NOW Celebrates Equal Marriage Progress in Iowa, Vermont and D.C.

April 09, 2009

Could the tide be turning for equal marriage in the United States? On April 3, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the state constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry, surprising many who think of the state as a conservative stronghold. Just a few days later, on April 7, the Vermont legislature legalized same-sex marriage with a vote strong enough to override a veto by the governor. The same day, the Washington, D.C. City Council voted unanimously to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of the District.

"Each of these victories were exciting individually, reflecting years of education, activism and advocacy in local communities," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "But the 1-2-3 effect sends an inspiring message of hope and equality, a message of promise for the rest of the country and the future of equal marriage."

After voters approved same-sex marriage bans in three states last November, things were not looking up -- most notably in California, where equal marriage rights had previously been approved by the Supreme Courts. But these recent developments shift the momentum in favor of equal treatment for committed same-sex couples.

Iowa NOW State President Jean Classon added this good news: "Only a constitutional amendment could overturn this ruling; there is no support for one in our legislature, and it would take two sessions (four years) to even get one through the legislature. Governor Chet Culver has now reversed his position, thanks to hundreds of thousands of calls, and would not support an amendment."

Meanwhile, the state of Vermont proved itself a trailblazer yet again. In 2000, Vermont was the first state to adopt civil unions for same-sex couples, signed by then-Gov. Howard Dean, and now it is the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through its legislature rather than through the courts.

The victory is not quite as clear-cut in Washington, D.C., where even the actions of local elected officials can be overridden by the Congress under the Home Rule Act. As reported in The Washington Post, the City Council's April 7 vote was preliminary, with a final vote expected on May 5. What Congress might do is still unknown, but Council member Jim Graham is optimistic, telling The Post that "the writing is on the wall" for the city to approve same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage is legal in four states now: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa (where it may be several weeks before the ruling becomes final) and Vermont (where the law takes effect Sept. 1). According to The New York Times, at least nine other state legislatures are considering measures this year to provide for equal marriage rights. It's important to note, however, that 42 states still have statutes or constitutional amendments banning marriage for same-sex couples.

"We have an uphill battle ahead," said Gandy. "But supporters of equal marriage just got the push we needed to know that we are making a difference and our goal is even closer."