Iowa Senate passes bill on crime against transgender people

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would make it a hate crime in Iowa to commit an offense against a person because that person identifies as transgender.

The Democratic-controlled chamber voted 27-21 Tuesday for the bill. It now heads to the Republican-majority House, where its future is unclear. The bill must be voted out of a full committee by Friday to meet a legislative deadline for the session.

The bill would make it a hate crime if an offense is committed against a person because of the person's gender identity or gender expression. Sen. Matt McCoy, a Des Moines Democrat, says the bill would add protections to a marginalized group.

Data show more than 15 states have included gender identity in their hate crime laws.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/8/2016 @ 3:06 PM CST