It's all over: Iowa Court Unanimously Votes for Marraige Equality
It's all over, folks. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled today, unanimously, that marriage is a right for all. The decision was beautifully written. I believe, as do many others, this is the tipping point for the movement. A heartland state, and all the judges in agreement makes this a powerful statement to the country.
From the decision:
"Society benefits, for example, from providing same-
sex couples a stable framework within which to raise their children and the
power to make health care and end-of-life decisions for loved ones, just as it
does when that framework is provided for opposite-sex couples."
Amen.
A press release from Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Speaker Pat Murphy, stated:
"Today, the Iowa Supreme Court has reaffirmed those Iowa values by
ruling that gay and lesbian Iowans have all the same rights and
responsibilities of citizenship as any other Iowan."
Now, I have to tell you, I have about 75 in-laws that live in Iowa in the Quad cities area. Everything this press release from the legislative leaders says is what I have experienced out there.
Along with a LOT of tequila toasts but that's another matter.
California still looms large as does the vote in Vermont. New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Maine are all closing in, too.
The bottom line? It's over. All the whining over the end of the world is seen as just that. Everyone can use a dose of "Iowan common sense," as the two leaders called it.
To quote Gronstal and Murphy again, because I cannot begin to say it better:
"When all is said and done, we believe the only lasting question about
today's events will be why it took us so long. It is a tough question
to answer because treating everyone fairly is really a matter of Iowa
common sense and Iowa common decency."
I'll just add, GO HAWKS!
From the decision:
"Society benefits, for example, from providing same-
sex couples a stable framework within which to raise their children and the
power to make health care and end-of-life decisions for loved ones, just as it
does when that framework is provided for opposite-sex couples."
Amen.
A press release from Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Speaker Pat Murphy, stated:
"Today, the Iowa Supreme Court has reaffirmed those Iowa values by
ruling that gay and lesbian Iowans have all the same rights and
responsibilities of citizenship as any other Iowan."
Now, I have to tell you, I have about 75 in-laws that live in Iowa in the Quad cities area. Everything this press release from the legislative leaders says is what I have experienced out there.
Along with a LOT of tequila toasts but that's another matter.
California still looms large as does the vote in Vermont. New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Maine are all closing in, too.
The bottom line? It's over. All the whining over the end of the world is seen as just that. Everyone can use a dose of "Iowan common sense," as the two leaders called it.
To quote Gronstal and Murphy again, because I cannot begin to say it better:
"When all is said and done, we believe the only lasting question about
today's events will be why it took us so long. It is a tough question
to answer because treating everyone fairly is really a matter of Iowa
common sense and Iowa common decency."
I'll just add, GO HAWKS!
posted by Sara at 11:05 AM
8 Comments:
Great summation, Sara!
This is such great news!
I hate to be the kiljoy, but I heard on NPR this evening that there's already movement to change the constitution. Grrrr.
Killjoy or realistic, Sue?
This state-by-state piecemeal "progress" will surely erode our psychological health for the next 20 years if we do not STOP acting as if we do NOT deserve these rights in the first place. Consider our language:
"Win rights", "change hearts & minds" (a worthy cause, BUT since when does anyone need to be "liked enough" for the same civil rights others enjoy?), etc.
I hate to get all John Wayne here (he WAS considered a "real American"), but why aren't we putting out foot down - for the safety and security of our children - and demanding federal equality AND using civil disobedience until we are "promoted up" from SUB-American status? Why aren't we saying, "No, you will NOT treat MY family and children as LESS than my neighbor's family, and I owe $0.00 to the I.R.S. until equal." Mr. Wayne would get his gun and defend his honor and family AND refuse to be taxed unfairly - and he would be celebrated as a Great American. We call in "Gay for a Day"; how pathetic.
No wonder we appear so weak and appear as victims - we embrace victimhood as we "fight" (beg) for what we already deserve. Granted, our community has ample mental disorders (who wouldn't given the environments we are raised in), but jeeesh - whatever happened to SELF-RESPECT and DIGNITY?
amen, John.
Sue, while there is a movement to change the constitution, the head of the House, who would be the one to allow such a vote to take place, has said no. he won't let it happen.
this is what happened in MA when it came to a ballot question to change marriage. we kept it in the legislature and it never came to a popular vote - I'm not sure we would have won a popular vote in MA.
the change has to be approved two sessions in a row- just like MA- and while it passed one time here, we won the second.
it'd doable and the key is to keep electing pro equality members.
John, quite honestly? the war is over. there will be some more battles along the line but this is done. People are only going to look back and wonder what took so long. it will be a shameful scar of bigotry on our country but... it's going to end sooner than later.
Sara, I'm with you. With this fair-minded victory, the torch of equality has proven that it will not be extinguished despite attempts here, there and everywhere to do so. We should all hold that flame high, feel the strength of the light and warmth that emanates from it and seek torches of justice that ignite still as we write this. Onward!!!
hahaha HELL YES
I still would never ever live there again.
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