Join the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Iowa, League of Women Voters Linn County, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

Restore Press Access rally

West steps of the Iowa Capitol 

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.

All who support the free press are welcome to attend. Masks are required.

The Iowa Senate [BFIA editor’s note: Republican controlled senate] has restricted journalists’ access to the Senate floor during session on the basis that it is difficult to define who is “media,” ignoring the fact that the Iowa courts and Iowa House have defined “media,” and the Iowa Senate has also by determining who can work at the new press tables in the Senate gallery.

The mission of the League of Women Voters is to empower voters and defend democracy, and the Iowa press are an essential part of providing information to Iowa voters. The mission of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa celebrates religious freedom by championing the rights of individuals, by promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and by empowering diverse voices to challenge extremism.

The lack of direct press access during legislative proceedings compromises the depth of information available to Iowa citizens.