Two Iowa Senate democrats say loyalty to Gronstal trumps support for marriage amendment
Posted on Feb 02, 2011 at 10:00 am
A handful of Senate Democrats who would be the deciding votes on an amendment to ban marriage equality said Tuesday they won't join minority Republicans to force a vote this year.
Barring a change of heart, that means the effort to allow a public vote on a constitutional amendment to ban the freedom to marry is dead in the Iowa Legislature this session.
Iowa House Passes Anti-Marriage Amendment
Posted on Feb 01, 2011 at 04:57 pm
The Iowa House today passed a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage, civil union, and domestic partnerships for gay couples in the state. Proposed amendments to the state's constitution must be passed by two consecutive legislatures, then approved by referendum.
Widower of gay Marine shown respect by Naval Academy, thanks to marriage
Posted on Feb 01, 2011 at 01:14 pm
Though military officials were skeptical to hear the wishes of a widower of a gay Marine, they treated him as next of kin once he sent them a copy of his marriage license.
Video: Iowa Democratic Chair urges lawmakers not to be distracted by marriage ban
Posted on Jan 31, 2011 at 02:30 pm
Retaining the jobs we have and creating new ones, that's what Iowa's Democratic Chair says the state's lawmakers should be focusing on, not banning marriage equality.
Conservative group: We won’t give up fight for marriage vote in Iowa Senate
Posted on Jan 28, 2011 at 02:30 pm
A conservative group says it has only begun to fight for a vote of the people on marriage equality, despite a failed attempt to force a vote in the Iowa Senate Thursday.
Senate Democrats in Iowa vote down push for ban on freedom to marry
Posted on Jan 27, 2011 at 01:00 pm
A motion by Iowa state Sen. Kent Sorenson to suspend the Senate’s rules to allow a vote on a constitutional ban on the freedom to marry was defeated early Thursday morning on a party-line vote.
Marriage equality arguments: This is about rights, speakers say
Posted on Jan 26, 2011 at 05:00 pm
A passionate debate took place at a legislative meeting in Iowa on Monday about a proposal that could ultimately eliminate the freedom to marry in Iowa.
Marriage equality could move forward in some U.S. states
Posted on Jan 24, 2011 at 09:30 am
A handful of U.S. states are poised to take up the issue of marriage equality afresh, due largely to incoming lawmakers who may tip the balance in favor of the controversial measure.
"The work of persuasion, of personal conversations, of talking to lawmakers and mobilizing against a well-funded anti-gay opposition" are among the primary tasks for the lobbying group Freedom to Marry, said founder Evan Wolfson. "With the freedom to marry within reach this year in states such as New York, Maryland and Rhode Island, now is the time to have those conversations and move marriage forward," he said.
DesMoines Register: Iowa amendment eliminates many rights
Posted on Jan 21, 2011 at 11:29 am
The DesMoines Register editorial board: "The language proposed by 56 House Republicans Wednesday would amend the Iowa Constitution to say: 'Marriage between one man and one woman shall be the only legal union valid or recognized in this state.' That bans not only the marriages of same-sex couples but civil unions and any other domestic partnership. That should worry all Iowans."
BREAKING NEWS: In Iowa, GOP lawmakers trying to take away marriage equality
Posted on Jan 20, 2011 at 11:15 am
The new Republican-dominated House today revealed the first step in its anti-gay agenda, introducing a joint resolution that would allow Iowans to vote on a constitutional amendment to ban the freedom to marry.
Freedom to Marry's Evan Wolfson said, "Government should be on the side of all families, not putting barriers in their path as they seek to care for their loved ones. And the constitution should be respected as a shield of fairness for all, not used as a weapon to discriminate and harm.”