(Radio Iowa) – The legislature has passed a bill requiring Iowa public officials to follow the governor’s order to fly the American flag and the Iowa flag at half staff on public buildings. Last September the chairman of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors defied Governor Reynolds’ executive order last September to lower the flags on public grounds in honor of Charlie Kirk, the nationally known conservative activist who was murdered during an event in Utah.
Senator Dawn Driscoll, a Republican from Williamsburg, says after Kirk’s murder, President Trump called on all Americans to reject political violence of any kind. “So the fact that there happen to be some people who choose not to lower the flag when our governor asked for it to be lowered, it’s really too bad,” Driscoll said. “And it is a political statement.” Johnson County Supervisor Jon Green said last September that he condemned Kirk’s killing, but he would not grant Johnson County honors to a man who made it his life’s mission to denigrate so many Johnson County constituents.
Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner of Iowa City says Kirk’s murder was an abomination, but the proposal may violate First Amendment issues. “How about we just let this one go?” Weiner said. “I willing to bet that if this weren’t Johnson County, this body would.” The bill passed the Senate two months ago on a 36 to 9 vote. The House passed it today (Thursday) by an even wider margin — 82 to five.
Representative Mark Thompson of Clarion says the bill includes enforcement if the situation happens again.) “The bill allows a person to report alleged violations to the attorney general who may initiate legal action to obtain compliance,” Thompson said.
Governor Reynolds posted a message on social media this (Thursday) afternoon confirming she’ll sign the bill into law. She thanked the House and Senate for ensuring flags will be flown at half staff when ordered to show respect for those whose service deserves such recognition.
