Harkin would vote against state ban on gay marriage

[progressoid]

...This afternoon, during taping of the Iowa Public Television program, "Iowa Press," Harkin said his views on the subject have changed in the past decade. "Well, you know, we all grow as we get older and we learn things and we become more sensitive to people and people's lives and the more I've looked at that I've grown to think differently..and I'm to that point: 'Live and let live.'"

...

Today, Harkin recommended that everyone read and be inspired by the court's 69-page decision. "It seems to me Iowa has always been in the forefront of extending civil rights to people," Harkin said. "...And this, again, I think is just another step in that march we've had in Iowa and I think now you see a lot of other states now falling in line, just two in the last week."

Gay marriage opponents are pressing for an amendment to the state constitution which would ban gay marriage in Iowa. Harkin's opposed to it.

"I would vote against it," Harkin declared this afternoon.

http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=2202FB12-5056-B82A-3758BAFB9802423A

:) :thumbsup:


Edit: This story is on the greatest page!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5620096

[fnofsports]

1. Am I the only one worried about court rulings

If it was the people voting for it, it would be a great thing... but as it is I see their being a severe backlash against homosexuals (ala California) and even more gay bashing and the like. Court rulings change the laws but not public opinion. Seems like a last resort to me. Lets try to get a law supporting gay marriage passed in Iowa, I bet it would pass.

P.S. I have been a victim of homophobic insults before (not gay, but socially awqward aspie means theres little difference), so I get the issue at least more then most, but court rulings don't change much.

[Critters2]

2. The fact is that the people ratified the Constitution at some time,

including the Equal Protection Clause. Besides, the African American civil rights movement was moved along largely on court rulings, later followed by some legislation. Making sure the (state or federal) Constitution is the law of the land is the task of the courts. They have not overstepped their authority. Let's not buy into wing nut talking points.

[progressoid]

3. Good response but it looks like the grim reaper caught up to fnofsports

R.I.P.