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KCCI.com
Couple Gets
Encouraging Messages
Religious Leaders
Stress Same-Sex Marriage Support
From KCCI.com on the
Web, September 5, 2007
DES MOINES, Iowa Sept. 4 --
Groups both for and against same-sex marriages are still trying to decide their
next move after last week's ruling by a Polk County judge.
The judge found Iowa's law banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
That sent many same-sex couples scrambling to the courthouse to get marriage
licenses.
But the judge ordered a stay on his ruling -- meaning the law currently is in
effect.
Polk County's attorney filed an appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Supporters of same-sex marriage in Iowa are not waiting for the Supreme Court to
rule in this case. They want to keep the conversation going as to the
importance of marriage equality in Iowa.
The group "One Iowa" held a news conference Tuesday morning in Ames with members
of the religious community supportive of same-sex marriage.
This was one of five events the group was holding across the state.
Joining the group of religious leaders were Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan.
The two Iowa State University students were the first and only couple last week
to have their marriage recognized under Iowa law.
The past few days have been a bit of a whirlwind for the two men, but both said
they are overwhelmed by the support they have received from people in Iowa.
Fritz and McQuillan along with the pastors from two Ames churches said it's time
for all same-sex couples in Iowa to receive that support and the same rights as
a committed couple.
"We've gotten e-mails and messages from people all over the country and from
different parts of the world just congratulating us and showing their support,"
McQuillan said.
"My heart has been warmed by the stories of these real people facing real
difficult situations, and as one who really wants to support loving, caring and
committed relationships, I feel it's important to speak," said the Rev. Mary
Jane Button-Harrison of First Christian Church.
The pastors who attended the news conference all shared stories of the fear and
discrimination many same-sex couples face.
They said the issue for them comes down to rights not just having a marriage
recognized in the church but also by the law.
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