Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 709.9 — Indecent exposure masturbation
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 709: Sexual Abuse, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 709.9
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. A person who exposes the person’s genitals or pubic area to another not the person’s spouse, or who commits a sex act in the presence of or view of a third person, commits a serious misdemeanor if all of the following apply:
a. The person does so to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either party.
b. The person knows or reasonably should know that the act is offensive to the viewer.
2. a. A person who masturbates in public in the presence of another, not a child, commits a serious misdemeanor.
b. A person who masturbates in public in the presence of a child commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
c. For the purpose of this subsection,“masturbate” means physical stimulation of a person’s own genitals or pubic area for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal of the person, regardless of whether the genitals or pubic area is exposed or covered.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.