The Iowa Supreme Court will release its ruling on marriage equality tomorrow, April 3, 2009. The national implications of this ruling our profound considering Iowa’s first in the nation caucus status for presidential races. Imagine in two years as the Republicans gear up for their caucus, the candidates having to justify their opinions in a state that recognizes full equality.
Iowa’s Supreme Court has a long history of pioneering civil rights causes and has been very supportive of gays and lesbians in the past. I personally will be shocked if they rule against equality.
If we get a favorable ruling, the religious right will likely press for a constitutional amendment. To change the Iowa Constitution,the legislature has to approve the change two years in a row. It is very unlikely the democratically run legislature will support a change any time soon. They have already denied attempts in the past two yea
By a mere coincidence, my partner and I are in Iowa visiting our families. We plan to witness the ruling and may extend our trip so that we can get married. Let’s hope it works out.
Iowa Supreme Court Justices
