Iowa Bars Local Gender Identity Protections After Rollback of Civil Rights Code

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A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year. The preemption law took effect immediately after being signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, preventing cities and counties from having civil rights protections that go beyond the categories identified in state code.

Why it matters

This law overrides local nondiscrimination ordinances in cities across Iowa, including liberal population centers like Des Moines and Iowa City, which had protections for gender identity. Republicans say the law provides clarity, while Democrats argue it is an extreme overreach that prevents local governments from responding to the needs of their communities.

The details

The new law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity. Many cities in Iowa, including Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames, had gender identity protections on their books prior to this law. Republicans who control the legislature said the preemption law provides clarity on which classes are protected, while Democrats objected, arguing it prevents local governments from addressing the needs of their communities.

• The preemption law took effect on March 11, 2026, as soon as it was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.
• Last year, Iowa became the first state in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code.
• In 2007, sexual orientation and gender identity were added to Iowa's Civil Rights Act of 1965 with bipartisan support.
• Iowans have until April 27, 2026 to file a civil rights complaint on the basis of gender identity for incidents that occurred before the civil rights code rollback took effect on July 1, 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Iowa City is considering legal action in response to the new law.