An appellate court has ruled that Iowa can fully enforce a law restricting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools up to sixth grade. The law also bans books depicting sex acts in school libraries and classrooms. This decision overturns a lower court's temporary blocks. The measure was approved by Republican majorities and Governor Kim Reynolds in 2023 and has since faced legal challenges from state educators, major publishing houses and an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization that say it is overly broad and infringes on students' and teachers' rights. Iowa's Attorney General Brenna Bird calls the ruling a win for parents, emphasizing school safety and age-appropriate content.
