vote, North Dakotans will not be able to see how their senators voted,” Schuler said. “Advocating for the reversal of Obergefell v. Hodges disregards the progress made toward inclusivity and equal rights and undermines the pluralistic and inclusive fabric of our society, and our elected leaders need to be accountable to their constituents with their votes.”