Iowa House Bill HSB649

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

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.)

Impact

HSB649 directly impacts the way state laws and records reflect an individual's sex. Specifically, it requires all state departments and local governments that collect vital statistics to identify individuals as either male or female based on the biological designation at birth. This amendment affects legislation surrounding vital records, particularly birth certificates, which must now clearly denote a person’s sex according to this definition. Additionally, the bill provides guidelines for how applications and identification cards, such as driver's licenses, reflect changes in sex designation due to medical transition, emphasizing a need for notarized proof of such changes.

Summary

House Study Bill 649 (HSB649) is a legislative proposal aimed at defining and clarifying the term 'sex' and its related terminologies for the purposes of statutory construction in Iowa. The bill categorically specifies that ‘sex’ refers to an individual's biological sex at birth, explicitly distinguishing between male and female. It not only establishes this definition but also dictates how these terms should be utilized in various legal contexts, affecting statutes, policies, and programs related to sex-based discrimination. By establishing a firm basis for statutory interpretation, the bill seeks to offer clear guidance for how sex is conceptualized within state law and lessens ambiguity surrounding gender terms.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators and advocacy groups. Critics argue that HSB649 may undermine the rights of transgender individuals seeking to align their legal identification with their gender identity post-transition. The stringent definition of biological sex poses potential risks of excluding those with non-binary or gender non-conforming identities from legal recognition. Proponents of the bill assert that it is necessary to prevent confusion in legal contexts and to protect women's spaces by maintaining clear distinctions based on biological sex. Such contrasting viewpoints underscore wider societal debates over gender identity and rights, making this legislation a focal point for ongoing discussions about inclusivity and legal protections.