Apr 9th, 2009
Iowa? Really?
Yes, really. I imagine equality advocates in Iowa are fatigued by a week of surprised and snarky comments about the culture of their state. Up here in Minnesota, I have overheard many professions of newfound respect for the state along with promises to stop the jokes about our neighbors to our south.
On the national stage, it’s expected that more and more states will gain the possibility of marriage regardless of gender — like Vermont this week — but few people outside of Iowa saw the possibility of it being next.
I declare this a tipping point. Take for example, these very personal and heart-felt comments by Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal. It’s a beautifully-crafted message that is definitely worth the two minutes it takes to watch.
Excerpt of transcript from the video clip:
I see a bunch of people that merely want to profess their love for each other, and want state law to recognize that. Is that so wrong? I don’t think that’s so wrong. As a matter of fact, last Friday night [after the ruling], I hugged my wife. You know I’ve been married for 37 years. I hugged my wife. I felt like our love was just a little more meaningful last Friday night because thousands of other Iowa citizens could hug each other and have the state recognize their love for each other.
When white straight men in power feel that same-sex marriage does not “threaten” the own marriage, but actually gives it more meaning….well, there’s just no turning back.