Iowans rate drivers' texting as more urgent than gay marriage
Share this: 
Among six hot-button topics, a new Iowa Poll shows a majority of Iowans consider only a ban on text messaging while driving worth the Legislature's time during a session shortened by 20 days to cut costs. Iowans are not enthusiastic about devoting time to debates on gay marriage, puppy mills, gun control, payday loans or gambling.
The Democrats who control what comes up for a vote say budget issues will dominate the 2010 session as the recession continues to pinch state revenues. But lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills on other topics.
Friday marks the first so-called funnel, a deadline that winnows the workload by letting some bills move forward and others die.
Of the six topics, Democrats are most likely to push ahead toward passing four:
• Banning texting while driving.
• Beefing up inspections of dog breeders.
• Standardizing the way concealed-weapons permits are issued throughout the 99 counties.
• Expanding gambling to bring in fresh state revenue.
REV. DOUG PETERS: We're eager to learn from LGBT community
Share this:
Rev. Doug Peters remembers exactly where he was when he heard the historic Iowa Supreme Court decision granting gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. He was waiting at a stoplight going toward Walnut Hills United Methodist Church where he is pastor.
"I never would have imagined the Supreme Court would have been as couragious as they were," Peters said. "I hope we do the same as a congregation."
Walnut Hills voted to become a reconciling congregation in November. Peters said they are one of a handful of Methodist churches that, as part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, welcome people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
"You can think you are as welcoming as you like, but it's not enough to be welcoming," said Peters. "You have to say publicly that you are welcoming, and in a way everyone understands."
The vote was overwhelming in favor of reconciling, and Peters says he is working hard to continue the conversation with parishnors who felt they had to vote no. He also said he was very clear that a vote to be reconciling did not mean the church would be advocating same-sex marriage.
"For some of us, it does mean we will see marriage equality as the next logical step," said Peters. "I love being a part of the United Methodist Church, but that is one area of growth. I will abide by the rules of the church, but I disagree with the rules of the church. Gay people can't be married or ordained in the UMC, and that sends a horrible message."
Peters credits the LGBT community for helping the Walnut Hills congregation grow.
"If the vote hadn't passed, I would have really thought about what that meant, but it did pass, and now what do we do?" Peters said. "We're eager to learn from folks in the LGBT community, and we're learning from other congregations who tell us what they went through."
"Like having 'partner' on our contact forms -- we needed to learn that," Peters adds. "We don't want anyone to feel like they're museum pieces being studied, but we're new at this, and we have some learning to do."
Like his congregation, Peters' awakening to the importance of gay rights was gradual.
"The way I was raised, I never would have imagined I would feel strongly about this," Peters said. "Meeting people of different orientations was the greatest gift I could have received. Once you know people, it changes everything."
At a post as a chaplain an in Iowa City substance abuse shelter, Peters had openly gay coworkers for the first time. When a lesbian couple he worked with approached him for relationship counseling, he was surprised and pleased.
"I told them 'If only you knew how blind I was, you wouldn't ask me.'" Peters remembers with a laugh. "LGBT folks are often trusting of those who might not have been trustworthy in the past. It's good for the church, and you meet people you might not meet otherwise."
Peters says it will take more time, but he thinks the UMC will eventually give same-sex couples equal standing, espcially as more congregations reconcile and truly welcome everyone.
"I give the LGBT community a lot of credit for being so patient with us," Peters said. "I would've liked for it to have happened already, but it will come in time and not be without pain and not be without loss. Issues like slavery have split the church before, but we went on, and I'm optimistic."
And if the change come later rather than sooner, Peters says he worked hard for an issue dear to his heart.
"Moses only glimpsed the promised land, he never got there," Peters said. "If it hadn't been for the people before us, we'd never gotten as far as we are today. To be a human being, you've got to be willing to do that hard work and realize you might never see the fruits of your labor. But it means everything for the next generation."
FREEDOM TO MARRY WEEK: Change your profile photo!
Show everyone you support the freedom to marry by changing your Facebook and Twitter profile photos. When you're done, make sure you post a message so everyone sees your new icon!
Right click (ctrl+click) on One Iowa logo to save it to your desktop.
When your profile photo is changed, click on the Twitter and Facebook icons below to share your new status with your friends!
Press Release: One Iowa Lobby Day at the Capitol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
CONTACT JUSTIN UEBELHOR
515-288-4019 x 205
515-333-2525 (cell)
justin@oneiowa.org
ONE IOWA LOBBY DAY AT CAPITOL
Annual Lobby Day coincides with National Freedom to Marry Week
(Des Moines, IA) Supporters of civil marriage equality will gather at the Capitol next Wednesday to talk with legislators and demonstrate statewide support for equality. The day will kick off with a supporter rally and training at the Capitol Room located at 315 E. 5th, Des Moines.
