Is It Illegal In Iowa To Walk Around Your Backyard Naked?

You would think that once you buy a house or property of your own you can do anything you want, right? Freeing activities like walking around the yard naked while watering your flowers.

This brought the question, is it illegal in Iowa to walk around your yard naked? We decided to dive into the Iowa laws and this is what we found.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Can I be naked outside?

Technically, if no one is able to see you naked, then you are okay. HOWEVER, under indecent exposure laws, if you are nude in a place where someone can see you, it is illegal. The person that sees you is able to report it and you will be fined.

I suppose if you have a neighbor that doesn't care about your nudity then you are fine.

The following information is pulled from Find Law and outlines the specifics of Iowa indecent exposure laws.

Under Iowa law, a person who exposes his or her genitals or pubes to a person other than the person's spouse, or who commits a sex act in the presence or view of a third person, commits a crime, if:

The person does so to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either party; and
The person knows or reasonably should know that the act is offensive to the viewer.

Code Sections

Iowa Code §709.9: Indecent Exposure

Edited Getty Image

What happens if I get busted for indecency in Iowa?

In Iowa, the crime of public indecency is labeled as a serious misdemeanor. If you were to be convicted of this crime, it could result in a fine of at least $350 but not more than $1,875. The court may also order imprisonment not to exceed one year.

If convicted of violating Iowa indecent exposure laws, the offender must register as a sex offender for a minimum of 10 years.

SO DON'T DO IT!

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Is Iowa more or less 'friendly' to public nudity than nearby states?

Iowa is still very sheltered compared to other Midwestern neighbors, but these two states have different laws. In Minnesota, women can now go topless as they wish... within reason of course. In Missouri, there are many campgrounds, clubs, and naturist societies where people are free to go nude.