Des Moines Register dot com
JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

Gay and lesbians now have civil rights protections in Iowa.

Gov. Chet Culver this morning signed a bill that makes it illegal to discriminate in employment, public accommodation, credit, housing or education based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Iowa is now one of 18 states, plus the District of Columbia, to have such protection for gay and lesbians.