Marriage in Iowa
Iowa Supreme Court upholds marriage equality!
Gay and lesbian couples began applying for marriage licenses on April 27.
Following the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on April 3, two people now are eligible to marry in Iowa if they are over 18 years old, not currently married, and pay a $35 registration fee. Couples do not have to be Iowa residents to marry in the state - but there is a three-day waiting period after applying for a license before marriages can occur.
Read the press releases
Read the Back Story blog
- Iowa State Senate Leader meets with HRC staff
- Picture of the Day
- Day One: Marriage equality officially begins in Iowa!
- Defending Marriage In Iowa
- HRC raises Iowa flag; National Field Director Marty Rouse discusses progress on marriage equality
- Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Speaker Pat Murphy: “Iowa continues to be a leader in guaranteeing civil rights”
- BREAKING: Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality!
HRC in Iowa
The Human Rights Campaign has a long history of fighting for equality in Iowa. Here’s a look at work we did to secure some recent victories:
- In 2006, HRC invested $110,000 to create and grow One Iowa to build a strong voice for equality in the Heartland. One Iowa and HRC worked together to engage members and supporters in grassroots efforts to increase participation in the political process and speak out on issues of concern to the LGBT community. In elections that year, Democrats won control of the state House, and broke a tie in the Senate by gaining several new seats.
- In 2007, a marriage amendment dies in committee. HRC mobilizes its members to urge the Legislature to pass a civil rights bill.
- In 2007, Senate Leader Mike Gronstal and newly-elected House Leader Pat Murphy come to HRC’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C., to thank us for our support.
- In 2007, the Iowa Legislature passes an LGBT non-discrimination bill.
- During the presidential campaign season in 2007-08, HRC’s Field staff worked to increase LGBT visibility at events across the state.
- In 2008, Democrats gained several seats and increase their control in the state Legislature.
- In 2008, HRC sent two organizers to Iowa to conduct a caucus training program in four cities. The LGBT community was encouraged to participate in presidential caucuses as openly LGBT Iowans.
- In 2009, HRC urges members to thank legislative leaders and Gov. Culver for making supportive statements after the state Supreme Court ruled that the state constitution guarantees gay and lesbian couples the equal right to marry.
- In April 2009, HRC sends a field organizer to help One Iowa thank legislative allies for their support and to prepare for marriage day.
