DES MOINES – A left-wing Iowa-based political group took issue today after remarks from Christian conservative activist and former political candidate Bob Vander Plaats.
According to Progress Iowa, during his remarks today during the Family Leader’s annual rally, held this morning at the state historical building in Des Moines, Bob Vander Plaats “expressed a divisive view of government, faith, and politics. Vander Plaats claimed that ‘God instituted government’ and that his organization only wants to strengthen the family. However, he left no room for anyone with a view different than his own narrow vision.”
In response, Matt Sinovic, the executive director of Progress Iowa, issued the following statement:
Bob Vander Plaats is on the wrong side of history, and will keep taking divisive swipes at any family or belief that doesn’t fit his worldview until he’s completely irrelevant. Iowans are proud of our state’s inclusive history, and will continue to reject Vander Plaats and any who claim that some families are created less equal than others.
Iowans know that families come in all shapes and sizes, and are defined by their love and commitment to one another. Since 2009, all Iowans have had the freedom to marry and start families, which unfortunately Vander Plaats has opposed vigorously.
Progress Iowa describes itself as “a statewide, multi-issue organization focused on research, education and advocacy regarding Iowa public policy, powered by more than 30,000 progressives.”