It appears that Iowa has not only validated legal standing for gays and lesbians, but they have taken it a step further declaring that using the language of “marriage.” According to the NYT article,
“We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective,” Justice Mark S. Cady wrote for the seven-member court, adding later, “We have a constitutional duty to ensure equal protection of the law.”
Furthermore,
“If gay and lesbian people must submit to different treatment without an exceedingly persuasive justification, they are deprived of the benefits of the principle of equal protection upon which the rule of law is founded,” the Supreme Court said in agreeing that the 1998 law was unconstitutional.
Iowa? Really? Wow! This is truly good news.
*insert doxology here*