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Ben Stone
Executive Director
ACLU of Iowa |
"Denying the freedom to marry to same-sex couples does nothing but hurt real Iowa families. That's not an Iowa value. Government should not put obstacles in the path of Iowans seeking to care for their loved ones. Excluding gay and lesbian families is not the right answer in Iowa or in our Constitution." |
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Joy Corning
Republican Lt. Governor
1991-1999 |
“Iowa has a long proud history of leading the way in protecting its citizens’ individual rights. Our state’s leaders and judges had the foresight to march steadily towards equality for all---for women, ethnic and religious minorities, blacks, slaves. . . . We have opened new opportunities for all citizens---in education, in occupational choices, in employment and in our communities---that proclaim our belief in equality."
“This constitutional issue presents yet another opportunity for us to acknowledge equal rights---this time regarding families. Surely Iowans will be able to proudly claim that in our state, our commitment to equality continues as we affirm marriage for all.” |
Sally Pederson
Democratic Lt. Governor
1999-2007 |
“Committed gay and lesbian couples and their families deserve the same protections and security that marriage provides to heterosexual couples. I’m heartened that the Iowa Supreme Court has listened carefully to the issues brought up in this case and hopeful that the Court will rule in line with their long tradition of promoting fairness and equality for all.” |
Connie Ryan Terrell
Executive Director
Interfaith Alliance of Iowa |
"People of faith cherish the concepts of justice and equality. As the Varnum v. Brien case moves forward, I am encouraged by the many diverse voices of faith speaking out and supporting the freedom to marry for same-gender couples." |
Rev. Mark Stringer
First Unitarian Church
Des Moines |
"As a minister, I acknowledge and support the right of each religion to define marriage as it sees fit. Freedom of religion is and always has been a core American value. As this conversation continues, I encourage my fellow citizens and people of faith to recognize the love and commitment shown by same-sex couples by affording them the same rights bestowed to heterosexual couples." |
Matt Mardis-Lecroy
Plymouth Congregational Church
Des Moines |
"I continue to be moved by the many gay and lesbian couples who simply want recognition for the special bond they share. I can't imagine why any person of faith would want to exclude others from the joy and dignity of marriage. These couples have made a sacred commitment to spend their lives together and all they ask in return is an equal commitment to equality under the law." |
Roxanne Conlin
Civil Rights Advocate,
and amicus brief signatory |
"I know first-hand that Iowa’s historic commitment to fairness and equality runs deep. Today's case before the Iowa Supreme Court fits perfectly within Iowa's tradition of supporting equality and justice for all. I am optimistic that our state’s highest court will recognize that all couples – gay and straight alike – deserve the dignity, security, and protection of marriage." |
Matt McCoy
State Senator |
"I'm proud to be and Iowan today and hopeful the Court will rule in favor of fairness and equality for all. This is the civil rights issue of our time, and I'd like to see Iowa continue to be ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting our individual liberties." |
Rudy Simms
Human Rights Commission
Des Moines |
"The wisdom of our lawmakers and our courts have historically defined our rights under the Constitution and through legislation. The government should not be defining whom to love. Let us be diligent in asserting everyone's rights as we continue to move forward." |
Alicia Claypool
Chair, Iowa Civil Rights Commission
(for identification purposes only) |
"The results of this case will have a lasting legacy on the civil rights history of our state. When our children and grandchildren learn about Iowa's commitment to fairness and equality, I hope they will look to this case as a shining example of our justice system doing what's right." |
Ed Fallon
Former State Representative |
"As I think back to my first term in the Iowa Legislature in 1993, I am encouraged to see how far Iowa has come toward greater freedom and equality. Now is a particularly important moment in Iowa's history for those of us committed to justice to speak out for the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry." |
Kelli Soyer
Executive Director,
National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter |
"The inability for same-sex couples to marry in Iowa conflicts with our value of family unity, health, and well-being. NASW, Iowa Chapter, believes the state of Iowa should extend same-sex couples the right to enter into civil marriage and to receive all of the accompanying rights, protections, and privileges." |
Marcia Nichols
Political Director
AFSCME Iowa |
“All Iowa families need and deserve equal protections, responsibilities, and opportunities to provide security, dignity, and a legal safety net for their families. AFSCME strongly supports ensuring that all Iowa couples and families, regardless of sexual orientation, are guaranteed equal protections under the law.” |
