It’s Passover, a Jewish holiday that celebrates Freedom. I couldn’t think of a more perfect holiday to celebrate the landmark decisions that have been made this week regarding marriage equality for the LGBT community.
Gay Marriage is now legal in IOWA. From Wikipedia:
“In 2005, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of six Polk County same-sex couples and their children who were denied marriage licenses in Iowa, arguing that this denial violated the liberty and equal protection clauses in the state constitution. In 2007, the Polk County District Court ruled in favor of the couples, prompting the county to appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld the District Court’s ruling holding that there was no important governmental interest in denying citizens marriage licenses based on their sexual orientation. Licenses were originally to be available 21 days after the ruling, on April 24, but the date has been pushed back to April 27.”
On Monday, I also joined many Americans across the country and called into the decision-makers in the state of Vermont. There, the Republican governor recently made a decision to VETO legislation that was passed in the state and would have created legal same-sex marriage.
Celebrations following the passage of a gay marriage bill in Montpelier, Vt., Tuesday, April 7, 2009.
Fortunately, the House and Senate have the power to overturn such a veto. Together, with our voices raised, my friends and I called the House and Senate members and encouraged them to vote for equality. In a historic decision, these same politicians voted to OVERTURN the governor’s veto. This marks the first time that a state has passed legal MARRIAGE laws for the LGBT community outside of the Court System.
Now- there are four states in the United States (MA, CT, VT, IA) that have FULL. MARRIAGE. EQUALITY. It’s really happening!
As with all progressive politics, there is backlash as soon as steps towards full equality are made. Tonight, an organization called the “National Organization for Marriage” will be airing the following ads:
The story of those who oppose equal rights is getting old. Prey on the fear of parents. Threaten churches. Blah Blah Blah. My old employer, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it best:
“The distorted, misleading claims of the National Organization for Marriage do one thing and one thing only – perpetuate a climate of hostility and fear that will put committed couples in harm’s way,” said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. “We stand in support of One Iowa and our partners on the ground and urge our community to speak out against these divisive attacks.”
I am sad that my home state, California, is not leading the way here. I am sad that we had one of the most expensive and resounding losses this past November when Prop 8 passed in our state. I am optimistic however that this state, and many others will soon pass Marriage Equality by a vote of the people. No courts. No Politicians. Just the will of the masses protecting ALL Americans.
I recently read an incredible article from one my favorite political websites: FiveThirtyEight. They did an analysis of every state in the U.S. and projected at what point in history they might be able to pass Marriage Equality legislation by a vote of the people. Mississippi- we won’t wait for you!
To check out the incredible article:
Click Here
A historical week, indeed. Chag Sameach to all the Jews out there and may we all soon be blessed with freedom.
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