Push to ban gay marriage waning in Iowa

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120706/NEWS/707069956/1707#push-to-ban-gay-marriage-waning-in-iowa

Published Friday, July 6, 2012 at 1:00 am / Updated at 1:48 am

DES MOINES (AP) — Ever since same-sex couples began flocking to Iowa to marry three years ago, conservative Republicans have been looking to amass enough political power to put an end to the law allowing it. But now that the opportunity is approaching, their goal may be slipping out of reach.

Conservative lawmakers are watching public opinion move away from them on the topic of gay marriage — and now fear that voters might not approve a ban even if the GOP could get one on the ballot by winning control of the Legislature in the November elections.

The shifting views come as a bitter disappointment for the state's prominent Christian conservative community, which has long bridled at Iowa's status as a gay rights haven in the region — the only place outside the Northeast where same-sex couples can legally marry.

“People are getting comfortable with it, and that's a shame, to tell you the truth,” said Susan Geddes, an Iowa Republican and social conservative organizer who worked for Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign in Iowa.

FULL story at link.

[exboyfil]

1. I still think it makes a wonderful opportunity to drum up

tourism in the state (filthy lucre meets human rights). We don't have much to distinguish us as a state for tourism. The competitive advantage will end over time, but maybe a good experience by these couples may lead to them wanting to return in the future (perhaps with their kids). Lots of people look back with good memories on their honeymoons.

I for one would like to see the dollars to our local hotels, restaurants, and amusement facilities. It is also the right thing to do (which is its biggest selling point to young people like my daughters). The law should treat everyone equally.

[rox63]

2. Once the right is established in a state, it only takes a couple of years to make it stick for good

Once the (straight) majority realize that it has zero effect on their lives, they no longer object, and the right sticks for good. It didn't get enough time to stick in California or Maine. I'm hoping that changes soon. If you tried to take away the right in Massachusetts now, you'd get laughed at, even by people who used to oppose it.

[DCKit]

3. Bwahahahahahahahaha!!1!111

I feel for you sue. Fucking bigot.

[libinnyandia]

4. And that poor Bob Vander Plaats!

[IADEMO2004]

5. Montgomery County voted to remove 10 of 13 up for retention in 2010

We had the out of state hate bus visit. Tons of hate on Mediacom cable. The only judges retained here were 3 for district court and they won by less than 100 votes. The three supreme court justices targeted lost by huge margins and the stampede ran right down the ballot. Don't bother to think get rid of them all. We need to be ready for tons of money spreading hate in the last days of this election.

[Skidmore]

6. I'm proud of my state. It has a history of being on the forefront in many

civil rights issues. Iowans are generally fairminded people interested in justice.


http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1178

[Initech]

7. Good!!!! I'm tired of the Christian right always getting their way.