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Iowa
The Iowa Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision in Varnum v. Brien in favor of the freedom to marry, bringing marriage equality to America's heartland. Iowa is the third state to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Gay couples are able to get married since April 27th.
The Iowa Supreme Court is the fourth state high court to uphold the freedom to marry under the state constitution. The Court continued Iowa's history of leadership in civil rights, which includes being among the first to eliminate the ban on interracial marriages, recognize the rights of married women, and desegregate schools.
In 2005, the case seeking to end the exclusion of gay couples from marriage was filed on behalf of six couples seeking to marry in Iowa. At the same time, a public education campaign was launched to educate Iowans about why marriage equality matters for all Iowa's families.
- August 2007: The Iowa District Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples access to marriage. The opposition filed for an appeal and a "stay" on the decision the next day which were granted.
- December 2008: Oral arguments were heard before the Iowa Supreme Court.
- April 2009: Iowa ends gay couples' exclusion from marriage.
Use the links below to learn more about marriage in Iowa.
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More about Judicial Decisions dealing with Marriage
Key Quotes from the Iowa Supreme Court’s Unanimous Decision in Varnum v. Brien
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UCLA's Williams Institute released a study analyzing census data on same-sex couples in Iowa finding over 5,800 couples live throughout the state and are raising over 1,400 children. The report also discusses how these families have fewer economic resources and are actively engaged in the Iowa economy.
Lambda Legal, who filed the Iowa case, created a Marriage Equality Win in Midwest webpage containing links to the Iowa case, Vernum v. Brien, plaintiff stories and other important announcements and resources.
In a powerful, closely reasoned 63-pp. decision released on August 30, 2007, an Iowa trial court struck down the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage.
Written by Justice Mark S. Cady with the other 6 justices concurring, holding that excluding same-sex couples from marriage violates the Iowa Constitution's equal protection guarantee. (link)
