The state of Iowa/marriage

If you live outside of the mid-west, or even if you live outside of Iowa, you may have a rather stereotypical view of our state. Corn, hogs, soybeans, farmers and all the images and beliefs that are associated with that view. Clearly parts of the stereotype are true, but last week an Iowa State Supreme Court ruling may force some people to adjust their image of Iowa and Iowans. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a ban on marriage between same sex partners is unconstitutional. I applaud the decision.

I have always had a problem with the argument that a marriage between two partners of the same sex was an "attack on marriage!" I've never felt that my marriage is in any way weakened by the reality that two people who are of the same sex may also be married. If two people love each other and wish to make a life-long commitment to share their lives, then they should be able to marry and enjoy the economic and civil privileges of that union. Not being able to do that, as a ban on same-sex marriage did, is clearly discriminatory.

I know some in Iowa who are threatened by this ruling, and they are beginning to argue that Iowans should be able to vote on the issue and amend the state constitution. One purpose of the rule of law, the constitution and our court system is to protect what Jefferson called "The tyranny of the majority". To think that a majority of voters could pass a law discriminating against a minority group, voting to take away their rights as citizens, is abhorrent.

I'm proud to live in Iowa and the leads it has taken in civil rights. Corn, hogs, and soybeans,yes; but also a belief in fairness and common sense.