A bill for an act relating to the terms gender and sex, including a person's sex designation listed on government documents.
Impact
The bill aims to ensure that all state and local government bodies are restricted from recording a person’s gender or sex designation in any official capacity that deviates from what is stated on their birth certificate. This regulation effectively restricts the recognition of gender beyond biological definitions, potentially impacting individuals who have undergone gender transitions or identify outside the binary classifications of male and female. It may also affect how government documents such as driver's licenses, identification cards, and applications are processed in the state.
Summary
House File 290, introduced by Representative Fisher, addresses the definitions and documentation associated with gender and sex in the context of government documents. The bill amends Section 4.1 of the Code 2023 to provide that 'gender' and 'sex', when referenced, must conform to the biological designation as male or female listed on a person's birth certificate. This amendment is set against a backdrop of evolving discussions surrounding gender identity and the documentation necessary for individuals to navigate government systems.
Contention
The contentious aspect of HF290 centers around its implications for individual rights and identity recognition. Proponents argue that the bill ensures a clear legal framework aligning with biological definitions, claiming this is necessary for state clarity and consistency. However, opponents view the bill as a regression in recognizing and accommodating the complexities of gender identity. Advocacy groups and individual activists have raised concerns that this legislation undermines the rights of transgender individuals and inhibits their ability to secure accurate and respectful identification documents.
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.)
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.)
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.
A bill for an act relating to the term sex and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, including an indication of a person's sex on certain vital records.(Formerly HSB 649.)
A bill for an act relating to the term sex and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, including an indication of a person's sex on certain vital records and on certain applications and identification cards.(See HF 2389.)
A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 623.)