LGBTQ rights in Iowa
LGBTQ rights in Iowa | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Homosexuality Legal since 1978 (Legislative repeal) |
| Gender identity | Transgender people may not change legal gender (starting July 1, 2025), they previously could change legal gender through birth certificate changes following surgery or other treatment |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and Gender Identity protections added 2007, Gender Identity removed in 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 or gender identity 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 implemented 2007 anti-discrimination laws. The Governor of Iowa signed the bill into law and it goes into effect July 1.