ACLU Sues Governor Reynolds Over Public Records Dispute

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has initiated legal action against Governor Kim Reynolds concerning the disclosure of public documents.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa is filing a lawsuit on behalf of the Iowa chapter of The Satanic Temple.

In 2024, Reynolds prevented the Satanic Temple of Iowa from organizing an event in the state Capitol rotunda during the holiday season.

The Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers (IAF) submitted a request seeking communications and documents held by Reynolds concerning the cancellation of the event.

The Governor’s Office declined to furnish the documents, invoking "executive privilege."

As stated by the ACLU of Iowa, the required documents were "unquestionably not privileged" and comprised "a report from an executive body as well as materials related to media preparation."

Although certain materials were supplied, a significant portion was blacked out.

The Governor’s Office additionally supplied "a substantial number of newspaper articles that discussed the controversy but failed to directly respond to the inquiry," according to an announcement from the ACLU of Iowa.

IAF argues that it benefits everyone—regardless of religion, economics, ethnicity, or any other status—that our government should operate with transparency and address the requirements of those they govern," stated IAF President Jason Benell. "This is particularly crucial for ensuring equitable legal protections and a government that upholds the rights of every citizen.

The governor's office has consistently failed to honor the rights of Iowans by improperly and blatantly claiming executive privilege to dodge responsibility in issues concerning the public. The people of Iowa have a right to be informed about potential intentional discrimination from their government, yet the present administration in Iowa has demonstrated a clear disregard for these basic rights. Transparency leads to accountability, and thus, the IAF plans to tackle this issue by taking legal action through the court system to safeguard the rights of Iowans and uphold transparency laws.

Governor Reynolds likewise submitted a legal action against the Des Moines Register Friday.

Like the ACLU of Iowa, Reynolds is filing a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register concerning a public records request.

This began following the Register's submission of a records request in February for emails sent by numerous key advisors to the governor.

The governor’s office turned over more than 800 pages of documents a month later.

Nevertheless, it chose to withhold four documents, justifying this action with reference to executive privilege.

The Register contends that there is no such thing as executive privilege under Iowa law, asserting that these communications ought to be accessible to the public.

Reynolds contends that neither the state’s constitution nor its statutes mandate her to disclose communications with her advisors.

TV9 contacted the Des Moines Register on Friday.

The Register stated that they do not provide comments on ongoing lawsuits.