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Iowa has passed a law defining "sex" strictly as male or female, aligning with a January executive order from President Donald Trump that recognizes human biological sexuality in the same binary terms. This makes Iowa the first state to remove gender identity protections from its code.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law on February 28, and it will take effect on July 1. The law defines "sex" as “the state of being either male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth.” It also specifies definitions for "female," "male," "mother," and "father."
The legislation requires that sex at birth be recorded on birth certificates, allowing up to six months for parents to obtain necessary medical determinations if needed. It removes the term “gender identity” from Iowa’s civil rights code and prohibits schools from teaching “gender theory” or sexual orientation in kindergarten through sixth grade.
In a social media video, Governor Reynolds described the issue as sensitive but emphasized what she sees as common sense distinctions between men and women. She stated that these distinctions are necessary for equal protection under the law.
Reynolds argued that previous laws blurred biological lines between sexes and claimed they led to state-funded gender reassignment surgeries, which she opposed.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups such as One Iowa have protested against the bill. Max Mowitz, One Iowa's executive director, criticized Reynolds' decision, stating it legalizes discrimination against transgender individuals across various aspects of life.
Despite criticism, Reynolds maintained that the law aligns with federal civil rights codes and aims to protect women and girls while ensuring respect and dignity for all Iowans.
Gina Christian reported this story for OSV News with contributions from Peter Jesserer Smith.
