Iowa Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage!
Amazing news to report from the very heart of the United States of America … the Supreme Court of Iowa (which is smack dab right in the middle of the US of A) has ruled today — in a completely unanimous decision — that the ban on same-sex marriage in their State is UNCONSTITUTIONAL paving the way for same-sex marriage to become legal in Iowa! Same-sex marriage will legally be allowed to take place in the State of Iowa in 3 weeks time, which makes Iowa the 3rd state in the US to legalize same-sex marriage (4th if you count California). What is most surprising to me is that Iowa is the first State in the Midwest (near the Bible Belt, y’all!) that has taken this huge step forward for marriage equality. What a happy, happy day!
The Iowa Supreme Court this morning unanimously upheld gays’ right to marry. “The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution,” the justices said in a summary of their decision. The court rules that gay marriage would be legal in three weeks, starting April 24. The court affirmed a Polk County District Court decision that would allow six gay couples to marry. The ruling is viewed as a victory for the gay rights movement in Iowa and elsewhere, and a setback for social conservatives who wanted to protect traditional families. The decision makes Iowa the first Midwestern state, and the fourth nationwide, to allow same-sex marriages. Lawyers for Lambda Legal, a gay rights group that financed the court battle and represented the couples, had hoped to use a court victory to demonstrate acceptance of same-sex marriage in heartland America. The Iowa Supreme Court’s Web site was deluged with more than 350,000 visitors this morning, in anticipation of the ruling, a Judicial Branch spokesman said this morning. Steve Davis, a court spokesman, said administrators added extra computer servers to handle the expected increase in Web traffic. But “this is unprecedented,” Davis said. Richard Socarides, a former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton on gay civil rights, said today’s decision could set the stage for other states. Socarides was was a senior political assistant for Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin in the early 1990s. “I think it’s significant because Iowa is considered a Midwest sate in the mainstream of American thought,” Socarides said. “Unlike states on the coasts, there’s nothing more American than Iowa. As they say during the presidential caucuses, ‘As Iowa goes, so goes the nation.’” Democratic Sen. Bill Dotzler of Waterloo said he hopes people treat each other with respect today. “Everyone just needs to remain calm,” he said. “We need to analyze the decision. By giving a unanimous decision it seems to me the court really thinks it’s an issue of rights. It will be up to the legislature to look at their ruling and see how we’re going to proceed” … Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, e-mailed his response to reporters: “The decision released this morning by Supreme Court addresses a complicated and emotional issue, one on which Iowans have strong views and opinions on both sides. The next responsible step is to thoroughly review this decision, which I am doing with my legal counsel and the attorney general, before reacting to what it means for Iowa.” Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement this morning in response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to allow gay marriage in Iowa: “The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels. I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state. Though the court has made their decision, I believe every Iowan should have a voice on this matter and that is why the Iowa Legislature should immediately act to pass a Constitutional Amendment that protects traditional marriage, keeps it as a sacred bond only between one man and one woman and gives every Iowan a chance to have their say through a vote of the people.” “I’m off the wall,” said Democratic Sen. Matt McCoy of Des Moines, who is openly gay. “I’m very pleased to be an Iowan” … Until today, Iowa law said marriage could only be between one man and one woman. The case, Varnum vs. Brien, involves six same-sex Iowa couples who sued Polk County Recorder Timothy Brien in 2005 after his office denied them marriage licenses. Polk County District Judge Robert Hanson sided with the couples last year but then suspended his decision pending a high court ruling.
OH.MY.GAWD! I am utterly and completely shocked … and elated. This proves that the unfair practice of discriminating against same-sex marriage does not have a strong foothold anywhere in our great country anymore. That this ruling could come from the heartland of the United States of America shows that marriage equality for all will become a reality soon. Altho our Nation is still quite a ways from allowing same-sex marriage to all citizens of the US, this ruling in Iowa is a HUGE leap forward in achieving equality for all. By handing down a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Iowa is sending a clear message that banning same-sex marriage is wrong and cannot be tolerated anywhere in our great Nation. I am just … thrilled beyond words. Click HERE to read a summary of the Iowan Supreme Court ruling or click HERE to read the opinion in full. Woot!!! Well done Iowa, you’ve done your Country a great service today!
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April 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 am
I’m proud to be from the midwest today :-)
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 am
YAY OMFG YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
This makes me really proud to be from Iowa. I’m originally from the east coast, so I have never been too fond of midwest politics, but I think you’d be surprised at how forward-thinking Iowa is, compared to it’s neighbors. And an awesome place for a wedding ! Hooray !
