Liberal Jefferson city councilperson Matt Wetrich misled citizens at a Tuesday night city council meeting. Wetrich, who has publicly supported allowing biological males to use female locker rooms, changing rooms and bathrooms, suggested the city is following federal law in its policy.
“Can I just ask, this comes down to beyond a state law, right? We’re reflecting on federal policy,” he said. “OK.”
It is unknown who advised the council members initially, but Wetrich looked toward city attorney David Morain it seemed for affirmation.
Shortly after, another councilman said “this is federal and state — state and federal laws” while seemingly looking for clarification from Morain once again.
According to the ACLU’s website, there is no federal law that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in public accommodations.
The Iowa Civil Rights code provides the protections cited by councilmen, however there are efforts to remove those from state law.
