Religious Freedom Bill Passes State Senate

(Des Moines) Republicans in the Iowa Senate have passed a bill to codify the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act into state law. The GOP senators say the bill upholds the First Amendment, while Democrats argue it could make it easier for people to discriminate against each other. Democratic Senator Cindy Winckler says protecting the exercise of religion is valuable, but she adds, “The implementation that is presented in this bill is impossible.” Businesses also worry the bill will make Iowa less desirable for people to live and work.