Iowa has lost its sense of decency

Hate has many guises, but it has raised its ugly head in Iowa and bitten several Iowans. The result is a law offered by the arch conservative "Alliance Defending Freedom," a hate group listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its extreme opposition to same-sex marriage and for pushing laws restricting the rights of transgender people.

Once upon a time, Iowans would have been united in opposing hatred against a group of people that hadn't physically threatened or harmed anyone. But Republicans now appear to be presenting a united front, with the single exception of Rep. Mike Bergan from Decorah, against the rights of transgender folks. Joining in that parade of hate is Sen. Mike Klimesh from Winneshiek County.

It appears strange to have a Winneshiek County resident joining the choir against transgender students. Winneshiek County was one of only nine counties in Iowa voting to retain all three Iowa Supreme Court justices in the backlash following the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Winneshiek County voted for the rule of law and against the rule of individuals governed by hatred. Possibly Sen. Klimesh's vote was a minority vote at the time. Now he proudly stands with the GOP majority.

Unfortunately Iowa has joined the ranks of states enacting laws imported from outside organizations that feed on promoting hatred. Unfortunately Iowa appears to have lost a sense of decency for those who don't fit the GOP's mold of uniform beliefs and conformity.

Dick Janson

Decorah