Today, One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, called on Iowans to oppose House File 330, the Immediate Marriage Ban. If enacted, this legislation would prohibit county registrars from granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples until Iowans vote on a constitutional amendment banning equal civil marriage rights, and states that the Iowa Supreme Court would have no authority to review the bills constitutionality.
“This is reckless legislating at its worst,” said Carolyn Jenison, Executive Director. "The Iowa House is leading us toward a constitutional crisis. Not only does this bill attempt to bypass the rules guiding the amendment process but also attempts to strip authority from Iowa's top court. Certain members of the Iowa House say they want the people to vote but this bill suggests that they are in too much of a hurry to hurt same-sex couples and their families that they don't really want to wait for that.”
The Immediate Marriage Ban is the third attempt by members of the Iowa House to redefine marriage in Iowa. On February 1st, the House passed House Joint Resolution 6, which prohibits any civil marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, including hospital visitation rights. One week later, the Iowa House introduced House Study Bill 50, which would have stripped the civil rights of any married couple in the state.
“This is the seventh week of the legislative session, and members of the house are continuing to waste time and taxpayer dollars on issues that do nothing but divide us,” said Jenison. “Enough is enough. Where are the jobs? Where are the new businesses? Iowans sent their representatives to Des Moines to address these important issues, and it’s time for the sponsors of these bills to stop ignoring the needs of our state, and get back to work.”
