The bill introduces significant changes to the legal definitions and guidelines surrounding sex and gender in Iowa, establishing that "sex" is strictly defined as the biological classification of individuals as male or female based on observable characteristics at birth. It clarifies that terms such as "woman," "man," "mother," and "father" are to be interpreted solely in relation to biological sex, and it equates "gender" with sex, excluding references to gender identity or expression. The legislation mandates that state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sex must protect both males and females equally and allows for separate accommodations based on sex in specific contexts, such as prisons and shelters, to ensure health, safety, and privacy.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to eliminate references to "gender identity" as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, replacing it with "sexual orientation" in certain contexts. It introduces a new Code section 4.1A that defines sex and gender, mandates vital records to identify individuals as either male or female, and repeals provisions allowing changes to sex designation on birth certificates based on medical treatment. The bill also prohibits educational institutions from teaching "gender theory" or sexual orientation to students in kindergarten through grade six, reinforcing the notion that distinctions based on sex are justified for health, safety, and privacy reasons. Overall, the legislation aims to reinforce traditional definitions of sex and gender while limiting protections for gender identity in various legal contexts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84A.6, 144.13, 144.29A, 144.19, 216.2, 216.6, 216.6A, 216.7, 216.8, 216.9, 216.10, 216.12A, 279.78, 279.80, 280.33