It was one year ago today that the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the State of Iowa could not prohibit any couple from marrying based on sexual preference.
One Iowa is marking the occasion by providing a way to send congratulations to the couples in Iowa who have been able to marry since then.
With permission from One Iowa, I am quoting the message sent out via Facebook today.
A year ago today the Iowa Supreme Court proved the heartland was fitting of it's name. In granting the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples, the court continued Iowa's tradition of protecting equal rights and touched on the common values of Iowans who want to see their neighbors treated with fairness and respect.
After a year of marriage equality, I can say with confidence that Iowa is a better place where all loving committed couples are respected. The many same-sex couples that have married in Iowa are a testament to Iowa's longstanding commitment to equality.
Please join me in celebration by viewing our anniversary slide show and sending your note of congratulations to the happy couples!
slide show
During the 2009-2010 legislative session there were numerous attempts to undermine the freedom to marry. With your help we defeated each and every one of these attempts. I'm encouraged that our elected officials have chosen to move forward, working towards the common good of all Iowans, rather than seeking to divide us.
Our legislative leaders and fair-minded elected officials stood strong and our political allies were united. In all, 100 Iowa organizations representing over 200,000 Iowans have signed on to One Iowa's Red Blue Purple Coalition, making their opposition to writing discrimination into the Iowa Constitution clear.
As we look ahead, we see additional challenges to equality in the state of Iowa. None is more pressing than the November elections, where pro-equality candidates around the state are counting on our support. But with your help, we are committed to keeping Iowa the beacon of equality that it is.
While tomorrow we prepare for the battles ahead, today we celebrate! Send your note of congratulations now!
Congratulations!
Happy Anniversary!
For most of us, this isn't even an issue any more. The world didn't end, and heterosexual couples haven't seen their marriages disintegrate because of this decision.
Congratulations to all of the happy couples!