Iowa Court Says Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

Iowa Supreme Court says state's same-sex marriage ban violates gays' constitutional rights

By AMY LORENTZEN
The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa

The Iowa Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Friday finding that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making Iowa the third state where marriage will be legal.

In its decision, the court upheld a 2007 district court judge's ruling that the law violates the state constitution. It strikes the language from Iowa code limiting marriage to only between a man a woman.

"The court reaffirmed that a statute inconsistent with the Iowa constitution must be declared void even though it may be supported by strong and deep-seated traditional beliefs and popular opinion," said a summary of the ruling issued by the court.

The ruling set off celebration among the state's gay-marriage proponents.

"Iowa is about justice, and that's what happened here today," said Laura Fefchak, who was hosting a verdict party in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale with partner of 13 years, Nancy Robinson.

Robinson added: "To tell the truth, I didn't think I'd see this day."

Richard Socarides, an attorney and former senior adviser on gay rights to President Clinton, said the ruling carries extra significance coming from Iowa.

"It's a big win because, coming from Iowa, it represents the mainstreaming of gay marriage. And it shows that despite attempts stop gay marriage through right wing ballot initiatives, like in California, the courts will continue to support the case for equal rights for gays," he said.

Court rules dictate that the decision will take about 21 days to be considered final, and a request for a rehearing could be filed within that period. That means it will be at least several weeks before gay and lesbian couples can seek marriage licenses.

Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said the county attorney's office will not ask for a rehearing, meaning the court's decision should take effect after that three-week period.

The case has been working its way through Iowa's court system since 2005 when Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization, filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses. Some of their children are also listed as plaintiffs.

The suit named then-Polk County recorder and registrar Timothy Brien.

The state Supreme Court's ruling upheld an August 2007 decision by Polk County District Court Judge Robert Hanson, who found that a state law allowing marriage only between a man and a woman violates the constitutional rights of equal protection.

The Polk County attorney's office, arguing on behalf of Brien, claimed that Hanson's ruling violates the separation of powers and said the issue should be left to the Legislature.

Lambda Legal scheduled a news conference for early Friday to comment on the ruling. A request for comment from the Polk County attorney's office wasn't immediately returned.

Around the nation, only Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage. California, which briefly allowed gay marriage before a voter initiative in November repealed it, allows domestic partnerships.

New Jersey and New Hampshire also offer civil unions, which provide many of the same rights that come with marriage. New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, and legislators there and in New Jersey are weighing whether to offer marriage. A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont has cleared the Legislature but may be vetoed by the governor.

The ruling in Iowa's same-sex marriage case came more quickly than many observers had anticipated, with some speculating after oral arguments that it could take a year or more for a decision.

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For Immediate Release:
Indigo 501 Unveils "ePrideGuide"
April 2, 2009

Activism and iPhones Unite!

Indigo 501 Creative today announced the launch of "ePride Guide," a shopping guide application for users of iPhone and iPod mobile devices. ePride Guide brings a rating system of your national AND local businesses so that you can spend your money wisely when it comes to LGBT Equal Rights.

"A lot of us want to do our part for the equality cause but don't have time to volunteer." says Indigo 501 President Sue Hoffman. "What could be easier than being wiser about where I spend my money. Think how great it will, be when on the way out to dinner, to find restaurants that back LGBT equality before you select where to eat."

"You can select National or pick your State and City for local results,"says Sue. "the ratings are provided by that state’s gay rights organization."

Future editions of ePride Guide will a feature a feedback function to capture even more data from the public on their favorite businesses. "Our developers are
planning some cool enhancements," says Sue, "including a search that finds businesses near you." ePride Guide is available for download ($1.99) at the iTunes App store. Or visit eprideguide.com for more information.

About Indigo 501 Creative
Indigo (www.indigo501.com) is a marketing firm specializing with nonprofit organizations and GLBT equality. Through selective partnerships with leading interactive companies, such as Extend Interactive (www.ExtendInteractive.com) and WebKat (www.web-kat.com) we have been able to develop this powerful advocacy tool.