Friday, April 3, 2009

Iowa Supreme Court Ruling On Marriage Upholds Religious Liberty, Says Americans United



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

1 comment:

  1. *What's so difficult to understand about the
    Iowa 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.

    ReplyDelete

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