08/30/2007
Judge Declares Iowa Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional
Six same-sex couples in Iowa in a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal won a major victory on Thursday when a judge struck down a state law banning same-sex marriage.
Wrote Judge Robert B. Hanson in the ruling: "This court has yet to hear any convincing argument as to how excluding same-sex couples from getting married promotes responsible reproduction in general or by different-sex couples in particular. So far as this court can tell (the law) operates only to harm same-sex couples and their children."
Lambda Legal has profiles of the six couples on their website.
Hanson ordered the Polk County Recorder's office to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The decision is expected to be appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court and foes of same-sex marriage are expected to push a Constitutional Amendment to voters as quickly as they can.
Still, a great day in the heartland.
Download the ruling (PDF) here.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 7:28 PM EST by Andy in Gay Marriage, Iowa, News | Permalink
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Yippppppeeeeeee
My grandparents live in iowa. I should call them
Posted by: anon | Aug 30, 2007 8:28:49 PM
Here's hoping this will help nudge at least one of our candidates in the right direction.
Posted by: Ryan | Aug 30, 2007 8:33:18 PM
WOW...this is Iowa and not a more liberal state! Good news indeed!!!
Posted by: RB | Aug 30, 2007 8:53:54 PM
The anti homo sexrs will be up in arms and out in force. Their next petition drive by the homo sex haters will be to gather signatures by hook or crook to vote on a constitutional amendment to execute anyone caught having sex with a same sex partner in Iowa. In Jesus name of course.
Posted by: Vi agara | Aug 30, 2007 9:10:13 PM
Nice try with the stealthy "liberal" poke RB but the fact of the matter is Iowa has a long history of being surprisingly progressive on social issues.
Love ya but I can't give you a free pass.
Posted by: Zeke | Aug 30, 2007 9:10:18 PM
true zeke.
Iowa has a history of pretty progresive stands.
Posted by: anon | Aug 30, 2007 9:26:27 PM
The sort of thing that might get the FMA passed should Republicans take over Congress again. By then it could be too late, but it's going to get some sort of backlash. I suggest that gays in IOWA get married ASAP.
Posted by: anon (gmail.com) | Aug 30, 2007 10:28:58 PM
woohoo for Iowa!
Posted by: jase | Aug 30, 2007 10:40:33 PM
As correct and just as this decision is, it's not good news. Even if it doesn't provoke a backlash, I don't want gay marriage to be the next Roe vs. Wade. I want a legislative victory. New Jersey is the most likely candidate, then California if they elect the right governor, or maybe New York. As soon as state by state, gay marriage passes by votes of the peoples' representatives, we'll truly win, and the few states that hold out will be ridiculed as jokes, until the Supreme Court then rules that those two or three states have to allow gays to marry (Virginia will probably be dead last). At that point, a court decision won't be divisive, because it'll just codify de jure, what de facto exists.
Posted by: Gitai | Aug 30, 2007 10:40:58 PM
This is amazing!!! Congrats Iowians
Posted by: zeke | Aug 30, 2007 11:32:07 PM
Civil rights for african americans occured in the courts more than legislatures so please people , "STOP with the bull shit"
If you say you would prefer legislative action it most likely will not occur until AFTER the courts take action.
read a history book
Posted by: anon | Aug 31, 2007 12:24:37 AM
I live in Iowa, its a very live and let live state. I'm holding my breath however. We have alot of right wing christians to win over 1st. Who knows maybe my boyfriend of 4 years will propose tomorrow! wish us luck. wink*
Posted by: AlanEfflux | Aug 31, 2007 12:34:55 AM
Gitai, I don't give a crap if gay marriage becomes the next Rove v. Wade. Civil rights are civil rights and everyone be damned if I'm not going to demand I have them. I don't care if some bigots will be up in arms, they're wasting their time: we will ultimately win and sooner than many people think.
PS: Iowa had a vote to create a constitutional ban against gay marriage a year ago or so, it lost in their state Senate - and that was when the Republicans held a majority. Now, it's 25-25.
Posted by: Ryan | Aug 31, 2007 4:18:57 AM
There has long been a steady migration of Chicagoans/Illinoisans to close states like Iowa and WIsconsin. Many older couples move there for retirement to small towns. That's part of the reason why both Iowa and Wisconsin have a progressive tradition as well (specifically look at Madison, WI, in Southern Wisconsin).
Posted by: Shaun | Aug 31, 2007 9:17:04 AM
I'm so proud of my home state - and it's been awhile since I could say that. I was born and raised there during the 70s and 80s and fled right after graduating from college in the early 90s.
For those of you who are still there and fighting the good fight, I applaud you.
I'm coming back for my annual visit in September and am eager to discuss this with people.
Posted by: Rey | Aug 31, 2007 10:25:56 AM
Iowa is usually the butt of "hayseed" jokes. In fact, this state has been ahead of the nation on social issues for many years. I'm also proud of my former hometown and state.
Posted by: Jack Scribe | Aug 31, 2007 11:20:07 AM
WOW!! congrats to Iowa I'm late on the news but what a great thing to read today!
Posted by: gabriel | Aug 31, 2007 12:41:00 PM