The Iowa Supreme Court struck down a ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional Friday and ruled that the rural midwestern state must allow gay and lesbian women "full access" to the institution of civil marriage.
Only two other US states currently recognize same-sex marriage -- Connecticut and Massachusetts -- while nine others grant some of the legal benefits of marriage to gay couples through "civil unions" or domestic partnership laws.
Genetics of ‘Gay’ Abandon
Homoesexuality (or) Same Sex Love is the hottest most discussed human trait. There has been a hunt for a Gaye gene in order to lend credibility to a growing cause.
Homoesexuality (or) Same Sex Love is the hottest most discussed human trait. There has been a hunt for a Gaye gene in order to lend credibility to a growing cause.
"Consequently, the language in Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman must be stricken from the statute, and the remaining statutory language must be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage," the 69-page ruling concluded.
The decision was hailed by gay rights activists and the couples who challenged Iowa's ban on gay marriage.
US State Connecticut Legalizes Gay Marriage
Connecticut on Friday became the third US state to legalize gay marriage, following a contested ruling by the northeastern state's supreme court.
Connecticut on Friday became the third US state to legalize gay marriage, following a contested ruling by the northeastern state's supreme court.
"We have built a life and family together-marriage is the only word that describes our commitment to each other and our family."
Advertisement
Japanese Allowed To Marry Same-Sex Foreign Partners
Japan has given the green light for its nationals to marry same-sex foreign partners in countries where gay marriage is legal, a justice ministry official said Friday.
Japan has given the green light for its nationals to marry same-sex foreign partners in countries where gay marriage is legal, a justice ministry official said Friday.
"This will go down as another proud day in Iowa's long history of protecting individual rights."
Advertisement
Sweden Proposes To Legalize Gay Marriage
Sweden may allow homosexuals to wed in the Lutheran Church or civil ceremonies as of May if parliament adopts legislation presented to parliament Wednesday, the prime minister's party said.
Sweden may allow homosexuals to wed in the Lutheran Church or civil ceremonies as of May if parliament adopts legislation presented to parliament Wednesday, the prime minister's party said.
SRM
