Religious freedom bill introduced again at the statehouse

iowa-capitol

Des Moines, Iowa (KTVO) — A panel of Iowa senators on Thursday again cleared a bill aimed at protecting religious liberties that critics say undermines civil rights protections.

The proposal would bring a “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” to Iowa, mandating courts use strict scrutiny when assessing cases involving claims involving the exercise of one’s faith. This is the third straight year the bill has been introduced, although it has never gotten a floor voter in the Iowa Senate.

Business owners and economic groups testified at a hearing Thursday that the bill could open the door for discrimination, namely against LGBTQ people. They say this could hurt the state’s ability to recruit and retain workforce, which is consistently a top issue facing the state. At least 10 business and tourism groups are registered against the proposal.

Religious groups and leaders that support it say it’s a necessary measure to protect Iowans’ fundamental rights to practice religion. They dispute that it’s harmful to the economy, citing similar federal law and other laws in 21 states.

The bill passed its first hearing on a 2-1 vote Thursday.