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Iowa High Court Takes Up Gay Marriage Ban

Capital expects large crowds for landmark decision

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 8, 2008 2:15 AM CST
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(Newser) – Iowa's Supreme Court begins hearing a same-sex marriage case this week that could give gay activists their first heartland victory, reports the Des Moines Register. The state capital was abuzz with preparations for watch parties, town hall meetings, and court overflow rooms to accommodate the large crowds expected for this high stakes decision that could overturn a decades-old ban on gay marriage.

Gay rights proponents expressed optimism that Iowa's high court would rule in their favor. The state overturned its interracial marriage ban a century before the nation outlawed such bans. Conservatives argue that the legislature or voters, not courts, should decide such matters, and point to California's Proposition 8 shooting down gay marriage. But in Iowa, where the process for amending the state constitution is strenuous and lengthy, such a bill wouldn't reach voters before November 2011.

Lori Septer and Kelly Bertelsen, right, wait outside the Polk County vital records office after applying for a marriage license in Des Moines.
Lori Septer and Kelly Bertelsen, right, wait outside the Polk County vital records office after applying for a marriage license in Des Moines.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Sean Fritz, left, and Tim McQuillan got married in the nine-hour window before a lower court judge nixed the suspension of the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
Sean Fritz, left, and Tim McQuillan got married in the nine-hour window before a lower court judge nixed the suspension of the state's ban on same-sex marriage.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Sean Fritz embraces his new husband, Tim McQuillan, after they received their marriage certificate in Iowa.
Sean Fritz embraces his new husband, Tim McQuillan, after they received their marriage certificate in Iowa.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Zebraone
Dec 8, 2008 9:49 PM CST
One good thing about homosexual pairing. There's no natural issue, unless she uses a turkey baster!
Guest
Dec 8, 2008 5:32 AM CST
i personally dont care who marries who.i mean the meaning of marriage has been destroyed the last few decades by heterosexuals maybe homosexuals will get it right.

Six same-sex couples lead the charge
Los Angeles Times

Eyes shift from California to Iowa
Iowa City Press-Citizen

 
gay rights • gay marriage • Midwest • marriage rights • activists • conservatives • Iowa Supreme Court

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