MarriageHow the freedom to marry was achieved in Iowa.In December, 2005, six Iowa couples represented by Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit in Polk County District Court seeking the freedom to marry in Iowa. In addition, hundreds of Iowans including faith leaders, lawmakers, and social science experts, filed an additional fifteen amicus briefs in support of the freedom to marry on behalf of the couples. On August 30, 2007 an Iowa District Court judge ruled that denying gay couples marriage was unconstitutional. Twenty-four hours later, the judge issued a stay on his order; but in that time, 19 couples applied for marriage licenses and one couple actually got married, remaining Iowas only legally married gay couple. The case then moved on appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court, who submitted its unanimous decision affirming marriage on Friday, April 3. One Iowa is currently working with legislative leadership and community leaders to ensure that the courts decision is upheld and the legislature does not approve an amendment to the states constitution. Learn More!Varnum vs. Brien – Lambda Legal Marriage Equality Court Case
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