Des Moines — Hundreds of Iowans will gather on the west steps of the Capitol Tuesday, March 14th, at noon, asking Senators to give Iowans a chance to determine the definition of marriage and vote on the Iowa Marriage Amendment. Immediately following, the rally supporters will deliver messages from thousands of Iowans to key Senators.

“With the lawsuit currently challenging Iowa’s marriage law, it is clear somebody is going to determine the definition of marriage. It will either be the people through a constitutional vote, or handful of unelected judges,” said Reverend Jeff Bradley of Central Assembly of God. “We’re simply asking lawmakers to represent the majority of Iowans who believe marriage should be defined as a union between one man and one woman, and to give us a chance to vote on this issue.”

The Iowa Marriage Amendment is stalled in the Senate State Government Committee. Should the measure pass the Senate this year, it will then need to be approved by the General Assembly in 2007 or 2008 before the amendment will face a statewide vote.

“It is critical that the Senate votes on the Iowa Marriage Amendment this year,” said Pastors Santiago and Rachel Gudiel-Lopez. “Without a vote the amending process will be delayed at least 2 years. By then, if a judge strikes down our state’s definition of marriage, all Iowans may be robbed of our democratic right to vote on the definition of marriage.”

Dynamic and diverse speakers will headline the rally including Monsignor Bognanno of Christ the King, Pastors Santiago and Rachel Guidel-Lopez of Eagle Vision Church, and Reverends Dan Berry and Matthew Spivi of Cornerstone Family Church.