Iowa House Bill HF290

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23

Caption

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.