Sioux City Forum to Discuss Marriage Equality in Iowa

Submitted by admin on Tue, 2009-12-01 17:03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2009
Contact Justin Uebelhor
515-288-4019 ext. 205
515-333-2525 cell
justin@oneiowa.org

 

Sioux City 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.
 

Sioux City Marriage Equality Public Forum
Wilbur Aalfs Library – Gleeson Room
529 Pierce St., Sioux City, IA

Tuesday, December 1, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Welcome/Moderator
Craig Leabhart, One Iowa
 
Panelists
Chuck and Jason Swaggerty-Morgan

Same-sex couple from Sioux City and one of six plaintiff couples in the Varnum v. Brien marriage case

 

Pastor John Hagberg

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Born and raised in Sioux City, John has been a pastor for 34 years. He served at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Strandquist, Minnesota for 5 years before serving at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City for 28 years. St. Mark is currently in a study process at it considers becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

 

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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in