LGBTQ rights in Iowa
LGBTQ rights in Iowa | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal since 1978 (Legislative repeal) |
| Gender identity | Legal gender/sex defined at birth based on gametes expected to be produced later in life. Gender changes legally unrecognized for transgender and non-binary individuals, regardless of hormonal or surgical interventions. |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protected. Gender identity was formerly protected from 2007–2025. |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Same-sex marriage since 2009 |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples allowed to adopt |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the U.S. state of Iowa have evolved significantly in the 21st century. Iowa began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on April 27, 2009 following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court, making Iowa the fourth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples may also adopt, and state laws ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodations. In February 2025, the Iowa Legislature passed a bill with a 'veto-proof majority' to completely remove "gender identity" from the state's anti-discrimination laws, which was implemented in 2007. Iowa governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law, which went into effect on July 1, making Iowa the first state to remove anti-discrimination protections for any class of people.