Same-Sex Marriage: Iowa’s Story
In December of 2005, six homosexual couples filed a lawsuit against Polk County for refusing to grant them marriage licenses, challenging Iowa’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) saying it is unconstitutional discrimination. (What is DOMA?)
Why bring it to Iowa?
Since its inception, this landmark case in Iowa has received much attention and has been a political rallying point for homosexual activists from across the nation. (Shocking example)
One Judge Legalized Same-sex Marriage
On Thursday, August 30, 2007, Polk County Judge Robert Hanson, ruled in favor of the six homosexual couples, legalized same-sex marriage and struck down our DOMA. Hanson’s ruling went into effect on Friday, August 31 for a few hours, prior to his granting a stay, which froze the implementation of the ruling until the Iowa Supreme Court rules on the issue.
Between the time of his ruling taking effect and the stay being granted, many marriage licenses were handed out by the Polk County Courthouse, and one wedding ceremony between two men was completed.
Let Iowans Define Marriage
The only way to make sure marriage is defined as between one man and one woman in Iowa is give the people a voice and pass the IMA. A constitutional amendment is the only law above a judicial ruling (download a printable petition).
Over 70% of Iowans agree that marriage should only be between one man and one woman…now we just need our legislators to “let us to vote” on the IMA.
To respond to this ruling and make the IMA law as soon as possible both the House and Senate must pass the amendment in their ‘08 session. With passage in ’08, legislators will again have to pass the IMA in ’09 or ’10 before Iowans are allowed to vote on protecting marriage.
If the ‘08 Legislature fails to pass the IMA, the earliest Iowan’s will be able to vote on the IMA will be 2011. By that time, depending on how and when the Supreme Court rules, Iowa already be host to same-sex marriage making implementation of the amendment difficult. (Chart)
YOU are the solution! Find out how!
We need you to contact key legislators in the high priority districts, and ask them to pass the IMA in 2008. (High priority Legislators/Contact Information) You should also contact your own Representative and Senator with the same message, even if they’re not on the ‘key legislators’ list. Find and contact your legislators here.
To give you some direction on what to write or say, we’ve prepared a sample letter that you can view here. Individualized, personal contact from thousands of Iowans will help legislators put a priority on passing the IMA in 2008.
How they are threatening your pastor: find out here!
The agenda to legalize same-sex marriage doesn’t only threaten the traditional family, which is the bedrock of any society. Same-sex marriage is only a part of the homosexual agenda to reshape our culture and is threatening religious freedom and freedom of speech. Video
Learn More:
Helpful Resources for Defending Marriage
Marriage Vote Record
Request Focus on the Family's DVD:
Ten Persuasive Answers to the Question "Why not gay marriage?"
Marriage Sermon Tools
-Sample Sermon: Why Iowa Needs a -Marriage Amendment
-Sample Sermon: Take a Stand for Marriage
-Sample Sermon: Same Sex Marriage and the Church
-Request a Bulletin Insert
Legal Dos and Don'ts for Pastors and Churches
Strengthening Marriage
IFPC’s Marriage Matters® department focuses entirely on equipping couples for healthy marriages, please see our “healthy marriage” link above for more information.
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