Iowa Governor Culver Signs Bill Expanding Civil Rights Protections

By admin - Posted on May 29th, 2007

SF 427 Expands Housing and Employment Civil Rights Protections to LGBT Community

May 25, 2007 -- (Des Moines) Today, joined by Lt. Governor Patty Judge, legislators, activists, advocates and members of the business community, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed into law SF 427, a bill expanding housing and employment civil rights protections to members of the LGBT community.

“We are here to celebrate one more victory in our nation’s constant struggle to live up to the ideal of our founding fathers – liberty and justice for all,” said Governor Culver.

“It is unacceptable that members of the LGBT community are denied the same protections as every other Iowan, and that is why I made a promise to do whatever necessary to grant these individuals the rights they deserve. I am happy to say that today, we keep this promise. This legislation will guarantee that no individual, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, is denied the protections of state government.”

Today, Iowa becomes the 19th state in the nation to expand civil rights protections to include the LGBT community. The bill signing was held at Principal Financial in Des Moines, which has been granting its employees protection and was a leading advocate for this bill during the 2007 legislative session.

Lt. Governor Judge touched on the economic impact this bill would have on the state. “Iowa faces a looming crisis,” said the Lt. Governor. “By 2012, Iowa could have up to 200,000 more jobs than workers ready to fill them. SF 457 is critical to helping us fill this worker shortage by attracting and retaining some of the best and brightest individuals from around the country. As a state, we need to welcome people from diverse backgrounds if we wish to compete in the global market. And no one recognizes that more than some of our biggest companies – like Meredith, Bankers Trust, and of course those here at Principal.”

Source: Iowa Governor

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