The Iowa Supreme Court

The Iowa Supreme Court

This morning the Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the state’s definition of marriage, which excludes same-sex couples, violates the state constitution’s equal protection clause. The decision clears the way for gay and lesbian couples to legally marry, beginning later this month.

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, a Democrat, released a statement saying that while he personally feels a marriage is a bond between a man and a woman, he “fundamentally believe[s] that same sex couples in a civil union should be entitled to all the basic legal protections and benefits of marriage.”

He continued:

The Court found that it is necessary to afford same sex couples the ability to marry in order to allow them those legal protections and benefits. I will respect and support that decision and I hope that other Iowans can do the same. I know that this decision will be very hard for many to accept but I also know that it will provide many committed same sex couples and families important rights, as well as an important sense of recognition and belonging.”

Read the full text of the decision in Varnem v. Brien.