She signed a new law.
Iowa recently joined the ranks of states fortifying the safeguarding of residents’ religious freedoms with the enactment of a significant measure. Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, sealed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, also known as SF 2095, into law on Tuesday.
The journey to legislative fruition began with the Republican-controlled Senate’s endorsement in a 31-16 vote on February 20, followed by the nod of approval from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in a 61-33 vote on February 29. SF 2095 essentially integrates the federal law’s protections, bearing the same title, into the state’s legal framework.
In a statement, Governor Reynolds emphasized the timely nature of this law, reflecting on the original federal enactment three decades ago and noting the mounting challenges to religious freedoms since then. She underscored Iowa’s commitment to upholding these fundamental rights, aligning with the actions of twenty-six other states that have implemented similar measures.
The core provision of the legislation asserts that governmental actions should not substantially impede an individual’s religious practices unless the government can demonstrate a compelling interest justifying such interference and that it’s the least restrictive means to achieve said interest.
Furthermore, the bill empowers Iowans who feel their religious freedoms have been encroached upon to seek recourse through legal avenues, including damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate remedies.
Legal counsel Greg Chafuen, representing the conservative religious liberty nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, hailed the enactment of the bill, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach in safeguarding religious liberties.
However, not everyone sees the law in a positive light. Critics, including Courtney Reyes, executive director of One Iowa Action, argue that the legislation’s broad scope opens the door to discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals and others seeking certain healthcare services.
Governor Reynolds signed the bill during a dinner event hosted by The Family Leader, a Christian conservative activist group led by Bob Vander Plaats, a prominent Iowa Evangelical activist.
This move brings Iowa into alignment with half of the United States, which have enacted similar Religious Freedom Restoration Acts. Interestingly, while Iowa’s enactment saw staunch partisan division, Utah recently passed similar legislation with unanimous approval, signaling differing political landscapes in addressing religious freedom issues across states.