Washington D.C., Jan 18, 2023 / 11:00 am
The Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, has banned the use of puberty-blocking drugs, transgender pronouns, and the use of bathrooms opposite of one’s biological sex as part of an effort to “welcome and minister to those coping with gender dysphoria while following Catholic Church teaching,” a diocesan representative told CNA.
The new policy, which went into effect Monday, consists of seven new rules regarding transgender ideology at the diocese’s 17 schools (including two high schools) and 80 parishes.
The policy on “designations and pronouns” bans the use of preferred pronouns that contrast with the person’s biological sex on school campuses, parishes, and diocesan ministries. According to the diocese, the use of transgender-preferred pronouns “promotes the dissociation of biological sex and ‘gender’ and thereby confuses or denies personal integrity.”
Diocesan schools, parishes, and organizations are also not to permit cross-dressing, the use of bathrooms and locker rooms opposite a person’s biological sex, or the competition of transgender athletes in the opposite sex’s sports.