Iowa has become the first state to remove gender identity protections from its civil rights code, following a law that took effect on July 1, 2025. This change means transgender and nonbinary residents are no longer protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of life.
The law, signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, also defines male and female based on reproductive organs at birth and eliminates the ability to change sex designation on birth certificates. Reynolds stated that acknowledging ‘the obvious biological differences between men and women’ is necessary for genuine equal protection for women and girls.
The removal of these protections is part of a broader national trend, with about two dozen other states and the Trump administration advancing restrictions on transgender individuals. Critics argue that such policies deny the existence of transgender people and exploit prejudice for political gain.
Transgender rights advocates warn that this law will lead to increased discrimination. Iowa State Representative Aime Wichtendahl, the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker, expressed concern that the law will expose transgender individuals to hostility and discrimination in various situations, such as job applications or airport security checks.
Before the law took effect, transgender Iowans had the opportunity to amend their birth certificates. LGBTQ advocacy groups assisted with this process through legal clinics. Some families are now considering moving out of state due to the new law, citing concerns for their loved ones’ health and safety.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, marking a significant setback for transgender rights nationwide. Iowa’s move is particularly notable as it was the first state to remove nondiscrimination protections based on gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project.
