The city council in Iowa City approved the first consideration of a hate crime ordinance in the city, directly in response to a number of hateful acts in recent years.

Hate crimes are already a penalty under state and federal law, but this new ordinance would specify a penalty for racial, gender, or religious-based harassment.

The Johnson County Interfaith Coalition, led by President Pastor Anthony Smith, worked for more than one year with lawyer, various groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and a number of students at the University of Iowa law school, and others to draft an ordinance.

The ordinance then went to Eleanor Dilkes, the City Attorney for Iowa City, including Iowa City Police Chief Jody Matherly among other city staffers for review.