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Iowa Same Sex Marriage Amendment (2013)
Contents |
Support
Supporters
Supporters of the amendment are as follows:
- State Representative Kurt Swaim[1]
- State Representative Brian Quirk[1]
- State Representative Dan Muhlbauer[1]
- State Representative Dwayne Alons urged passage of the measure to the ballot. During a debate in session, Alons stated that lawmakers should “trust Iowans to make the right decision.”[1]
Rallies and protests
On March 15, 2011, protesters for the marriage amendment rallied outside of the Iowa Capitol, chanting the words "Let us vote!" The even took place for about an hour, with people holding signs stating "Man + Woman = Marriage." Those in the crowd wore red shirts and jackets, colors that coincided with LUV Iowa, a group supporting the measure.[2]
Opposition
Opponents
- Joe Solmonese, president of The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), commented the Iowa House of Representatives approving the amendment, stating, “The actions of the Iowa House have the potential to place families at risk. The people of Iowa deserve better from their representatives. Iowa has a proud tradition of protecting the liberties of all of its citizens and we call upon the Senate to restore that tradition.”[3]
- One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison stated, “The proposed amendment devalues families and divides Iowans. The Constitution is meant to protect the freedoms and liberties of all Iowans. It is inappropriate to use the political process to single out and deny a group of Iowans of their constitutional protections."[3]
Polls
- See also: Polls, 2013 ballot measures
In a poll from the Des Moines Register and conducted by Selzer & Co, the survey asked if voters favored or opposed the proposed measure. The results of poll follows:[4][5]
- Dates conducted: Feb. 13-16., 2011
- Margin of error: Plus or minus 3.5%
- Number polled: 800 adults
Path to the ballot
On February 1, 2011, the Iowa House of Representatives voted 62-37 to approve the measure for the 2013 ballot. The House debated for three hours before the vote took place. However, before the measure can make the ballot, the Iowa State Senate must approve the measure with a similar vote on the proposal. A majority vote is required from the Iowa General Assembly in order to officially place a measure on the ballot for voters. Although the measure passed the state house, according to reports the proposal is expected to be rejected in the state senate when that chamber votes on it.[1][6]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Globe Gazette, "Iowa House votes to put marriage issue on ballot", February 1, 2011
- ↑ Des Moines, "Gay marriage critics rally in Des Moines", March 15, 2011
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Vital Voice, "Iowa House Passes Inequality Amendment", Retrieved February 3, 2011
- ↑ On Top Magazine, "Iowa Voters Oppose Gay Marriage Repeal, Poll Finds", February 28, 2011
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "New Iowa Poll: State splits 3 ways on same-sex marriage", February 26, 2011
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage stalls amid signs of support", February 1, 2011
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