The sponsor of a bill that contains the Religious Conscience Protection Act, which opponents have dubbed the "Marriage Discrimination Act," says currently "there is no intent" to move the bill forward in the legislature this year.
More than 50 people packed the Iowa House lobbyist lounge this week, largely opposing the proposed legislation. Rabbis and key players on the issue from the Iowa Catholic Conference, One Iowa, and The Family Leader were all there.
"The substance of the bill is important to some Iowans," said Representative Richard Anderson (R-Clarinda). "There are issues with the bill. As I said, I have some issues with the bill. We don't intend to move it forward at this time."
House Study Bill 50 would have provided an exemption for religious corporations and others from any requirement to solemnize a marriage, treat a marriage as valid, or provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for purposes related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage, if doing so would cause the entity to violate sincerely held religious beliefs.