Marriage equality makes Iowa a better place for all

In the more than four years since the unanimous Varnum v. Brien ruling that extended the freedom to marry to loving, committed gay and lesbian couples, Iowa has been at the forefront of the battle for marriage equality. Since the ruling, our opposition has flooded Iowa with hundreds of thousands of dollars used to oust three competent and qualified Iowa Supreme Court justices and to politicize our families. With Iowa’s role of holding the first presidential caucuses in the nation, and given the abundant resources of anti-equality groups the Family Leader and the National Organization for Marriage, our opponents benefited from an enormous echo chamber. This is why the public education efforts of One Iowa have been so critical to moving public opinion and protecting marriage.

We have been at the forefront of educating Iowans about the importance of preserving marriage equality. Why Marriage Matters Iowa, our public education campaign, has had a real impact on the marriage conversation and support for marriage equality throughout Iowa. We put a face, a voice and a story to what the freedom to marry means for gay and lesbian couples across the state. We are changing hearts and minds in public events and in private conversations; across religions and across race; and from farming communities to urban centers. In addition, we have been fortunate to work with folks like Jeff Angelo, David Kochel and the group Iowa Republicans for Freedom, who have made the conservative case for marriage.

One Iowa speaks up and speaks out in support of marriage, and in support of full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Iowans. And that is why we are so pleased to see the recent Quinnipiac University poll that shows a plurality of Iowans supports the Varnum decision that made marriage equality in the Heartland a reality. Forty-seven percent support the ruling versus 44 percent who oppose it. In addition, 55 percent of Iowans oppose a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples. One-third of those opposing a constitutional amendment are Republicans. Iowans, like the rest of the country, are moving toward acceptance of the freedom to marry.

In 2009, a Des Moines Register poll showed 43 percent of Iowans opposed the Iowa Supreme Court ruling, with only 26 percent in favor. This is obviously no longer the case. Because in the past four years, Iowans have been introduced to thousands of married gay and lesbian couples. They are our friends, our family, our neighbors and our co-workers. People are beginning to realize that marriage equality strengthens our communities and makes Iowa a better, more welcoming place for all. 

Together, I know we will continue to move forward. We will continue to change hearts and minds. And most of all, we will continue to make a difference.