Press Release: Council Bluffs Forum to Discuss Marriage Equality in Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009
Contact Justin Uebelhor
515-288-4019 ext. 205
515-333-2525 cell
justin@oneiowa.org

Council Bluffs Forum to Discuss Marriage Equality in Iowa

On April 3, 2009 the Iowa Supreme Court granted the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples in the state of Iowa. In the months since the ruling, hundreds of same-sex couples have married in the state. One Iowa, the statewide advocacy organization tasked with protecting this historic ruling, is hosting a series of public forums across the state designed to build public support for equality and share perspectives on the freedom to marry.
 

Council Bluffs Marriage Equality Public Forum
Council Bluffs Center
714 Main Street, Council Bluffs
Monday, November 16, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Welcome/Moderator
Craig Leabhart, One Iowa
 
Panelists
Joni Stacy
Parents, Family, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays board member
 
Mike Yowell and Hersh Rodasky
Married same-gender couple
 
Reverend Tim Vann
Episcopal Priest, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Council Bluffs
 
Nathan R. Watson
Attorney at Law
 
Susannah Go
Council Bluffs Community Alliance board member and Gays, Lesbians and Straight Supporters (GLASS) faculty advisor at Iowa Western Community College

With the Iowa legislative session set to begin in January, and a roster of anti-gay gubernatorial candidates pledging to take away these freedoms, the struggle to protect marriage equality has only just begun.  At this critical juncture, One Iowa seeks to continue a civil conversation about the positive affect of marriage equality on Iowa communities. Panel participants typically represent various local perspectives: same-sex couples, parents of gays and lesbians, faith and community leaders, the legal community and local business leaders. The program includes introductory remarks from each panelist and a question and answer period.
 
Founded in 2005, One Iowa is the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, working for full equality for LGBT Iowans. More information can be found at www.oneiowa.org
 

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