Iowans head to the state capitol to lobby for marriage equality
February 13, 2009
In advance of the state’s supreme court ruling on marriage equality later this year, fair-minded Iowans went to the capitol to share their stories with Iowa legislators. Brad Clark, Campaign Director at One Iowa, offers a quick recap of One Iowa’s lobby day this past Tuesday: 
Earlier this week gay and lesbian couples, parents and families of LGBT people, people of faith and goodwill, and straight allies from across Iowa gathered for Marriage Equality Day at the Capitol. Our team of more than 80 people shared hundreds of stories, delivered thousands of postcards, and engaged in countless face-to-face meetings in support of marriage equality with Iowa legislators, leadership of the Iowa Senate and House, and Governor Culver. Support for marriage equality is being voiced in the media, at the Capitol, and in face-to-face conversations with everyday Iowans. Our efforts and your overwhelming response has clearly unnerved the radical right. In an email sent to their supporters, the Iowa Family Policy Center featured our activities with the headline "Homosexuals Co-Opt Valentine's Day". Here's an excerpt:
Groups supporting homosexuality are attempting to co-opt Valentine’s Day to promote their agenda. Homosexual activists brought “gay-wedding” cake to the Capitol yesterday, and were lobbying for a radical change to Iowa marriage law. They have asked their supporters to write letters to the editor this week calling for the redefinition of marriage. They are using Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and text messaging to promote their agenda. Each of their efforts is designed to “change the hearts and minds of Iowa legislators.”
Sounds like they got one thing right. We are changing the hearts and mind of legislators. Thanks to the many HRC members and supporters who shared their stories on lobby day, the over 200 HRC members who sent letters to their representatives and everyone who continues to participate in One Iowa’s Freedom to Marry week.
