Happy Marriage Day, Iowa!
Today is truly historic. After the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision upholding the constitution’s promise of freedom, today is the day lesbian and gay couples can become married in Iowa.
Recently I have found myself humbled by news from Iowa. Don’t get me wrong — I’m ELATED. But I am also humbled. You see, I grew up in Iowa. I was born in Indianola, a small college town, and spent my school-aged years in Des Moines.
I’m humbled because I know I don’t seize opportunities to stand up and say, with pride, that I am from Iowa. I was ready as a high school senior to leave and explore the great world beyond, and I don’t go back as often as my family would like.
But since the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision, I have been reminded of where I come from. And why I should be proud. I have been educated along with others around the country; I have learned that the Iowa Supreme Court decision isn’t the first time that Iowa has led the way in terms of recognizing our Constitution and promoting civil rights.Consider:
- Iowa rejected slavery 26 years before the end of the Civil War
- Iowa’s Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated “separate but equal” schools had no place in Iowa — a ruling 85 years before the US Supreme Court came to that conclusion
- Iowa’s Supreme Court ruled against racial discrimination in public accommodations 91 years before the US Supreme Court came to that conclusion
- Iowa’s legislature removed legal constraints on interracial marriage in 1851; the US Supreme Court would not rule that anti-miscegenation laws are a denial of equal protection until 1967
- Iowa became the first state in the union to admit women into the practice of law
So the next time someone says “MARRIAGE IN IOWA? IOWA? C’MON!”, remind them that fairness and the hope for ending discrimination in our lives are not the providence of the coasts. Fair-minded citizens are alive and well – in my birthplace and in yours.
The fight to sustain the freedom to marry in Iowa is not over! Our state partner, One Iowa, needs your help to win hearts and minds in Iowa. Visit their website to see how you can get involved, then watch their new ad and forward it to friends and family.
Apr 27th, 2009 at 2:20pm
Too true- Iowa has a tremendous history of applying midwestern common sense to law.
It makes me feel really good as a Nebraskan to see a neighbor doing the right thing. Way to go Iowa!
Now, maybe Iowa can be a leader for her neighbors in regard to equal rights for all.
Apr 27th, 2009 at 2:30pm
America what have you done?!?!? This so terrible it makes me sick. Well if you allow this then what is next ACLU? Marriage between animal and human, tree with a dessert. Hope you people are happy. You are the begining of the end to The UNITED STATES of AMERICA and I will let my voice be heard about this. I will fight! Others should let there voices about this be heard too!
Apr 27th, 2009 at 11:40pm
How come it is that I look all over your site and I don't see anything about Christians rights? Or the rights of white people to live without fear of being made to look like they are the scourge of the world?
This is what is wrong with the ACLU. Your organization is all about liberal rights. Not right for all people.
I am an American too. I am a right-wing conservative but I guess in your eyes that makes me the enemy.
Shame on the ACLU. This organization is exactly why America will cease to be a free nation and allow Obama to bring on socialistic change. How terrible that the ACLU isn't standing up to his destruction of the constitution.
It makes me sick!
Apr 28th, 2009 at 3:06am
Oh Yea! Now I'm one step closer to hearing about my sons class reading "My Two Mommies" and "Jake Has Two Daddies" aloud in his public classroom! But god forbid don't talk about the bible or praying because you may face suspension! This world is falling apart and it makes me ill!!! And Rob who posted the comment above should be careful because according to Napolitano people who think like us are domestic terrorists who are very dangerous!!!
Apr 28th, 2009 at 11:05pm
I am not attracted to others of my sex. I also recognize that I do not have the right to tell competent others how to live their lives.
Rob...An animal does not have the capacity to enter into a contract, thus there cannot be a marriage. Your voice should be heard; that is the American way.
Tom...Keep reading or do a search. I have seen many examples of the ACLU supporting the rights of Christians when the state attempts to restrict them. I am a white person and do not feel that I am being made to feel like I am the scourge of the world. I can't understand why you should unless you identify with the people who are trying to take away the Constitutional rights of people who are not like you? Please let us know the sections of the Constitution President Obama has violated. Details, not words.
JJules...You just don't get it. The ACLU would protect a person's right to read the Bible during lunch or other free time.
Apr 30th, 2009 at 4:45pm
No Roald I get it perfectly. Study of "alternative lifestyle" will soon be part of the curriculum for our students. Because that's what's "polictically correct." The bible will NEVER be part of the curriculum unless you are in a private school! The ACLU should support that instead of all their other bullshit!
May 12th, 2009 at 5:39pm
Jjules - how would you feel in the Qur'an were part of the curriculum (outside of comparative religion class)?
Teach your beliefs to your children in Church and at home.
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