SF 212: Prohibiting discrimination against adoption and foster care providers, or adoptive and foster parents, based on religious belief

What it does

This bill prohibits discrimination against adoption and foster care providers, or adoptive and foster parents, based on religious belief. The bill prohibits state government, as defined in the bill, from taking any discriminatory action, as defined in the bill, against adoption and foster care providers, or adoptive and foster parents, based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill allows a person to assert a claim or defense against the state government for violating the bill and allows for injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees and costs.

Senate subcommittee · named February 7, 2023

• Sen. J. Taylor
• Sen. Rocky De Witt (R)
• Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D) · herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 6 for, 5 against

For: Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Lutheran Family Service; Pulse Life Advocates; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation

Against: Common Good Iowa; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Safe Schools; One Iowa; One Iowa Action

In plain words

1. February 6, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 7, 2023Senate subcommittee named: J. Taylor, De Witt and Quirmbach
3. February 23, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it