Press Release
Iowa Supreme Court Ruling On Marriage
Upholds Religious Liberty,
Says Americans United
Decision Reiterates That Religion Does Not Drive Public Policy,
Says Church-State Watchdog Group
April 3, 2009
Today’s Iowa Supreme Court decision striking down a state law banning same-sex marriage is a welcome reaffirmation of religious liberty, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.In its unanimous ruling, the Iowa high court makes it clear that religious denominations have a constitutional right to set their own rules about marriage but that civil law should reflect equal protection for all citizens and not be anchored in religious dogma.
“The court has reaffirmed religious liberty,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “The justices reminded us that religious groups are free to marry whomever they choose, but civil law cannot be based on any group’s theology.
Read the full press release at au.org
http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=10375
Read the Iowa Supreme Court ruling (PDF) http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/Supreme_Court/Recent_Opinions/20090403/07-1499.pdf
*What's so difficult to understand about the
ReplyDeleteIowa Supreme Court Decision? *
* by James Nimmo*
(OKLAHOMA CITY) As an atheist and a supporter of Americans United for
Separation of Church & State I am so heartened by the recent Iowa Court
ruling supporting the full inclusion of gay and lesbian citizens in the
social and political life of this country.
The educational deficit and the deliberate exercise of religious and social
bigotry is the only explanation for the continued resistance and legal
chicanery used by homo-haters.
Frankly, as an atheist I don't care whether we have religious denominations
supporting or opposing our marriage equality. The Iowa court clearly wrote
that no one's religious freedom is hindered or advanced by acknowledging
marriage equality regardless of the individuals's gender seeking marriage
under state law.
Civil law is not the place for opposing dogmas, be it the Southern Baptist
Convention that opposes, or United Church of Christ that supports our
citizenship.
Religious cafeteria debate among opposing sects that hurls selected bible
verses as if they were lightening bolts has impeded the recognition of our
birth right as citizens for generations.
Religion in one form or another as always stood in the way of social
advancement and human progress.
Enough is enough.
May this Iowa decision spread like pollen in this spring
time of our gay/lesbian discontent.