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Iowa Court Upholds Law Banning Gender Discussions in Schools

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Iowa appellate court ruled that Iowa can enforce 2023 law restricting discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools through sixth grade.
Law enacted in 2023 by Republican lawmakers bans books from school libraries.
Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) and LGBTQ+ groups challenged the law in court.
The legal battles continue, with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird calling the ruling a victory for parents and critics weighing options.

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Story summary

An Iowa appellate court ruled that Iowa can enforce 2023 law restricting discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools through sixth grade.
Law enacted in 2023 by Republican lawmakers bans books from school libraries.
Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) and LGBTQ+ groups challenged the law in court.
The legal battles continue, with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird calling the ruling a victory for parents and critics weighing options.