(Radio Iowa) – Republicans on a House committee have passed a bill that requires educators to notify parents if their child asks to be known by a different gender at school. Representative Skyler Wheeler of Hull is chairman of the House Education Committee. “Schools do not have the right to keep secrets from parents,” Wheeler says. Democrats oppose the bill. Representative Art Staid of Cedar Rapids, says students who fear their parents’ reaction need to talk with a trusted teacher.

“I don’t think it’s any different than a child going to a priest to give confession,” Staid says. “You wouldn’t want them to share that publicly or with their parents.” Representative Sharon Steckman, a Democrat from Mason City, says the bill sends the wrong message about Iowa.  “These divisive, culture war bills will continue to worsen Iowa employers’ ability to attract and recruit and retain a world class workforce,” Steckman said.

Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, replied… “We didn’t start the culture war, but you can bet we are now engaged,” Holt said. “…This legislation is about respecting the rights of the parents in choosing how to raise their children and what standards by which they will raise their children.”

The bill passed the House Education Committee Tuesday night. It’s now eligible for a vote on the House floor.