Iowa Activists Want Gay Marriage On Agenda
Gov. Chet Culver and Democratic legislative leaders intend to focus on the state's budget shortfall when the Legislature convenes next week, but activists are working to get gay marriage on the agenda.
Supporters and opponents of a 2009 Iowa Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage plan Statehouse rallies to mark the opening of the Legislature on Jan. 11. A group that supports the decision will gather this Sunday, and opponents will rally Jan. 12, when Culver gives his condition of the state speech.
The Iowa Family Policy Council, a group leading the push to approve a constitutional amendment overturning the court ruling, also is criticizing Culver for issuing a proclamation that supports the rights of transgender people.
"Iowans know that Governor Culver does not share their values," said Chuck Hurley, president of the council. "As if the governor's unwillingness to exercise the influence of his office in the defense of marriage wasn't enough, we now know that he is spending his time creating special days celebrating sexual disorientation."
Hurley said Culver kept the Nov. 20 signing of the "Transgender Day of Remembrance" quiet, claiming his group had to file a Freedom of Information Act request to confirm the governor's action.
Culver spokesman Troy Price responded that the governor's office rarely publicizes proclamations.