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Do you think Michigan will be next, Trent? You’re not going to move back, are you? :o)
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
This is a great day for the country. I’m so happy for same-sex couples in Iowa and hope that this gives hope to other same-sex couples everywhere! Too bad you and David aren’t really engaged! HA HA HA!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 am
holy crap! i just now have to go 10 minutes away to iowa?!?! LOVIN’ IT!!!! =] yea for iowa!!! guess they aren’t all “Idiots Out Wandering Around!” LOL =]
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 am
I’m originally from Iowa (lived there the first 22 years of my life until I moved after graduating from the University of Iowa), and I am so proud of my home state!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 am
@Heather — I’m not sure, there is a lot of conservative thought in Michigan. Pres. Gerald Ford hails from MI, which not something to be proud of :( I’m confident that one day same-sex marriage will come to all here in the US :)
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Now we just need super Conservative states to see the light. (i.e Texas and Oklahoma)
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Okay, the people of Iowa voted against gay marriage and won and then the supreme court over ruled it. The state is still filled with close minded people ( I have family from there). Hey, at least a few people get it. Go Iowa supreme court!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 am
as iowa goes, so goes the nation!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
I am living in and originally from Iowa, and not all of us are behind the times! I’m happy for all the people who will now get the equality they deserve!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:34 am
@Frank Y. — ??? What does that mean?
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
I’m from Iowa, have since lived in L.A. and Chicago, and am so proud of my home state!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 am
WOOOOOOOOO!
this is amazing news.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
YAY!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:41 am
I’m THRILLED that Iowa has done this!!! It’s nice to see that middle America can respect the rights of everyone!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
@ Frank Y.- That is very close minded and very rude…
But on another note OMFG & Totally Awesome that we now have another state joining in on the openmindedness!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
What are the other three states???
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Ah! That is amazing news! I really wish the rest of the states would hurry up and legalize it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
@Tonya — Massachusetts, California and Connecticut … tho Prop 8 overturned the California ruling, making Iowa the third State to make it legal and valid
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:51 am
I am so proud to be an Iowan today :) This is amazing.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Im glad that its finally passed…now we need to move on to the other states….Im from Texas and I hope it happens here. I think anybody should be able to get married to whoever they want….its suppose to be a free country
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:05 am
This is very good news. I live in VA and we are a very strange state. We are willing to elect Democrats, but only if they are conservative. *sigh* Maybe one day. I am married to a wonderful guy and I think everyone should have that right. Bravo Iowa. Hopefull the CA SC will follow suit somehow…
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Yay!!! :D
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 am
Hey, let’s not forget VERMONT, they legalized GAY MARRIAGE yesterday!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 am
P.S. I am so ecstatic!!! Woooooot!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:27 am
@Michael — not quite yet, the Gov. has vowed to veto the bill that was passed in the State congress. I fear the legislature in Vermont doesn’t have the votes to overturn the Gov’s veto :(
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
That gives me hope that maybe Missouri will follow Iowa! Yay Iowa. For once I’m not ashamed to live in the Midwest.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
I’m so glad that everyone is finally able 2 get married. I live in Iowa & I was one of the many people that support gay marriage. I made a vow that I would not get married till EVERYONE could get married. Finally people are starting to show that people can change.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
As someone who was born and raised in Iowa, I am so proud of my state right now! I think a lot of people think people from the Midwest are socially conservative, so I hope that this ruling helps people throughout the nation understand that many, many Iowans are very tolerant and are celebrating this court ruling today. This makes me hopeful to get married in my home state, not only because most of my family lives here, but also because my gay and lesbian friends are also able to be married in Iowa as well. I’m so excited that Iowa has chosen to be a leader in this important issue. Gay marriage bans are unconstitutional (ever heard of separation of church and state?), and I hope that more states continue to recognize the constitutionality of these decisions as time goes on.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
wooh, iowa! who knew?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:14 am
wow- Iowa??? Thats really great, but i have to say, i have a ton of family in iowa, and am shocked that this happened. especially before california. goes to show that the californians are way behind the times!
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Wow, go Iowa! That is soo, sooo cool!! I’m happy to see this happen in the middle of the country.
* In response to Frank, that sentiment is very widespread among heterosexual men. But, just because a lifestyle makes some people nervous, doesn’t mean it should be discriminated against! I mean, Republicans make me nervous, but they’re still allowed to vote and marry….
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
SO HAPPY! :DDD Before ya know it, it will be across the US… hopefully!
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
[...] Iowa legalizes gay marriage. Who knew the midwest was cooler than Cali? [PITNB] [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Wooohooo!!! GO IOWA!
p.s. just as a point of pride as someone who went to UI, the state is actually NOT in the Bible Belt :)
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
As a native Iowan, I don’t consider Iowa part of the Bible Belt either.
Anyway this is great news hopefully more states will follow.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I’m a gay guy living in Iowa with my boyfriend of 7+ years. Now I actually have to (*GULP*) ask myself if we are ready to get married!!! It never crossed my mind this would ever be a possibility. Its cool, but it also brings on the pressures and worries ANYONE would have about getting hitched. Now I look at him and think “hhmmm. Should I get a prenup?” lol. We live in amazing times as a country and i am honored to possibly have the chance to be one of the first men in Iowa to get legally married to another man.
