Statement: Des Moines Register Poll Shows Majority of Iowans Oppose Constitutional Amendment Banning Marriage Equality

February 27, 2012
Statement
Contact:
Molly Tafoya
O: 515.288.4019 x207
C: 808.256.7064
molly@oneiowa.org

Des Moines Register Poll Shows Majority of Iowans Oppose Constitutional Amendment Banning Marriage Equality
56% oppose the Legislature passing an amendment to put on ballot

(Des Moines, IA)—Today, the Des Moines Register released their latest poll that included a question asking Iowans their opinion on the passage of a constitutional amendment banning marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

The Des Moines Register asked, “Here is an issue that may be debated in the Iowa Legislature this year. Please tell me if you favor or oppose the initiative: Pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.”

The poll found that 56% opposed such legislative action, while only 38% were in favor. 6% of Iowans are undecided.

In response to the numbers, One Iowa Interim Executive Director Calla Rongerude issued the following statement:

“With these poll numbers showing that 56% of Iowans oppose the Legislature from passing a constitutional amendment, we know that we are making progress towards valuing all families in Iowa.

We are proud that, once again, Iowa values—like the golden rule and treating people the way you want to be treated—have triumphed.

We are counting on these values of fairness and equality to continue to engage with Iowans in a conversation about real people and real families and the importance of love, commitment, and why marriage matters. We know that we can help people open their hearts and minds by having meaningful conversations about how marriage strengthens families with Iowans across the state.

These poll results also send a strong and clear message to the Legislature that the majority of Iowans oppose a harmful ban of the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. We call on our legislators to fulfill their campaign promises of focusing on the issues that matter most to Iowans—creating jobs and improving education.

With growing support nationwide, One Iowa is committed to continuing our public education work to continue to increase public support for marriage and we look forward to the day when all families are valued.”

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Click here to read the full poll results: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120227/NEWS09/302270022/Iowa-Poll-Majority-opposes-ban-on-same-sex-marriage