CHRISTIAN COALITION OF IOWA

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist

Feb. 7 – Feb. 18, 2005

             House Joint Resolution #1 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa regarding the validity and recognition of certain marriages in Iowa.  The joint resolution, if adopted, would be referred to the next general assembly for adoption a second time before being submitted to the electorate for ratification.

            This resolution declares that “ONLY MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN SHALL BE VALID OR RECOGNIZED IN THE STATE OF IOWA.”  It also declares “THE STATE OF IOWA AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS SHALL NOT CREATE OR RECOGNIZE A LEGAL STATUS IDENTICAL OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO THAT OF MARRIAGE FOR UNMARRIED INDIVIDUALS.”  In other words, creation and or recognition of civil unions is also prohibited.  The language in H.J.R.1 is preferred to the language in S.J.R.2 which we believe is at this time dead because of the objections of Senators Hatch and Kibbie.

            H.J.R.1 was submitted by Rep. Betty DeBoef (R) and co-sponsored by Rep. Dolores Mertz (D), Rep. Dwayne Alons (R), Rep. Carmine Boal (R), Rep. Danny Carroll (R) and Rep. Bill Dix (R).

            This resolution was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee which is chaired by Rep. Kraig Paulsen (R) of Lynn County.  Three members of the Judiciary Committee will be chosen to review the resolution and make a recommendation to the full committee.  This sub-committee can also suggest amendments or kill the resolution by not bringing it up for a vote.

            We are going on the assumption that H.J.R.1 will be brought up for a vote of the full Judiciary Committee and therefore will be lobbying each member of the committee beginning on Monday, Feb. 21.  Attached to this report is a listing of the committee members.  We strongly urge CCI supporters to contact these representatives and request that they support H.J.R.1.  You can phone, e-mail or write a letter.

            Two bills introduced in the Senate, S.F.126 and S.F.150 would prohibit discrimination based upon a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

            S.F.126 would add sexual orientation or gender identity to Iowa civil rights statutes prohibiting discriminatory employment, public accommodation, housing education and credit practices.

            S.F.150 expands the current prohibitions on unfair and discriminatory practices in educational programs. 

            These bills would assert that homosexuals are a minority group under current civil rights law.  Minority status has been determined by the U.S. Supreme Court based on three criteria:  1. Economic Deprivation, 2. Political Powerlessness, 3. Immutable characteristics  Those who practice homosexuality do not meet any of these criteria.

We believe we have successfully derailed both of these bills and do not expect that they will reach the calendar during this session of the legislature.  Copies of S.F.126 and S.F.150 can be obtained viewed at

sf 126 and sf 150

Should the unexpected happen and either or both of these bills proceed to a vote of the committee to which they have been assigned, we will let you know.