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Gay Couple Marries Before Iowa Judge Stays Ruling

Window of opportunity was just 3½ hours

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2007 7:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Two college students became Iowa's first—and, so far, only—legally married same-sex couple today before a judge stayed his own ruling that overturned a ban on gay marriage. About 20 couples completed the marriage-license application between 7:30 and 11am, when the county recorder stopped issuing them. “This might be our only chance,” one applicant told the AP.

Meanwhile, one state legislator calling for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, and the governor alluded to the possibility of state intervention. The county attorney requested and received the stay, and the case next moves to the state supreme court. Until the high court rules, the validity of the marriage is unclear, the Des Moines Register reported.

Sean Fritz holds his marriage license before his wedding with Tim McQuillan, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ames, Iowa, couple was married a day after a judge threw out the state's ban... (Associated Press)

Kelly Bertelsen, left, and Lori Septer look at their marriage license, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Altoona, Iowa, couple received their license a day after a judge threw out the state's... (Associated Press)

Tim McQuillan, left, and Sean Fritz apply for their marriage license, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ames, Iowa, couple was married a day after a judge threw out the state's ban on same-sex... (Associated Press)

University of Iowa students Sean Fritz, left, and Tim McQuillan show their wedding license before getting married, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ames, Iowa, couple was married a day... (Associated Press)

Sean Fritz, left, and Tim McQuillan embrace at the end of their wedding ceremony as The Rev. Mark Stringer, right, looks on, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ames, Iowa, couple was married... (Associated Press)

Sean Fritz, left, kisses Tim McQuillan after getting their marriage license, Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ames, Iowa, couple was married a day after a judge threw out the state's ban... (Associated Press)

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Gay Couple Marries Before Iowa Judge Stays Ruling

Window of opportunity was just 3½ hours

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gay rights • Iowa • gay marriage • civil union

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More Newser Stories

62% of US Backs Same-Sex Unions

And younger generation is much more likely to support gay marriage: poll

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Amendment to state's constitution passes

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Iowan Zach Wahls explains his speech

Holder Bars Deportation of Gay Man in Civil Union

With DOMA in question, Eric Holder wants case reviewed

Hawaii Governor Signs Civil Unions Into Law

Becomes 7th state to recognize legal status

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