Iowa Rep. Moore Votes No on House Bill Extending Gender Theory Ban

State lawmaker cites local control and parental choice as reasons for opposing legislation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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District #9 State House Representative Tom Moore, a member of the Education Committee in Iowa, voted against House File 2121, which would extend the current prohibition on gender theory and sexual orientation instruction through 12th grade. Moore cited his belief in local control and parental choice as the reasons for his no vote.

Why it matters

This vote highlights the ongoing debate around how and when topics related to gender identity and sexual orientation should be addressed in public schools. Representative Moore's opposition to the bill suggests some lawmakers believe these decisions should be made at the local level rather than mandated statewide.

The details

House File 2121 passed out of committee by a vote of 14-9, despite Representative Moore's no vote. Moore said he believes that if the public school system and parents want to teach this content, he will not stand in the way, as he values local control over these decisions.

  • On February 9, 2026, the Iowa House Education Committee voted on House File 2121.

The players

Tom Moore

A District #9 State House Representative in Iowa and member of the Education Committee.

House File 2121

A bill that would extend the current prohibition on gender theory and sexual orientation instruction through 12th grade in Iowa public schools.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The full Iowa House of Representatives will now consider House File 2121 for a vote.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the ongoing debate around how and when topics related to gender identity and sexual orientation should be addressed in public schools, with some lawmakers believing these decisions should be made at the local level rather than mandated statewide.