Iowa City Council Debates Gay Marriage

Sioux City, Iowa, council members voted Monday to delay taking action on a resolution to publicly oppose same-sex marriage, reports TheDes Moines Register. Before moving forward on the proposal, Mayor Mike Hobart said he first wanted counsel from the state attorney general "on whether we have the jurisdiction and authority to pass the resolution."

Sioux City, Iowa, council members voted Monday to delay taking action on a resolution to publicly oppose same-sex marriage, reports TheDes Moines Register.

Before moving forward on the proposal, Mayor Mike Hobart said he first wanted counsel from the state attorney general "on whether we have the jurisdiction and authority to pass the resolution."

Councilman Brent Hoffman introduced the proposal to publicly support the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Though the city has no legal authority over defining marriage, Hoffman said the symbolic move would have been instructive for city departments, boards, and commissions. The resolution also requests a statewide vote on gay marriage.

The Register reported that nearly 60 people attended Monday's council meeting to hear the debate, but the matter was "tabled indefinitely," according to Hobart.

Gay unions are a hot topic in Iowa, where the supreme court is deliberating over whether to uphold the state's Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits same-sex marriage, or declare the law unconstitutional. The ruling is expected to come any time in the next year and a half. (Advocate.com)

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Name: Lew Alessio
Date posted: 12/17/2008 1:23:00 PM
Hometown: Augusta, Maine

Comment:
Some day, when marriage equality is achieved, we will look on those who opposed equal rights with the same disgust with which we regard the bigots who opposed freedoms for people of color. To my family, to my neighbors, to fellow citizens of my state and country, do not ask then for understanding, for forgiveness. Do not make excuses. Do not dare tell me times were different then and the country was not ready to accept same-gender marriage. I will spit in your face.
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Name: Lew Alessio
Date posted: 12/17/2008 1:21:00 PM
Hometown: Augusta, Maine

Comment:
Some day, when marriage equality is achieved, we will look on those who opposed equal rights with the same disgust with which we regard the bigots who opposed freedoms for people of color. To my family, to my neighbors, to fellow citizens of my state and country, do not ask then for understanding, for forgiveness. Do not dare tell me times were different then and the country was not ready to accept same-gender marriage. I will spit in your face.
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Name: Roger Burr
Date posted: 12/16/2008 9:50:00 PM
Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

Comment:
I'm praying that Iowa follows the examples set by Massachusetts and Connecticut in codifying marriage equality into law. The right-wing 'Chicken Littles' who try to convince people that the institution of marriage is under assault by the LGBT community, are seeing from other states the sky isn't falling. The march for full equality is on and while the occassional setback will occur; the march can't be stopped. New Jersey is poised to add marriage equality to their laws and I hope New York will follow suit. I'm convinced Barack Obama WILL eventually scrap DADT and I look to the day when LGBT people are granted full equality, nation-wide. At 63 now, I pray I live to see it.
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Name: fiddler
Date posted: 12/16/2008 6:20:00 PM
Hometown: Iowa City

Comment:
I agree with Tim... I am from and living in Iowa currently - there is a lot of buzz about this right now. I am very hopeful that the Iowa Supreme Court will be supportive and legalize gay marriage - hope it happens!! I watched the hearing last weekend and am very optimistic!! Come on Iowa - let's do this!!
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Name: Rod Wright
Date posted: 12/16/2008 5:00:00 PM
Hometown: CDA, ID.

Comment:
I would love for me to be wrong about thinking Iowa and Idaho are alike. My sincere wish is to be wrong! I would like someone 'involved' with this to make a comment here? Whom to we write, what can I do? I know everyone is tired, but all of us have one letter or call left? Peace to everyone this season! Sincerely, Rod Wright
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Name: Tim
Date posted: 12/16/2008 3:10:00 PM
Hometown: Bismarck, ND

Comment:
So infrequently do states like Iowa have the opportunity to be a national leader in an issue like this. I think it would be in Iowa's best interest to move to legalize gay marriage without delay!

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