Bill > SF418

This bill comprehensively redefines and restricts references to sex, gender, and gender identity across multiple Iowa state statutes. The bill establishes a strict biological definition of sex, mandating that "sex" means an individual's reproductive system characteristics at birth, with males defined as those who produce sperm and females as those who produce ova. Key provisions include removing "gender identity" as a protected category in anti-discrimination laws, prohibiting school instruction on gender theory for kindergarten through sixth grade, and requiring birth certificates and official documents to reflect a person's biological sex as determined at birth. The legislation also restricts how state agencies, educational institutions, and employers can reference sex and gender, emphasizing biological sex as the primary classification. Additionally, the bill provides that separate accommodations based on sex are not inherently unequal and allows religious institutions broader exemptions in employment and service provisions. The changes aim to standardize statutory language around sex and limit discussions and protections related to gender identity, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF418