One Iowa in the News: Iowa: marriage equality in the state faces its greatest test
from Pam's House Blend.
You’d think that we wouldn’t have to go back and continue a fight for equality where it has already been achieved, but that’s the case with the state of Iowa, where marriage equality bloomed as a result of a legal ruling by the state’s Supreme Court. As a result, judges who supported the ruling were targeted by anti-gay forces like the National Organization for Marriage in their elections. Iowa now faces a the prospect of its State Senate turning Republican — and raises the prospect of a marriage amendment. Troy Price, One Iowa‘s Executive Director, has written an open letter to the community. — Pam
Dear Supporters of Equality,
I am writing to you from Iowa, where marriage equality is alive and well in the heart of the heartland. There was no prouder day than on April 3, 2009, when the Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously that LGBT Iowans have the right to marry the person they love. It was a great day for our state, and a great day for our country.
However, since that day, marriage in Iowa has been under attack. We have seen anti-gay opposition make several attempts to pass a constitutional amendment through the legislature that would take away marriage for loving and committed couples. These efforts culminated earlier this year, with the Iowa House passing the amendment. However, the legislation was blocked thanks to the slim 26 – 24 pro-equality majority, led by Sen. Mike Gronstal.
But now, marriage in Iowa faces its greatest test.
On September 16th, Democratic Senator Swati Dandekar (D-18) resigned, leaving her seat in this conservative-leaning district up for a special election on November 8th. Democrat Liz Mathis, a former news anchor and current child advocate, will face Republican Cindy Golding, a farmer and small business owner.
The outcome of this election could determine who controls the Iowa State Senate and with it, the fate of marriage equality. If we lose, we could see the first of two required legislative votes on a constitutional amendment, beginning a process that could have it up for a vote of the people as early as June 2013 – just 20 short months from now.
But the good news is that we can stop this assault on Iowan families now. ...
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