Rep. Timi Brown-Powers (D-Waterloo) was upset that the Democrat amendment to the bill that would define antisemitism failed to pass.
“Tonight I stand for all, no matter their belief or their non-belief. With the rise of hate, harassment, assaults, vandalism across the United States based on one’s religion or religious beliefs, we have got to come together.
“Unfortunately, this bill was brought to us, it excludes way too many Iowans. This bill doesn’t go near far enough to protect all Iowans from hate, harassment, assault or vandalism based on their religion or religious belief.
“Need I remind us in this body we have been sent here to stand for everyone. In my district, I couldn’t tell you how many religious beliefs exist. It is my job to stand here for every single one of them. The amendment that was offered tonight would’ve made sure Iowans of all religions and religious beliefs should be protected.
“How can that be bipartisan? Tell me. We do not want to protect all Iowans? How can we, and we will, tonight, how can we vote on a party line for that? That is embarrassing, disgusting and how can we go home and say that’s what we did tonight? We should be ashamed.
“I reject hate at all levels. I will always, always, stand for all of my brothers and sisters regardless of their religion or their religious beliefs.
“Shouldn’t we all do that?”
