In the end, it wasn't even close! Here's the e-mail I just got from The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa: Dear Friends and Activists, I am so thrilled that the Iowa House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights bill tonight, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Iowa Civil Rights Code. The bi-partisan vote was 59 - 37! What a tremendous accomplishment for this Legislature and what an amazing step forward in making Iowa a truly welcoming state! Your calls, emails and contacts with Legislators made a difference! Thank you so much for ALL of your work on this important and historic legislation. It was so important that Legislators heard our collective progressive voice standing for Civil Rights for all people. The Civil Rights bill adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the Iowa Civil Rights Code to prohibit discriminatory employ ment, public accommodation, housing, education and credit practices. An amendment was added to the bill so it will need to go back to the Senate but it is expected to pass and the Governor is expected to sign the bill into law.

Labels: civil rights