Iowa Enacts RFRA, Embracing Religious Liberty Protection

​Iowa has proudly become the 27th state to enact its own version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), reinforcing the Hawkeye State’s commitment to the right of religious expression. This landmark legislation underscores Iowa's alignment with a majority of states that have already recognized the importance of protecting religious freedoms at the state level. By adopting RFRA, Iowa joins a diverse coalition of states – from Massachusetts to Texas – committed to safeguarding the freedoms that form the cornerstone of American values.
 
RFRA is designed to ensure that any government action potentially infringing on religious practices serves a compelling governmental interest in the least restrictive manner possible. Iowa’s RFRA reflects the Hawkeye State’s deep respect for individual rights and religious diversity.
 
This law isn't merely a replication of the federal RFRA passed thirty years ago, but a reaffirmation of a commitment seen across a spectrum of states, both red and blue. The original federal law, championed by political figures such as Chuck Schumer and Ted Kennedy and signed by President Bill Clinton, showcases the bipartisan foundation upon which the RFRA stands. Such historical bipartisanship highlights the act's fundamental purpose: protecting religious freedoms.
 
While concerns have been raised about potential misuses of the RFRA, particularly regarding discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, states with longstanding RFRAs like Connecticut and Illinois have been recognized as among the best for LGBTQ rights. These examples demonstrate that RFRAs can coexist with strong protections for minority communities. The Becket Foundation reminds us that RFRAs have historically defended the rights of various minority groups – from Native Americans to Muslims and Sikhs – against governmental overreach without negating anti-discrimination laws concerning race or gender. Religious freedom is no zero-sum game.
 
The adoption of RFRA in Iowa also coincides with a national shift towards more robust protections of individual rights, as seen in the prairie fire expansion of school choice from coast-to-coast. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding personal freedoms against governmental overreach.
 
More states should take Iowa’s example to heart. Respecting deeply held religious beliefs and protecting civil rights are not mutually exclusive objectives. The continued expansion of RFRA laws could serve as a model for maintaining harmony between personal liberties and social obligations, ensuring that religious freedom remains a protected and cherished American value. Protect The 1st congratulates Gov. Kim Reynolds on her accomplishment and urges every state to join the push to protect religious freedom.