It’s extremely important. Iowa is a swing state that voted for Bush in 2004 but for Obama in 2008. More importantly, the gay marriage case, Varnum vs. Brien, which will effectively allow gay marriage if the plaintiffs win their case, hinges upon old arguments the Religious Right has been advocating for decades. A win for gay marriage is not only a loss for anti-gay groups and homophobia, but is prescedient-setting in that it puts to rest arguments against gay marriage like procreation, fitness of gays to form healthy families and be suitable parents, the impact of gay marriage in traditional marriage, and, yes, polygamy.
A decision in this case, which is expected tomorrow, if in favor of gay marriage will be one of the biggest legal victories in the fight for gay marriage, and will be used in arguments across the country.Â
Let’s hope that old “Iowa Stubborn” trait is one in our favor!
Take a look at The New Civil Right’s Iowa Archives for more information, including a video of the hearing.
(photo:Â Jamison)