The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that Republicans say will protect religious freedom, but that Democrats have described as a "blank check to discriminate" against LGBTQ Iowans and others. The Senate voted 31-16 to pass Senate File 2095 on Tuesday. Every Republican present was in favor, while every Democrat was opposed. The legislation would say that state and local governments shall not "substantially burden" someone's exercise of religion unless it is in furtherance of a compelling government interest and the least restrictive means of pursuing that interest. Democrats raised concerns that people or businesses could use the law to circumvent civil rights laws by citing religious beliefs as justification to deny services, housing, employment or other public accommodations to LGBTQ Iowans or other minority groups. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #DesMoines #Iowa #IAlegis #IApolitics #LGBTRights