Iowa Expands Civil Rights to Cover Sexual Orientation
Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed a bill today expanding housing and civil rights protections to the LGBT community. In signing the bill Governor Culver said,
"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."
If you are an Iowa employer be sure to talk with your employment lawyer concerning your employee handbooks and anti-discrimination policies. It is important to review your handbooks to make sure your anti-discrimination policies now cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Failing to include such provisions in your policies could result in increased liability.
