Iowa Supreme Court Declares Ban on Gay Marriage Unconstitutional
The Iowa Supreme Court this morning upheld a Polk County judge’s 2007 ruling that marriage should not be limited to one man and one woman.
The ruling, viewed nationally and at home as a victory for the gay rights movement and a setback for social conservatives, means Iowa’s 5,800 gay couples can legally marry in Iowa beginning April 24.
There are no residency rules for marriage in Iowa, so the rule would apply to any couple who wanted to travel to Iowa.
Shelly Wolfe and Melisa Keeton, who waited for word of the ruling outside the Polk County Recorder’s Office, immediately called their pastor anyway to make plans.
“We’re going to make it legal,” Keeton, 31, of Des Moines said.
Wolfe, 38, and Keeton, who is 21 weeks pregnant, went through a commitment ceremony two years ago. Their marriage certificate was among the 26 that were put on hold when Polk County Judge Robert Hanson’s decision to open the door for gay marriage was delayed until the high court could weigh in.
I know there are many who will not agree with me on this, and this is probably why I lean more Libertarian than truly conservative. I do not believe in condemning behavior based on the law of a book such as the bible, especially when I know my own house is not clean. I consider myself Christian, but I also do not feel right judging anyone else. I have met many extraordinary gay men and women in my life and I’m not quite sure where I technically stand on the issue since I see it both ways. I see the fact that all men and women are created equal, that this could be considered the pursuit of happiness, although many married couples will also argue that marriage isn’t happy – LOL. I can also see the point of the social conservatives who declare that marriage is a religious and spiritual rite, however, many heterosexuals overlook that fact when they marry nowadays as well.
That’s why I’m a strong believer in states’ rights and local government. I don’t believe in federal mandates which would force this upon everyone if they are not ready. But I strongly believe in localized government making better decisions on behalf of its constituents, whether you personally agree with the decision or not.
I think shockingly, my opinion on the issue here, is best summed up by a Democrat:
Harkin, a Democrat, issued a written statement today that said: “my personal view has been that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I have voted in support of that concept. But I also fundamentally believe that same sex couples in a civil union should be entitled to all the basic legal protections and benefits of marriage.”
“I know that this decision will be very hard for many to accept,” he added. “But I also know that it will provide many committed same sex couples and families important rights, as well as an important sense of recognition and belonging.”
What do you think?
