src: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadi ... nXoCv_atmwIowa high court legalizes gay marriage in state
1 hour ago
DES MOINES, Iowa — Gay rights activists are celebrating after Iowa's Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
A former senior adviser on gay rights to President Bill Clinton calls the decision a "big win because, coming from Iowa, it represents the mainstreaming of gay marriage."
The court has ruled that the ban violates the state's constitution and doesn't further government interests.
The conservative Iowa Family Policy Center is dismayed at the ruling, saying "the mood is one of mourning right now."
The case began in 2005 when New York-based gay rights organization Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay Iowa couples who were denied marriage licences.
The Polk County attorney says he doesn't plan to contest the ruling, meaning the decision should take effect in three weeks.
Iowa joins Massachusetts and Connecticut as the only U.S. states to permit same-sex marriage.
Hooray for social progress!
Who knows, over the next few years, even more states might follow suit. And it'll be about god damned time.