Its amazing that my state did this. Iowa isn’t as backwards and right-wing as most think. In my town Democrats often run unopposed in elections. We have a Democratic Governor and obviously a socially liberal Supreme Court.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Yeah for Iowa!!!! I think ultimately, this needs to get to the Supreme Court of the USA. In Loving v. Virgina, which challenged the ban on interracial marriage, the Supreme Court ruled that marriage is a FUNDAMENTAL CIVIL RIGHT, and that the Constitution specifically says that a state can not make a law that denies citizens fundamental rights.
It is time to give millions of families the thousands of federal benefits they are being denied!!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Yay! Of all the states to talk about the process to legalize same-sex marriage I’m pretty suprised that Iowa was able to do it! As you said it is in the heart of the Bible belt! Good for the Iowans… I’m glad they see that marriage should be a union of two people who love and care for each other no matter what gender they happen to be! It still baffles me that in 2009 we only have a handful of states that are willing to recognize a same-sex union. Seriously? We were able to break down the race walls when we had our election last year but we can’t do this? Hopefully with Iowa changing their minds it will help other states jump on board too. Yay Iowa!
@Frank – Why do gay people make you nervous? While I am a straight woman I have lived with people who are gay and they are just the same as you and I
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I am from Iowa and am very proud of this! Everyone deserves equality:)
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Go Iowa! If California doesn’t catch up soon… I’m moving there!
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
HEY FORMER AND CURRENT IOWANS!!
Here is a link where you can go to the Des Moines Register website and vote to show your support for the Iowa Supreme Courts ruling! :) Happy day!
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Also proud to be an Iowan today (and also pointing out that Iowa isn’t in the Bible Belt :). There are still plenty of closed minded people in Iowa, but this goes to show that those more progressive of us have a very real voice in our government. I’m still waiting for the story somehow blaming it on Iowa City, though. We’re all a bunch of “liberal hippies” here in IC! :)
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Come on, Minnesota! We’re supposed to be more liberal than Iowa!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I, too, am an Iowan and currently live here….I am so stoked to be living in such a progressive state. Of course there are idiots here (as noted above) just like in every state, but this ruling (along with the fact that we also were the first state Obama won), just proves to me that Iowa is pretty fucking cool. Plus, I love all the comments by the Iowans…I thought I was the only one reading PITNB in this state!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Plus, gotta give a shout out to my friend Kate, it’s she and her partner who’s name (Varnum) is tied to the ruling! Go Kate! Get your marriage on!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I had to tear up one of my black high school students this week for making an antigay comment in class. He didn’t seem to understand what was wrong about what he said “because it is true.” When I pointed out that if I made certain statements about his being black, how would he feel? He would call me racist and I was calling him a homophobe and a hater. That got his attention or at least shamed him. Kid picked the wrong teacher to make that comment in front of. lol
This is just great news. Keep them coming. I am tired of hate being legislated. Civil rights for ALL!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Yay!!! Hopefully this is a sign of good thingd to come!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I’m from Illinois and live ten minutes from Iowa. This is fantastic news. And contrary to popular belief the Midwest is not as backward as you think. I have met more close minded people in bigger cities than I have ever met here. And Iowa and Illinois are not really in the bible belt. It is more south.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I am a very proud Iowan today. Everyone should have the opportunity to marry the person they love. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and equality.
April 4th, 2009 at 6:12 am
I posted earlier, but I just have to post again. I am a very proud Iowan today. I live in St Louis currently, but I am a true Iowan and Hawkeye at heart. I grew up in a suburb of Des Moines (Ankeny). Iowa has one of the best public school systems in the country (Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are all repeatedly year after year at the top of the heap in this). In 1839, the Iowa Supreme Court rejected slavery; in 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated schools had no place in Iowa, 85 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision; in 1873, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled against racial discrimination in public accommodations, 91 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision;in 1869, Iowa became the first state in the union to admit women to the practice of law. Oh, and I agree with the other Iowa posters that we definitely don’t consider us in the Bible Belt. Definitely more south for that.
April 4th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Totally agree…and I’m shocked at the number of Iowans on this board. From the Sioux City area originally(yuck, Steve King), graduate of the University of Iowa(go Hawks), and very proud of my state. Very well put Brenda about our State’s history. I also agree with my fellow Iowans that point out we aren’t technically the Bible Belt.:D There are close minded people everywhere, but this is a step in the right direction. It’s actually impressive it was a unanimous decision because three of the member of the SC(I think) were appointed by conservative governors. They upheld the state’s constitution, and that is the way it should be.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Way to go Iowans, way to go. :)
@Katt, hey now, don’t lump “the Californians” as one group. I was very disappointed that Prop. 8 passed.
As a Californian, I am shocked that Iowa passed before us, definitely since we are suppose to be ‘the Liberal state’. Soon enough, it will change, I don’t doubt it.