Strictly as a current events update . . .

[rpmdfw]

. . . Iowa's Supreme Court UNANIMOUSLY ruled that barring gays and lesbians from civil marriage is unconstitutional.


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010


So, any Iowa couples here? Planning on getting hitched and Honeymooning at Disneyland or WDW?

 

[OrlandoMike]

Oh, there's nothing halfway
About the Iowa way to treat you,
When we treat you
Which we may not do at all.

There's an Iowa kind of special
Chip-on-the-shoulder attitude.
We've never been without.
That we recall.

​

 

[rpmdfw]

Oh, there's nothing halfway
About the Iowa way to treat you,
When we treat you
Which we may not do at all.

There's an Iowa kind of special
Chip-on-the-shoulder attitude.
We've never been without.
That we recall.

​

Nothing like a musical theatre reference to make the day complete!

 

[npmommie]

I just saw this

 

[jeanigor]

Yee Haw. I didn't realize that a case was under review.

 

[mickeyfan1]

NPR.org, April 3, 2009 · Iowa's Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on gay marriage, saying the provision violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

The unanimous ruling issued Friday would make Iowa the third state where gay marriage is legal. The court's decision upholds a 2007 Polk County District Court judge's ruling.

The Polk county ruling prompted nearly two dozen people to apply for marriage licenses in the county, Iowa's most populous and home to Des Moines. Only one couple managed to get married before the decision was stayed the next day.

The case stems from a 2005 lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization. The group filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses.

Gay rights supporter and former state lawmaker Ed Fallon told NPR that the ruling is consistent with Iowa's history.

"Iowa has always been on the cutting edge of civil rights," Fallon said. "Whether it's regarding desegregation of schools or the rights of African Americans to be full citizens."

"This is huge. And I think it's a testament to the fairness and sense of decency that Iowans have," he said.

The decision makes Iowa the first state in the Midwest and the third in the nation to legalize gay marriage. Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage, while California briefly a voter initiative in November instated a ban.

During oral arguments before the Supreme Court in December, Des Moines lawyer Dennis Johnson argued the ban violated his clients' due process and equal protection rights.

Roger J. Kuhle, an assistant Polk County attorney, argued that the lower court's ruling for the plaintiffs violates the separation of powers and that the issue should be left to the Legislature.

During oral arguments, Chief Justice Marsha Ternus explained that the high court would determine whether the district court erred by finding that the same-sex marriage ban violated the state constitution, and whether it erred by not allowing the county's expert witness testimony.

The timing of the decision could be awkward for state lawmakers who are on track to end the legislative session in coming weeks.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs), told reporters that it's "exceedingly unlikely" the Legislature would deal with the gay marriage issue this year, regardless of the court's ruling.

"This is the final step in a lengthy legal proceedings," said Gronstal. "We're going to wait and see that decision and review it before we take any action."

 

[PeterPan09]

GO IOWA!!!!

 

[NikkiPants]

 

[NikkiPants]

Yay Iowa!!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I heard this on the NPR news this morning. What a great way to start out a bleak and dreary Friday!!! (It's a bit nicer weather wise now).

Whooohoooo for Iowa. Wonderful that they have included all citizens in their state laws.

 

[jenelope]

That is wonderful news!

 

[soulmates]

Yipee!!!! Slowly but surely, we're realizing that it is EVERYONE'S rights, not just a select few! I hope I live to see my fine state of NC get on the band wagon!!

 

[Desiree1972]

I was elated when I read this in my email this morning.
Forgive me for saying this, but I was like
Iowa - how random
keep on truckin - America is finally growing up!

 

[ChrizJen]

Hooray for my neighbors to the north!!

Let's see if wisdom can be contageous!!

 

[daannzzz]

I have also read that all the "Family" type organizations that typically fight against this are gearing up for a Prop 8 type Constitutional amendment for Iowa.

 

[Swmhc]

Having transplanted to Iowa about 5 years ago now, I am happy to see this ruling. Unfortunately, it is far from over though. For anyone who wants to follow all the blogs, you can go the the Des Moines Register website, just the name with the . com. It should be final on the books in about three weeks. They are already anticipating lots of people coming here to marry. I say, why not, we needs some tourist dollars ! No flames, that was just a joke. I am SERIOUSLY HAPPY to see this court ruling. I am all for equal rights to marry (and be miserable like the rest of us ! ) Okay, enough jokes, I really am happily married and happy that so many more can have the same rights now.

I have never understood the radical views against it myself, but there are still many out there in opposition.

We also passed a no smoking ban in all public places (except casinos) that bars have been whining about since the law passed last July.

Who'da thunk Iowa would be on the cusp of so much controversial legislation ???

Glad to see we are on the forefront of some positive moves !!!

If you come up here to get hitched, look me up !!

 

[Sphyrna]

This is truly happy news!! Let's hope other states follow! Time to do the happy dance!!

 

[zeitzeuge]

Out of all the states that I thought would be the next to do this, Iowa surely wasn't on the top of my list. Nothing against Iowa, it's just the midwest in general is uber conservative.

Go Iowa.

 

[Goofyluver]

Baby steps!

 

[pixierella]

I was so happy to see this news. I'm hoping that more states will come around very soon so we can all have the same rights.