Bill > SF208

This bill amends the Iowa Civil Rights Act to explicitly clarify that sexual attraction to minors (pedophilia) is not considered a protected characteristic under the definition of "sexual orientation" in the state's civil rights law. Currently, the law defines sexual orientation as the actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality of a person. The proposed change adds language to the existing definition to ensure that pedophilia and an adult's sexual attraction to minors are expressly excluded from the protected status. This modification aims to prevent any potential legal interpretation that might construe sexual attraction to minors as a protected class under the civil rights protections, which prohibit discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit practices. By making this explicit, the bill seeks to reinforce that sexual attraction to minors is not a characteristic that receives legal protection under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF208