Protected Areas

Protected Areas under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

*As of July 1, 2025, gender identity is no longer a protected basis under Iowa Code chapter 216.  All complaints filed under chapter 216 must be filed within 300 days of the most recent alleged discriminatory incident. Civil rights complaints of alleged illegal discrimination on the basis of gender identity that are received prior to July 1, 2025, will be processed and investigated pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 216.  New complaints of alleged discrimination based on gender identity filed after July 1, 2025, must follow the 300-day filing deadline. Therefore, individuals who believe they have been discriminated against based on gender identity may have until April 27, 2026, to file a complaint with the Iowa Office of Civil Rights regarding any conduct that occurred prior to July 1, 2025.