Iowa Congressman Steve King hits new low with anti-trans bill

By Rob Howard
Associate Editor

Iowa’s US Rep. Steve King is widely known for his anti-LGBT and far right-wing views. It is reflected in the legislation that he proposes. But a proposed amendment he has submitted for the 2017 Legislative appropriations bill hits a new low.

King’s amendment to HR 5325 says, “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to encourage, allow, or require any individual to use any bathroom other than the bathroom of the individual’s biological sex.”

Rollcall.com reports that, “At the same time, New York Democratic Rep. Sean Maloney is again trying to add a measure barring discrimination by federal contractors because of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The dueling amendments have disrupted the appropriations process in the House. Rep. Maloney  was successful in getting his amendment attached to a water and energy bill, with the support of over 40 GOP members. However, when it came to a vote on the full bill, the measure failed.

“This time, the House Rules Committee will decide which of about 30 amendments submitted by lawmakers on Monday will actually be open to debate. The committee meets Wednesday, and floor votes could begin as early as Thursday,” Rollcall reports.

The Washington Blade exposed King’s other amendments, that are equally right wing, saying, “The amendment is but one that King has proposed for the legislation. Others would bar the hiring of undocumented immigrants, empower the Capitol Police to enforce immigration laws and allow the lawful carry of firearms on Capitol Grounds.”

According to the Blade, “David Stacy, government affairs director for the Human Rights Campaign, lambasted King for proposing the anti-trans measure, calling it an attack on transgender people.

“’Rep. King’s opposition to basic fairness and equality for LGBTQ people is no secret,’ Stacy said. ‘Today he’s proposing an amendment that would tell every Members’ transgender constituents they aren’t welcome to visit the Capitol, the Library of Congress, or a House or Senate office building. Surely the House of Representatives has important work it should be getting done for the American people instead of targeting transgender Americans. The House should reject this harmful and mean-spirited amendment.’”

Copyright 2016 The Gayly - June 7, 2016 @ 12:45 p.m.