Gay Iowa Couples Begin Marrying Following Court Decision

[Chris_]

Gay Iowa Couples Begin Marrying Following Court Decision

DES MOINES, Iowa —  Same-sex couples began applying for marriage licenses at government offices across Iowa on Monday, and at least one lesbian couple tied the knot in a ceremony in Des Moines.

Melisa Keeton and Shelley Wolfe were declared "legally married" by pastor Pat Esperanaza during a ceremony in front of Polk County administrative offices in Des Moines. It didn't take long before they were referring to one another as "wife."

*snip*

Rumors surfaced over the past week that some recorders would refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples over conflicts with their personal beliefs. Some conservative groups and lawmakers were accused of trying to recruit recorders to refuse the licenses.

State agencies sent out information to recorders statewide last week saying they could be removed from their positions if they don't follow the law and issue the licenses.

*snip*

The Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous and emphatic decision on April 3 made Iowa the third state to allow same-sex marriage, joining Massachusetts and Connecticut. For six months last year, California's high court allowed gay marriage before voters banned it in November. Vermont passed a law that will take effect in September.

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Remember, it's not about marriage.  It's about equal rights.     Yeah right. 

[Lord Undies]

Instead of a wedding cake, the couple had a symbolic fruit salad.




.....and they still ain't "married" according to God, Texas, and the federal government.

[thundley4]

Instead of a wedding cake, the couple had a symbolic fruit salad.




.....and they still ain't "married" according to God, Texas, and the federal government.

That brings up an interesting question.  How will the Social Security Administration deal with survivor benefits for these gay unions?

[JohnnyReb]

That brings up an interesting question.  How will the Social Security Administration deal with survivor benefits for these gay unions?

By upping the witholding rates a few points.

[Lord Undies]

That brings up an interesting question.  How will the Social Security Administration deal with survivor benefits for these gay unions?

As of right now the DOMA forbids survivor benefits be paid to the survivor who claims to be the widow or widower of a person with the same sex organs as the claimant.   Since the "marriage' was pointless and of no benefit from the start, why should anyone benefit at the end?

[AllosaursRus]

By upping the witholding rates a few points.

For ALL OF US!

[thundley4]

For ALL OF US!

Except for those that don't pay income taxes, they'll get more money because of this.

[Chris_]

When I was growing up "gay" meant happy or merry. I not only refuse to recognize their pretend marriages. I also refuse to call them "gay". Many of them seem to act more bitchy than a stepped-on ground rattler in a fireant bed. Far from "gay".