One Iowa Events for Marriage Equality

Iowa is poised to take the national spotlight this December! As the Varnum v. Brien case for marriage equality goes before the Iowa Supreme Court, join us as we shine some light on this landmark effort for equality.

Don't miss out on the many special events we're coordinating around the state to highlight the case for marriage for gays and lesbians in Iowa.

For those planning to attend the Varnum v. Brien oral arguments in Des Moines on Dec. 9, please stay tuned for additional details. Seating in the courtroom will be extremely limited, so we're looking at how to best accomodate everyone.

"Our Story" Movie Premiere -- RSVP

Monday, December 8, 2008 - 6:30-8:00 PM
Fleur Cinema and Cafe, 4545 Fleur Dr., Des Moines

Join us for the public premiere of "Our Story", One Iowa's short film featuring Iowans speaking out in favor of marriage for gays and lesbians. Come celebrate with us and don't miss your chance to mingle with the stars! Light appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.
Remarks by Senator Matt McCoy and Des Moines Register Columnist Rekha Basu.

"Making the Case" Des Moines Reception -- RSVP

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 6:30-8:00 PM
Pappajohn Center, 1200 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Oral arguments in the landmark Varnum v. Brien case take place before the Iowa Supreme Court on the morning of December 9. Join us in the evening for a reception to discuss this historic event with remarks by Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal's senior attorney on the case. If the district court ruling is upheld, it will provide gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry; full marriage equality in Iowa. Wine and hors d'oeuvres provided.

"Making the Case" Statewide Townhall Forums

Join One Iowa and Lambda Legal for a series of townhall forums across the state to celebrate and discuss the oral arguments before the Iowa Supreme Court in the landmark Varnum v. Brien case. RSVP not required for townhall forums.

Cedar Rapids Townhall Forum
Wednesday, Dec. 10 - 6:30-7:30 PM
CSPS/Legion Arts, 1103 3rd St SE

Davenport Townhall Forum
Thursday, Dec. 11 - 6:30-7:30 PM
Davenport Unitarian, 3707 Eastern Ave.

Council Bluffs Townhall Forum
Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 - 6:30-7:30 PM
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 Dillman

Sioux City Townhall Forum
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 - 6:30-7:30 PM
Public Library, Glesson Room, 529 Pierce St.

For more information on any of these events, contact One Iowa at organize@oneiowa.org or 515-288-4019

The New Civil War

Gays wishing to gain the same rights as us heterosexuals have been dealt some bad breaks recently around the country, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts notwithstanding. Prop 8 in California is the most widely reported of the marriage defined as between one man and one woman (presumably of legal age) constitutional amendments. But beyond California, Arizona and Florida voters amended their state constitutions and joined the thirty odd states that have banned same sex marriages. Arkansas also made it illegal for gays to adopt.

Clearly the desire by gays and lesbians to have the same rights as the rest of us has hit a snag due to the sticking point about the "sanctity of marriage" being more important than civil rights. In the meantime, it seems shameful that two people in a committed relationship are not able to have the same protections of the law as those of us who are married do. And this is not a small thing, the difference between Civil Union protections and the privileges that accompany marriage are vastly different.

According to a report given to the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. General Accounting Office, here are a few of the 1,138 benefits the United States government provides to legally married couples:

Access to Military Stores
Assumption of Spouse’s Pension
Bereavement Leave
Immigration
Insurance Breaks
Medical Decisions on Behalf of Partner
Sick Leave to Care for Partner
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Sick Leave to Care for Partner
Tax Breaks
Veteran’s Discounts
Visitation of Partner in Hospital or Prison

In Iowa, a current court case may help to bridge the differences is based upon equal protection under the law. The idea that people who chose to get married can by the state. This does not mean that a church has to marry a gay or lesbian couple, if it is against their doctrine, but it does mean that gays and lesbians will be afforded the same protections under the law that any married couple has.

This issue causes some to draw a line in the sand and define marriage in terms that ignore the desire for at least 10% of Americans to be afforded the same rights as the other 90% of the rest of us.