Iowa Takes a Leap for Religious Freedom: State House Delivers Landmark Bill to Governor for Approval

Iowa’s Religious Freedom Bill Raises Concerns Among Democrats Over Potential Discrimination

Concerns Arise Over Potential for Discrimination Against LGBTQ and Minorities

Iowa’s House lawmakers have given the go-ahead to a law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and now it’s waiting for Governor Kim Reynolds to decide whether to make it a law. The law similar to one from 1993 sets a higher standard in cases where people say the government’s actions are stopping them from practicing their religion freely. The rule says the government must have a really good reason and use the least restrictive way possible if it wants to do something that could seriously affect a person’s religious freedom. But some Democrats are worried that this law might be used to support discrimination against LGBTQ people and other minorities in Iowa.

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Iowa Takes a Leap for Religious Freedom: State House Delivers Landmark Bill to Governor for Approval. (Des Moines Register)

Democrats Raise Concerns of Discrimination, While GOP Stresses Protection of Religious Freedom

During the discussion Democrats like Beth Wessel-Kroeschell and Lindsay James mentioned cases where people used religious freedom as an excuse to refuse services to LGBTQ individuals and deny reproductive health care. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst is concerned that this law could hurt Iowa’s economy and make it harder for businesses to find and keep workers. She says some businesses don’t like the idea of this law because it might lead to discrimination based on religious beliefs. On the other hand, Rep. Steven Holt who’s managing the bill thinks Democrats are describing it the wrong way. He says the law is meant to protect religious freedom without allowing discrimination. Governor Reynolds supports the bill saying it’s Iowa’s turn to safeguard the right to practice religion without interference from the government.

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