ISU Alliance Blog

Opponents of equality are at it again! Once again on Monday, extremists will protest the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision and push additional measures to undermine the Court's historic decision! Monday's protest follows a similar protest last Thursday that saw opponents of equality disrupt the House Chambers with chants and political gamesmanship.

In response, One Iowa is calling on Iowans across the state to participate in a virtual rally asking our elected officials to continue work on issues of common concern to all Iowans. In the midst of a budget shortfall, job losses, and last year's devastating floods, our elected officials should put aside divisive politics and continue to work for all Iowans!

TAKE ACTION ONLINE!
Sign the Rally for Common Concern petition. Signatures will be delivered to House leadership later in the day.

"Defendant appeals from district court summary judgment ruling holding state statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman unconstitutional. AFFIRMED." read the rest of the 69 page court ruling here.

There are still federal laws that make same-sex couples second class citizens when it comes to issues like tax law, veterans' entitlements, health care subsidies, aged care, immigration law, etc. Given the positive progression of laws that have, in the past, discriminated against gender, race and age, it's disappointing same-sex couples' rights still have a long way to go. I think we need to look at how equality is reserved for only the 'right' kind couples under current laws.

Simple changes to the way we define de facto relationships in the legislation would make life fairer for thousands of same-sex couples and their families, and make it easier to access rights accorded to them under the law.

These laws are about basic personal rights and should be available to all couples and families.

Amy Higgins, an LAS Career Services intern will be delivering her semester project in the form of a workshop on Thursday April 30 from 4:00-5:00 in 353 Catt. Her topic is: LGBT Graduates and the Job Search. She will address: legal issues, the job search and personal issues. You are welcome and encouraged to attend.

An Awesome Day
I'm lovin' that my quote made it to the front page.

Take note of same-sex ruling, Midwest and US.
Editorial that's clear and consise. This serves as a good talking-points.

It is a historic day not only for the lgbt community but for all Iowans. This is not a small victory, but a monumental one.

Marriage legitimizes the love and commitment of couples, same-sex or otherwise. Legally recognized marriage gives couples over a thousand rights that would otherwise not be available to them, not to mention the social equity that the word marriage gives.

As we rejoice, let us not forget those who had fought for our equality and our rights. Even in the face of adversity, we continued to live our lives with dignity and hope that someday the future would be brighter and that our goal for equality would be realized. Today, it did.

I am lucky to be alive and witness this joyous occasion. No longer will we doubt the legitimacy of our existence and the validity of our relationships.

The ISU LGBTA Alliance will continue to promote, support and advocate equality for all.

Sincerely ,
Callen Ubeda
President, ISU LGBTA Alliance

read the pdf of the court ruling here.