Dear Friends,

Today we are living in a historic moment for lesbian and gay Iowans. Because of your hard work, stories, and time - we have secured necessary rights and protections for LGBT Iowans across the state.

However, our work CANNOT stop here. We are on a journey toward full equality for lesbian and gay Iowans and their families! And as anti-gay radicals and extremists resort to lies, fear, and hate, we need you more than ever! We all must do our part to stop them. Gay or straight, Democrat or Republican, married or single - we all have a stake in this journey! What can you do?

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Dear Friends,

You are a part of history!

Yesterday California joined a growing list of governments in the United States that recognizes all families - gay and straight alike - should be afforded the equal protections and responsibilities to protect their loved ones from harm.

Today, thousands of lesbian and gay couples in California will no longer be excluded from protecting their families through marriage.

This is a historic moment. This day is about fairness and justice for couples whose government has deemed their relationships “less than.” It’s about two people having the right to build a life together, raise a family, visit each other in the hospital - things many couples take for granted.

It is also the beginning of an enormous political battle.

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Dear Friends,

As you may have heard, the California Supreme Court recently ruled that it is unconstitutional to bar gay and lesbian couples from marriage, and California soon will join the list of places where same-sex couples may marry. If you are considering travel to California or elsewhere to marry, the documents below contain information about how to obtain a license in California, and about legal implications for out-of-state couples who travel to California to marry. We encourage you to call Lambda Legal’s help desk if you have specific questions about the legal ramifications for you individually, including how marriage to a same-sex spouse is likely to affect your legal obligations and eligibility for particular benefits and protections under Iowa law.

For more information regarding whether to travel to California or another state or country to marry, see Lambda Legal’s FAQs:

“Traveling to Another State or Country to Marry,” located here.

“Marriage for Same Sex Couples in California,” located here.

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