Remarks will be delivered by Former Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson, Kate and Trish Varnum and One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison.
Following the morning event, supporters will gather at the Capitol to share their stories with Iowa legislators to demonstrate the importance of civil marriage equality to Iowa families. An informal reception with wedding cake will be held in the Capitol Rotunda at 2:00, followed by a Freedom to Marry Week Happy Hour and Tweetup at the Des Moines Social Club.
CAPITOL LOBBY DAY PRESS AVAILABILITY
OPENING RALLY
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:00 AM
Capitol Room
315 East 5th Street, Des Moines, IA
Speakers:
Sally Pederson, Former Lieutenant Governor of Iowa
Kate and Trish Varnum, plaintiffs in Iowa Marriage Case
Carolyn Jenison, One Iowa Executive Director
CAPITOL RECEPTION
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 2:00 PM
Iowa State Capitol Rotunda
Des Moines, IA
ONE IOWA AND OUT NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR TWEETUP
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 5:30 PM
Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA
Supporters and One Iowa representatives will be available throughout the day for comment or interviews.
One Iowa is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization, committed to full equality for LGBT individuals, including the freedom to marry. More information at www.oneiowa.org.
###
FREEDOM TO MARRY WEEK: Invite your friends!
Freedom to Marry Week starts today! We'll have ways you can help every day, so we'll start with inviting as many people to stand with us as we can.
Facebook
Go to the One Iowa page and click "Suggest to Friends" link underneath the One Iowa logo.
Twitter
Post a message on Twitter asking your followers to follow @OneIowa. You can use the Share This link below, and don't forget to use the #iowaFTM hashtag!
Email
Send a message to your friends asking them to visit http://eqfed.org/oneiowa/join.html and join us!
Share this:
URGENT: We need your help!
Anti-equality extremists are resorting to underhanded tactics in an attempt to
take away the freedom to marry! While legislative leadership has stood firm
in support of equality, extremists are attempting to overthrow House rules
and push an anti-marriage amendment to the floor!
We need you to email your Representative IMMEDIATELY. Then call your Representative by placing a call to the House Switchboard: 515-281-3221.
Tell them to stand firm with legislative leadership and oppose this distracting and divisive move. With all the challenges Iowa is facing, our elected officials need to stay focused on working for Iowa families and balancing the state budget!
Share this:
New features at ACCESSline!
Share this:
Iowa's LGBT newspaper, ACCESSline, is rolling out some new features in February!
The first is a job listing for LGBT-friendly businesses looking for potential employees. If you're an employer, or know an employer who might be interested, make sure they know about ACCESSline's new job listing!
ACCESSline is also adding a calendar to their website and print paper. If you have events you think should be on the calendar, contact ACCESSline.
ACCESSline is a monthly paper; the next issue will start hitting stands tomorrow. Find a distribution location near you.
Even in Iowa, married gays are still unequal in work benefits
Share this:
Jacob Holman didn't think twice as he wrote the name of his new husband, Michael Walker, in the space marked "spouse" on the application form.
Holman, a respiratory therapist, didn't expect much to change after he wedded his longtime boyfriend in a quiet ceremony in May. But he was hoping to provide health insurance for Walker, a full-time student.
But Walker could not be added to the company insurance plan. Holman's employer, Methodist Health System, follows the federal definition of marriage and does not consider the couple married.
Of 27 major Iowa and Nebraska employers contacted by The World-Herald, four provide health insurance benefits to gay married couples.
Most employers have not changed their health insurance benefits to include gay spouses and, according to federal law, they don't have to.
"They're treating other married couples differently than us," said Holman. "I really don't think it's right."
Calif. gay marriage trial re-enacted on Internet
Seeking to overcome a broadcast blackout imposed by the U.S. Supreme Court, a pair of gay Los Angeles filmmakers have undertaken the task of faithfully recreating the federal trial on California's same-sex marriage ban for the Internet. All 60-plus hours of it. Every "um," ''Yes, your honor" and "objection!"
John Ainsworth and John Ireland are using 3,000 pages of court transcripts as scripts and professional actors as the main characters to produce the weighty re-enactment of a case that some have described as the gay marriage movement's Brown v. Board of Education.
"This is something I believe should be a resource for Americans," Ireland said. "This is a process we as a society are going through, and there is nothing like good drama with professional actors that allows people to consider the lives of others that are different from them."
