Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs ban on local civil rights ordinances
DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa State Capitol Bureau) – Local governments in Iowa will no longer be able to protect civil rights that are not protected by the state.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the measure into law Tuesday. The law follows another bill Reynolds signed last year that removed gender identity as a protected class in Iowa.
When lawmakers first debated the legislation, protesters showed up in opposition. Those against the law say local governments should be able to protect their residents.
Reynolds said the law clears up confusion for businesses and schools.
“We just believe that locals should follow the state laws, especially when it comes to civil rights,” Reynolds said. “Otherwise, we have a mismatch of rights out there, and we felt that it was the right thing to do.”
Reynolds also said the law ensures girls are protected in women’s sports and in public bathrooms.
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