Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF325

Introduced
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to gender identity and sex under the Iowa civil rights Act.

Impact

The implications of HF325 extend to how gender and sex are recognized and accommodated within various legal frameworks. By establishing that gender identity can only apply to adults and affirming sex as a biological categorization determined at birth, the legislation may influence discussions surrounding individual rights and protections under state law. This change may affect how different public and private entities approach issues of equality and accommodation for transgender individuals, especially in contexts such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Summary

House File 325 (HF325) seeks to amend the Iowa Civil Rights Act by revising definitions related to gender identity and sex. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of gender identity to include only individuals who have reached the age of majority, which restricts the application of these definitions to adults. Additionally, it introduces a clear delineation where 'sex' is defined based on the biological designation on a person's birth certificate, particularly focusing on reproductive anatomy and chromosomes. This means that the bill aims to legally confirm that sex is a fixed biological characteristic and not subject to personal identification.

Contention

Notably, the bill centers around significant points of contention related to individual rights and societal norms regarding gender identity. Proponents of HF325 argue that it safeguards biological definitions and limits gender identity claims to adults, potentially preventing legal ambiguities associated with gender accommodations. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill infringes upon the rights of transgender individuals, particularly minors, and could foster discrimination. Critics fear that the emphasis on biological sex over gender identity could lead to unnecessary barriers for individuals seeking accommodations that align with their gender identity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB242

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.(See HF 583.)

IA HF583

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.(Formerly HSB 242.)

IA SF418

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory. Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF187

A bill for an act relating to wage discrimination under the Iowa civil rights Act of 1965 and making penalties applicable.

IA SF208

A bill for an act providing that sexual attraction to minors is not a protected class for purposes of the Iowa civil rights Act.

IA HB4751

Civil rights: general discrimination; sexual orientation and gender identity or expression; remove as categories protected under the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act. Amends title & secs. 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 302, 302a, 402, 502, 504, 505 & 506 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2102 et seq.).

IA HB2763

Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act and WV Fair Housing Act

IA HB5251

Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act and WV Fair Housing Act

IA HB4777

Civil rights: general discrimination; gender identity or expression; remove from categories protected under Elliott-Larsen civil rights act. Amends title & secs. 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 302, 302a, 402, 502, 504, 505 & 506 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2102 et seq.).

IA A05478

Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"; relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated individuals based upon gender identity; requires that incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities who have a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth be addressed and have access to commissary items, clothing and other materials that are consistent with the person's gender identity; establishes that incarcerated individuals shall be presumptively placed in a correctional facility with persons of the gender that most closely aligns with such person's self-attested gender identity unless the person opts out of such placement.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.