Imperial Court event to benefit One Iowa
Share this:
Make plans to attend the Emperor & Empress Ball XVII on April 10 at Hamburger Mary's in Cedar Rapids. Emperor Jesse and Empress Brandi of the Imperial Court will host. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.
A $5 donation is requested, and proceeds benefit two charities the Imperial Court chose this year: One Iowa and the American Cancer Society.
The last Imperial Court event held at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines raised more than $2,000 for the Court's chosen charities.
League of Women Voters sign on to EQUALITY: RED BLUE PURPLE coalition
Share this:
We are proud to welcome Iowa's League of Women Voters to the EQUALITY: RED BLUE PURPLE coalition. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization for women and men that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Since our Jan. 10 campaign launch, we've also been please to welcome Democratic Party leaders and the Catholic Peace Ministry. Click here for a complete list.
Is your group interested in joining a coalition opposing a constitutional amendment taking away marriage equality in Iowa? Let us know!
Freedom to Marry Week Activities!
Share this:
Please join One Iowa in celebrating Freedom to Marry Week from February 7-13. While the state of Iowa now recognizes gay and lesbian couples, work still needs to be done to protect this victory and build for other victories across the country.
You can help by participating in our daily Freedom to Marry Week Actions. Please join us on Facebook and Twitter to follow along throughout the week. We'll also be updating the website daily with details about each days actions!
ONE IOWA FREEDOM TO MARRY WEEK SCHEDULE
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7
Invite your friends to join One Iowa on Facebook and Twitter so they can follow our activities during Freedom to Marry Week.
FACEBOOK
Go to One Iowa's facebook page. If you are not a fan already, click "become a fan". Next, click "suggest to friends" and send an invitation to your facebook friends to become a fan of One Iowa.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 8
Change your facebook and twitter status and profile pictures to celebrate the Freedom to Marry Week!
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9
Sign the Freedom to Marry Week Petition.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10
Attend Lobby Day at the Capitol and the One Iowa/Out Networking Freedom to Marry Week Tweetup. If you are not able to attend these events, please call or email your legislators directly.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11
Sign up to receive your FREE blue dot bumper sticker.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12
Respond to Carolyn’s Freedom to Marry Week video challenge. Videos will be posted of those who attended Lobby Day.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13
Send a letter to the editor to your local newspaper celebrating the Freedom to Marry Week.
VIDEO: Why do you support the freedom to marry?
February 7-13 is national Freedom to Marry Week, and here at One Iowa, we want to hear why the freedom to marry is important to you. Right now, our legislators are being hounded by people who want to write discrimination into our constitution, so we must keep our positive conversation going.
Whether you're gay or straight, young or old, Republican or Democrat, telling your "Freedom to Marry" story is vitally important to keeping the freedom to marry in Iowa, and showing other states the importance of marriage for all couples.
To tell your story, record an approximately one-minute video stating why you support marriage for all couples, regardless of gender, and post it as a video response.
You might feel like you are one person standing up to overwhelming discrimination, but as you will see in the coming days, you are not alone. And when you add your story to the thousands of LGBT individuals, their parents, friends and children, our voice becomes clearer and stronger.
You might not know it, but fair-minded legislators are reading and retelling stories like yours every day to illustrate the need to block a constitutional amendment restricting the freedom to marry in Iowa.
Do your part to keep our freedom to marry. Tell your story today!
Share this:
One Iowa, Out Networking team up for tweetup!
Join One Iowa and Out Networking to celebrate Freedom to Marry Week in Iowa with a tweetup and social. Appetizers and a free drink ticket for those who are new to Out Networking. Use hashtag #IowaFTM for tweets. RSVP on Facebook.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA
Appetizers provided; free drink if you're new to Out Networking, or if you bring friend!
Share this:
Rants says he would force action on marriage amendment
Share this:
As governor, Rep. Chris Rants would be willing to veto any bill, including the budget, until lawmakers vote on giving Iowans the opportunity to amend the constitution to define marriage.
"I would not let the legislature adjourn until they had a straight up or down vote on that issue," said Rants, a Sioux City Republican seeking the party's nomination for governor.
Giving Iowans the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment specifying marriage between one man and one woman as the only legal union that is valid or recognized in the state is a key fighting point in the four-way battle for the GOP nomination to take on first-term Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.
He would make it clear during the campaign and in meetings with legislative leaders that he would hold the Legislature in session until lawmakers voted on whether the issue should be placed on the ballot, Rants said.
- 1 of 24
- ››
