DES MOINES—The national debate over gay marriage continues to mount, and Iowa is among the main battlegrounds. Last week, there was a victory for same-sex-marriage advocates.
As the 13th annual national Freedom to Marry Week was underway last week, the right came under fire in Iowa when a proposal concerning last April's ruling in favor of same-sex marriage was up for vote in a "call of the House" Feb. 9.
The proposal in question, House Joint Resolution 6, requested that a debate over amending the Iowa Constitution's definition of marriage be put before the next general assembly. The amendment would strictly define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The Iowa House rejected the proposal under a narrow 45-54 vote.
One Iowa, a gay-rights advocacy group, gathered at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines at 8 a.m. Feb. 10 to share their thoughts about why equal marriage rights were important.
"The day went really well," said One Iowa's field director, Matt Skuya. "We had over 100 people come in. We were able to talk to over 50 legislators ( and ) deliver over 300 stories from Iowans across the state."
Skuya has been with One Iowa for more than two years, and said that this was the most successful turnout yet. "We've had volunteers and field staff working five to seven days [ a ] week building support," he said. "It was a culmination of over eight months of hard work and dedication from people who really believe in this issue." Iowa is one of just five states to recognize same-sex marriage. Gay marriage was legalized in the state less than a year ago, in a decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court in April 2009.
While many were ecstatic about the decision, some Iowans expressed anger over not being given an opportunity to personally vote on the issue.
"Iowans have made it clear that they want a vote on the basic definition of marriage," Sen. Paul McKinley, R. Chariton, said in an interview with the Des Moines Register.
Current goals for Iowa's legislation are directed toward less "divisive social issues." Coincidentally, a small poll by the Des Moines Register showed that Iowans had bigger concerns for what should take up lagislators' time. Equal marriage rights were ranked last, after texting while driving and legislation regarding puppy mills.
Whether other propositions will surface, only time will tell. In the meantime, members of One Iowa encourage people to continue speaking out in the community, as oppositional pressure is likely to be high in the days to come.
"When you have this discussion," Skuya said, "it really comes down to the fact that we're a very progressive state in terms of civil rights. As time goes on, most people will realize how much of a victory it is for all Iowans. As long as we continue to hold on and make it more accepted in Iowa, we will see a change in the nation's dialogue as a whole."
"Our hope is that as we continue to have this conversation in Iowa going into the future, that public opinion will move forward. As more states come to this side of the issue, we're going to see changes in the nation's discussion about it," Skuya said.
For the time being, supporters of the movement can celebrate victory as Freedom to Marry Week draws to a close on Valentine's Day.
