Iowa Cloning Ban Repeal Getting Close

The Iowa Senate, voting 26-24, has passed legislation repealing Iowa's ban on human cloning (Iowa Code chapter 707B). Governor Chet Culver campaigned on that issue, promising the repeal in order to create a human embryo farm in Iowa City. Iowa Democrats also hold the Iowa House, 54-46. The Gazette reports, however, that "House Speaker Pat Murphy said Thursday it was unclear whether there are 51 votes in the House" to repeal the ban. Let us remember House majority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy's indication, just after the 2006 elections, that the House will steer clear of divisive social issues.

UPDATE (2/23/2007): Iowa's human cloning ban was short-lived, as the Iowa House passed the repeal 52-45.