Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes protections for foster and adoptive parents to keep their religious or moral beliefs without being disqualified over views on sexual orientation or gender identity in Iowa.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from requiring foster care providers or adoptive parents to support policies on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits individuals from being disqualified from becoming foster care providers or adoptive parents based on their religious beliefs, including their intent to raise the child with such beliefs (Sec. 1-2).

• Prohibits the department from adopting policies that would disqualify foster care providers by their beliefs on sexual orientation or gender identity (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the department may consider the religious or moral beliefs of the child and their family of origin in comparison with those of the foster care or adoptive parents to determine placements in the child’s best interest (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes foster care providers to file lawsuits if they believe their rights were violated, and the courts may award injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and attorney fees (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the Iowa Attorney General to enforce these protections (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text