Iowa Supreme Court Says Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

Iowa’s Supreme Court says the state law forbidding gay marriage is unconstitutional.  The 1998 law says the state recognizes marriage only between a man and a woman.  Now, because of a 2005 suit brought by six gay couples, same-sex couples will be allowed to file for marriage licenses and get married in Iowa.

On Thursday, legislative leaders from both parties said the 2009 legislature will likely adjourn for the year within the next week or 10 days without passing a bill in reaction to this ruling. Opponents of gay marriage have been pressing for an amendment to the state constitution which would ban gay marriage in Iowa. If the 2010 legislature endorses the idea, November of 2012 is the earliest Iowans would be able to vote on that constitutional amendment.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.