Human Rights Campaign applauds Iowa Supreme Court decision on marriage
April 3, 2009
What a great day for equality in our nation! The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement celebrating the Iowa state Supreme Court’s unanimous 7-0 decision today ruling that the equal protection provision of the Iowa Constitution guarantees gay and lesbian couples the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. As a result of the court’s decision in Varnum v. Brien, Iowa becomes the first state in the Midwest and the third in the nation after Massachusetts and Connecticut to recognize marriages for gay and lesbian couples. HRC President Joe Solmonese:
This is a truly historic day for Iowa and a proud day for every American who believes in the promise of equal rights and fairness for all. The Iowa Supreme Court did its job by recognizing that gay and lesbian couples who form committed relationships and loving families deserve the same level of respect afforded to heterosexual couples. The unanimous court made forcefully clear that the state constitution guarantees the same rights and protections for all Iowans. This decision strengthens Iowa families and makes a strong statement for equality all across the nation. We congratulate and commend Lambda Legal, the numerous organizations and individuals who briefed the Supreme Court, and, of course, the courageous plaintiff couples and their families who looked to the courts to vindicate their rights. We also thank One Iowa for their hard work across the state to ensure that gay and lesbian couples and their families receive the recognition that they rightfully deserve.
Read the rest of HRC's press release to learn the key results from the ruling. To celebrate the Iowa court decision, One Iowa and other LGBT advocacy groups including the Human Rights Campaign will host rallies across the state today and tomorrow: Ames Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM ISU Campus next to the Hub Contact Matt Skuya at 515.314.0213 Cedar Falls/Waterloo Rally Friday, April 03, 3:00 PM Univ. of N. Iowa Maucker Union, Cedar Falls Contact Kaitlin Corbitz at 319.610.7155 Cedar Rapids Rally Friday, April 03, 5:00 PM People’s Church Unitarian Universalist 600 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids Contact Andrea Jansa at 319.360.8072 Council Bluffs Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Playland Park 2 North 40th Street, Council Bluffs Contact Matt Skuya at 515.314.0213 Des Moines Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Western Gateway Park 13th Street between Grand & Locust @ 5:30 pm Contact the One Iowa Office at 515.288.4019 Decorah Rally Saturday, April 04, 10:00 AM Winneshiek County Courthouse 201 W. Main St., Decorah Contact Amalia Vagts at 563.382.6277 Dubuque Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Q’s 920 Main Street, Dubuque Contact Tina Sio at 563.564.6316 Iowa City Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Univ. of Iowa Pentacrest On Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue Contact Matt Fender at 646.752.5932 Mason City Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Cerro Gordo County Courthouse 220 N. Washington Ave, Mason City Contact Matt Skuya at 515.314.0213 Quad Cities Rally Friday, April 03, 5:30 PM Davenport Unitarian Church 3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport Contact Ryan Crane at 402.659.8110
