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Ames Marriage Equality Public Forum

Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Ames Municipal Auditorium, City Hall (515 Clark Avenue, Ames)

Welcome: Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Iowa State Representative
Panelists: Tim and Sean McQuillan, Iowa’s only legally married same-sex couple; Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal, Senior Staff Attorney; Linda Trudeau, Ph.D., Ames PFLAG President and proud parent of a lesbian daughter; Rev. Brian Eslinger, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames
Co-sponsors: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Association of Social Workers - Iowa Chapter, Iowa Citizens Action Network, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Ames PFLAG, Ames Friends Meeting, Rainbow Vision Team of Collegiate United Methodist Church, Delta Lambda Phi – Beta Lambda Chapter

Come hear about how Marriage Equality impacts our families and communities with a panel representing various local perspectives, including same-sex couples, parents of gays and lesbians, faith and community leaders, and legal community.

Wednesday November 7 to 9 PM

Iowa City Marriage Equality Public Forum

Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

The Center, Assembly Room (28 South Linn, Iowa City)

Welcome: Kim Painter, Johnson County Recorder
Panelists: Jen and Dawn BarbouRoske, same-sex plaintiff couple in Varnum vs. Brien case; Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal, Senior Staff Attorney; Tom Koeppel, proud parent of a lesbian daughter; Dr. Rev. Rich McCarty, ordained minister and Professor of Religio
Co-sponsors: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Association of Social Workers - Iowa Chapter, Iowa Citizens Action Network, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Pittman Law Firm, Mears Law Firm, Iowa Women’s Foundation, Women’s Resource and Action Center, Emma Goldman Clinic, Prairie Lights Bookstore, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Community Mental Health Center, University of Iowa LGBT Resource Center, Connections, Iowa City Interweave

Come hear about how Marriage Equality impacts our families and communities with a panel representing various local perspectives, including same-sex couples, parents of gays and lesbians, faith and community leaders, and legal community.

Have you heard the news? Today’s ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court clears the way for committed gay and lesbian couples to marry in Connecticut!

We look forward to the day when gay and lesbian couples can marry in Iowa and with your help, we hope to see that day soon! In the meantime, let’s celebrate this victory. Best wishes to all the happy couples in Connecticut who choose to marry!

Our press release is below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2008

CONTACT: Justin Uebehlor, Director of Communications
One Iowa
(515) 288.4019 ext 205
(515) 333.2525 cellular
justin@oneiowa.org

One Iowa applauds Connecticut marriage decision, awaits Iowa oral arguments

(DES MOINES) One Iowa applauds today’s ruling in Connecticut that clears the way for gay and lesbian couples to marry. We hope the Iowa Supreme Court will likewise recognize that all committed couples deserve the dignity, security, and legal protections of marriage.

“This is a great day for Connecticut. We are excited for the committed couples who now have the freedom to marry. We share in their happiness and look forward to the day when committed gay and lesbian couples can marry in Iowa,” said Carolyn Jenison, Executive Director.

The Iowa Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the Varnum v. Brien case on December 9, 2008. Last year an Iowa district court held that Iowa’s ban on marriage for gay couples was unconstitutional. If the ruling is upheld it will provide gays and lesbians couples and their families the same recognition, benefits, and responsibilities that all married couples enjoy.

“Like most Iowans, we respect the judicial process and the role of the Iowa Supreme Court. The Iowa courts have a long tradition of upholding basic rights and protection for all Iowans,” said Carolyn Jenison.

As the Iowa case moves forward, One Iowa is engaged in an unprecedented effort to educate Iowans about marriage. In the months leading up to a ruling, One Iowa will host a series of public forums that highlight the importance of marriage for gay and lesbian couples and their families.

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One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, is dedicated to supporting full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals living in Iowa through grassroots education and advocacy.

Join One Iowa for this month’s happy hour. Featuring light appetizers, cash bar, and a chance to mingle with other LGBTA professionals. RSVP

Wednesday, October 8 5:00 PM-7:00 PM Centro 1007 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 RSVP

Make it an evening and join us afterwards for Dixie’s Tupperware Party at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

We have arranged a special deal with the Civic Center that includes an exclusive after party! Limited space available — order your tickets today by contacting Scott Stevens at (515) 288-4019 ext. 207 or scott@oneiowa.org.