Iowa Bill Regarding Employer Religious Conscience Protection (SF 2153)

SF 2153 would have prohibited employers from being required to provide abortion or certain contraceptive health insurance or benefit coverages for employees or employees’ dependents if doing so would cause the employer to violate a sincerely held religious belief to which the employer subscribes.

The bill defines “employer” to include an employer’s governing authority or natural persons controlling the employer’s business activities.

An employer’s refusal to provide such health insurance or benefit coverages if in accordance with the bill, would not have resulted in creation of any civil claim or cause of action, any criminal charge or other adverse action against an employer acting in accordance with the bill.

The bill provides that it is intended to further the compelling governmental interest of protecting the free exercise of religion under Article I, sections 3 and 4 of the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.