Books depicting a "sex act" banned from K–12 libraries, LGBTQ+ instruction restricted
Enacted5/10
⚖ Preliminary injunctions vacated by 8th Circuit (Apr 7, 2026); law now fully enforceable pending further district court proceedings
Iowa · Iowa SF 496 · Signed May 26, 2023
Impact 5/10
Bans books depicting a "sex act" from K–12 school libraries (religious texts exempted) and prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K–6.
EducationLGBTQ+ChildrenParents / caregiversStudents
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16