State Laws
Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight-supportive, your state’s laws probably have a major impact on your life. State laws govern everything from the legal status of relationships between same-sex partners to the ability of transgender people to list their correct gender identity on their birth certificates. The Human Rights Campaign works with state leaders to advance the rights of LGBT people across the nation, from Alabama to Wyoming.
Here you can learn about the current laws affecting LGBT issues in your state, as well as state legislation — upcoming bills that could change the way you live. You can also learn more about what’s going on in your state and find out about local news, elections and volunteer opportunities.
Select a State
State Laws can be filtered by state or you can view the full list of Laws by selecting "All State Laws."
Indiana Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Indiana law purports to ban recognition of marriages between same-sex couples. There are no other forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples in state law or policies.
Indiana Non-Discrimination Law
Indiana law does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Indiana School Law
Indiana law does not explicitly address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Indiana Sodomy Law
The Indiana sodomy law was repealed in 1977.
Indiana Surrogacy Law
Indiana law declares that all surrogacy contracts, regardless of the sexual orientation of the individuals involved, are against public policy and unenforceable.
Iowa Adoption Law
Iowa Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Iowa will issue new birth certificates to post-operative transsexuals.
Iowa Custody and Visitation Law
Courts typically have not restricted custody and visitation of gay or lesbian parents as long as they conceal their sexual orientations. There have been no cases dealing with transgender parents or same-sex co-parents.
Iowa Hate Crimes Law
State law covers hate crimes based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.
Iowa Healthcare Laws
State healthcare laws relating to the LGBT community in the areas of medical decision making and hospital visitation.
