Judge rules gay couples can marry in Iowa

[Insider2007]

A judge in Iowa has ruled that the state's decade old gay marriage ban is unconstitutional. Judge Robert Hanson, in a case in Polk County, removed the ban imposed in the Defence of Marriage Act enacted by the state legislature in 1998. Judge Hanson ordered court officials to process the requests of six gay couples that they be allowed to marry.

A number of gay couples are now scheduled to get married in the state.

The state has sought a stay to prevent the implementation of the ruling pending an appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. The ruling on the stay is expected next week.

If the ruling is upheld, Iowa will become the second state in the United States to allow gay marriage, following Massachusetts. Nine other states recognise civil partnerships while 27 have introduced constitutional definitions of marriage that prohibit gender-neutral marriage.

The conservative Republican House minority leader in the state has said that he believes a constitutional amendment is needed to prevent gay marriage in the state.

The state legislature is not scheduled to meet again until January 2009, raising the possibility that, unless a stay is granted, or the Supreme Court rules on the issue in the meantime, full gay marriages will be possible in Iowa at least until January.

The ruling may introduce the issue of gay marriage as a political in the forthcoming presidential election.

Sources

Fox News
ABC news

[Riadach]

Excellent news. Though I think you have just created a new forty post thread.

[White Horse]

When are you packing your bags?

[Riadach]

When are you packing your bags?

??

[nawbut]

Good for Iowa! ("Polk" County? )

[Insider2007]

Excellent news. Though I think you have just created a new forty post thread.

Oh I think it will hit 60! :P And of course it is only a matter of time before eyes west and co announce how Ron Paul is in favour of gay rights, etc. Betcha Ron Paul will be mentioned by the end of page 2.

[Riadach]

It is good news though. It seems to be working out just like the sodomy laws. State by state the law is changed to allow marriage so that eventually the facts on the ground will be recognised and opposition will cave because of practicality. Admittedly a slow process, but better than nothing.

[CookieMonster]

Ron Paul loves America, Ron Paul loves gays (but not in that way).

[Rich OC]

Excellent news. Though I think you have just created a new forty post thread.

Oh I think it will hit 60! :P And of course it is only a matter of time before eyes west and co announce how Ron Paul is in favour of gay rights, etc. Betcha Ron Paul will be mentioned by the end of page 2.

He just has been.

Great news - very interesting how conservatives try to suppress the constitutional rights when it is against their views but cling to it as an ultimate and infallible truth when it suits them.

[The Earl of Desmond]

Isn't Iowa one of those backward places like Wyoming where Matthew Shepard was murdered?