West De Moines resident urges council to oppose HSB 664, calling it a threat to local civil‑rights protections

Al Womble, speaking at the West De Moines City Council citizens forum, urged the council to oppose Iowa House bill HSB 664, which he said would prohibit cities and counties from adopting civil‑rights protections that are stronger than state law.

Womble identified himself as a member of the West De Moines Civil Rights Commission and said the bill has moved out of the House Judiciary Committee and likely will reach the House floor soon. He told the council the measure would remove the authority municipalities have used for decades “to expand protections based on local needs and community values.” He framed the question as one of local control and civic responsibility, noting Iowa’s historical role in early desegregation decisions.

Why it matters: Womble said enactment would prevent any Iowa city from strengthening protections for any protected class “now or in the future,” a change he said would reduce cities’ ability to respond to new or emerging community concerns. He urged the council to oppose the legislation as inconsistent with West De Moines’s stated commitments to protect residents and maintain a welcoming community.

Council response and next steps: The council did not take formal action in response to the comment during the meeting. The statement was entered into the public record during citizens forum; any formal city position would require further council consideration or a formal staff recommendation.

Context: Womble tied his appeal to local historical examples — reference to Iowa’s early desegregation steps and past Iowa Supreme Court decisions — to underline his argument that municipalities have historically expanded protections beyond state statutes. The council did not debate the merits of the bill itself during the session.