Joint statement from Murphy and Gronstal on IASC ruling

[Debi]

This is a joint statement from Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and
Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy on today’s Supreme Court decision:

“Thanks to today’s decision, Iowa continues to be a leader in guaranteeing all of our citizens’ equal rights.

“The court has ruled today that when two Iowans promise to share their lives together, state law will respect that commitment, regardless of whether the couple is gay or straight.

“When all is said and done, we believe the only lasting question about today’s events will be why it took us so long. It is a tough question to answer because treating everyone fairly is really a matter of Iowa common sense and Iowa common decency.

“Today, the Iowa Supreme Court has reaffirmed those Iowa values by ruling that gay and lesbian Iowans have all the same rights and responsibilities of citizenship as any other Iowan.

“Iowa has always been a leader in the area of civil rights.

“In 1839, the Iowa Supreme Court rejected slavery in a decision that found that a slave named Ralph became free when he stepped on Iowa soil, 26 years before the end of the Civil War decided the issue.

“In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated “separate but equal” schools had no place in Iowa, 85 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision.

“In 1873, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled against racial discrimination in public accommodations, 91 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision.

“In 1869, Iowa became the first state in the union to admit women to the practice of law.

“In the case of recognizing loving relationships between two adults, the Iowa Supreme Court is once again taking a leadership position on civil rights.

“Today, we congratulate the thousands of Iowans who now can express their love for each other and have it recognized by our laws.”

-end-

[progressoid]

1. Outstanding.

[Debi]

2. The Governor and Senator Harkin's ---- not so much.

http://iowaindependent.com/13478/culver-harkin-react-to-iowa-supreme-court-decision

Culver:

“The decision released this morning by Supreme Court addresses a complicated and emotional issue, one on which Iowans have strong views and opinions on both sides. The next responsible step is to thoroughly review this decision, which I am doing with my legal counsel and the Attorney General, before reacting to what it means for Iowa.”

+++++

read Harkin's at the link.

x(

[progressoid]

3. Ugh.

Lets hope Culver doesn't keep his word and call a special session to "deal with it". It would be better to let this cool off a little.

[Critters2]

4. Damn it!! I'm so sick of Dems worrying about what Repugs

and/or Conservatives might think. This is a great day. The people who don't think so need to effin' move into the 21st C!!

[emmadoggy]

5. Yeah, I saw those earlier.

I am disappointed with both of their comments. x(

[Debi]

8. The Governor more than Harkin

Harkin only equals one vote for federal legislation.

[rurallib]

6. I often wonder how Culver can even stand sometimes he's such

a jellyfish.
No doubt he is scared this will sink his re-election. Chet, old buddy, I would say not supporting this will cost you more.
So if he calls a special session and Murphy refuses to release the amendment what happens?
And would he call a special session for this and not for flood relief? Talk about looking like an idiot.

[Debi]

7. I'm more concerned about the next three weeks

and any attempts he'll make to block this (if he can).

Iowans are READY for equality, Governor, join us!

[rurallib]

9. how can he block it? I am no lawyer, but it's not like he can veto

the decision.
Tell whoever not to issue licenses? That won't go anywhere. Tell officials not to marry gays? That will be violated within an hour.
If he has a brain he will use this as a way to bring gay tourism to Iowa. As my Dad once told a racist employee at our gas station - "What color is their money?"

[progressoid]

10. I think it's time to fire off some emails to the GOV!

And the memebers of the Senate and House too.

[Athelwulf]

11. Congratulations from Oregon!

Gronstal and Murphy: Politicians with morals and balls! It's great to see that they, at least apparently, refuse to bend over backwards and appease the ignorant conservatives in a futile attempt to earn their votes. Hopefully this puts enough of a damper on efforts to write hate into the Iowa Constitution. And hopefully my trust that they'll do their best to block such efforts is not misplaced.