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MEDIA CONTACT: Task Force Inc., applauds Iowa ruling granting same-sex couples the freedom to marryWASHINGTON, Aug. 30 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc., applauds today’s decision by an Iowa trial court that the state’s constitution requires extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. The case was filed in December 2005 by Lambda Legal on behalf of six same-sex couples and their families who had sought, and were denied, marriage licenses in Iowa. The case will ultimately be decided by the Iowa Supreme Court. If that court upholds today’s decision, Iowa will join Massachusetts in extending full marriage equality to same-sex couples. Six additional states (California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont) provide broad family recognition to same-sex couples through civil unions or domestic partnerships. Statement by Rea Carey, Deputy Executive Director “This is truly a watershed moment for equality in the American heartland. We thank the plaintiffs for their courage and we applaud the outstanding work of our colleagues at Lambda Legal in today’s victory.” About the Task Force, Inc., work in Iowa: This past spring, the Task Force, Inc., was proud to partner with Equality Iowa (now One Iowa), the statewide LGBT rights group, and the Iowa Safe Schools Task Force, to pass historic transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination and anti-bullying laws. The Task Force applauds Equality Iowa, One Iowa, the Interfaith Alliance, the Iowa Safe Schools Task Force and all others who have helped to create a climate in Iowa that would enable this victory today. –30– |
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