Gay marriages begin tomorrow in Iowa
Beginning Monday, same-sex couples will be allowed to legally marry in Iowa. Committed gay and lesbian couples from neighboring states, including Illinois, are planning trips to the Hawk Eye state.
Iowa becomes the third state offering same-sex marriage, following the state’s Supreme Court decision in March. Massachusetts and Connecticut already allow same-sex marriage and Vermont has passed a law that will take effect in September.
Iowa counties will begin processing same-sex marriage applications tomorrow morning. County recorders offices will open at 8 a.m.
The first day that Iowa will allow gay marriage is on April 30 because the state requires a three-day waiting period, but a judge can waive that delay and allow an immediate wedding. Many speculate the first gay weddings could happen within hours tomorrow. See Gay marriages begin tomorrow in Iowa ChicagoPride.com
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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/04/gay-marriages…
Iowans receiving calls from Rep. King
U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, has a reputation, and he’s not afraid to use it.
“For some reason my voice is distinct and people recognize my voice and also my name and they associate it whole family effort,” King said. “I don’t know if anybody in the state would do that message in a fashion that could be more effective.”
That message comes in the form of automated calls from King, who first asks whether residents throughout the state support the recent Iowa Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriage.
Resident Joni Gillispie supports the Supreme Court decision and told the congressman’s voice that when she answered the phone Tuesday afternoon. After that, all she heard was a click and dial tone telling her the call was over.
“If they say that this … judge-made law is a good idea, then we don’t keep them on the phone much longer than that, as you can imagine,” King said.
King is doing the calls in collaboration with long-time friend and head of the National Organization of Marriage Maggie Gallagher. He said he simply wanted to lend a hand to the organization’s effort. He said by working with NOM, it allows him to draw on their national resources, rather than take from Iowa.
“It’s important to get the message out and get them mobilized,” King said.
For those like resident Leo Hallowell who don’t agree with the decision, the calls ask the residents to contact their lawmakers to request a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. See
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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/04/iowans-receiv…
