Early this morning, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld a district court decision allowing six gay couples to marry Firewall download. The Court wrote in their summary, “The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.”
Iowa is the fourth state to allow gay marriage, but its importance goes beyond that of other states. It is the first Midwestern state (the first state in “real America,” as Sarah Palin might say) to approve same-sex marriage.
Richard Socarides, a former senior adviser to President Clinton on gay rights, said, “I think it’s significant because Iowa is considered a Midwest state in the mainstream of American thought. 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.’”
I actually think the coastal states are quite American too, but he has a point. This decision could help push other states to pass similar laws, either through the legislative or judicial branch. This looks to me like a huge gay rights victory and one more step towards equality.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user danny.hammontree.
I think it is very important that a Midwest state has done this, and (sorry to bring up an old issue) California’s ban becomes even more of a sore thumb. Iowa did it, but not Cali? Fail.
“As Iowa goes, so goes the nation”. Yeah, down the tubes, apparently.
But no worries. Who named Iowa as “real America”? If such a ruling took place in Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Florida etc. etc. etc. all hell would break loose.
With Obama already a resounding failure as President, as Dems fumble and stumble making the economy worse, a huge resurgence of conservatism is just around the corner. People will stampede to the polls to vote in people of conscience and virtue – people who regard gay “marriage” as the perversion it is. But don’t worry; I’m sure you’ll find a nice, safe closet to hide in.
“Unlike states on the coasts, there’s nothing more American than Iowa.”
Uh, what? Am I the only one offended by that?
@ Hannah: It’s a stupid thing to say – we heard enough of that BS during the election. But Iowa’s decision makes it harder for bigots to crow about bleeding-heart, fringe, coastal liberals trying to destroy the institution of marriage. So he has a point.
Iowa isn’t that conservative. And they have really good weed (or so I hear………….)
Two steps forward, one steps back, all the way to an altar I’m sure will disapooint me as much as it has most of the straight married couples I’ve known.
@Paula
As much as I hate to justify your post with a response, I just have to say that what you wrote made me sick to my stomach.
If you could please keep your hate to yourself, I think we’d all appreciate it.
Oh, and go f**k yourself.
I’m not really sure I understand why people think it’s so bizarre that Iowa would legalize gay marriage before a state that has no affirmative action, a Republican governor, and one of the worst prison systems due to antiquated mandatory sentencing legislation.
@Paula
How do you rationalize granting more civil rights to yourself than another group in society? Can you actually advocate treating people as second class citizens based on an aspect of their identity?
Social conservatism thrives off fear, which you so eloquently proved by saying people would turn to conservatism only because the economy is failing. What apocalyptic event do you anticipate will follow the legalization of gay marriage? I’d really love to know how loving couples threaten people of “conscience and virtue.” Right now, I’m just not seeing it.
Can we not have this argument? Again? Please?