Iowa and Vermont Legalize Same-Sex Marriage - Student Reactions

On April 3, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled against a law banning same-sex marriage in the state. The case had been before the court since 2005, and the ruling legalizing same-sex marriage will stand until at least 2012, as it takes two years to amend the constitution in Iowa. On Tuesday, April 7, Vermont also legalized same-sex marriage. The two states join two others, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as the only states allowing same-sex marriage.

“It’s a good thing, it’s kind of nice to see after Prop 8 went down in California that there is still support out there. I don’t think it’ll ever be nationally legalized, but this is still exciting.”

Liz Solan K12

“Well I am of course really pleased with the situation. I was talking with Philip Gorman the other day, and he said something really interesting; he said the saying about Iowa from presidential primaries, which is ‘And so goes Iowa, so goes the country.’ We can only be hopeful this applies to gay marriage as well. Unfortunately, being a resident of California, I must admit I’m very skeptical of this whole situation.” Xavier Soto, K 11

“Well I think if two people love each other they should be able to marry each other. I think its ridiculous that the government thinks they can control people’s feelings.”

Sarah Baumann K 12

“Most Iowans are of the sensibility that nothing is gained single handedly. It’s always a collective achievement. No experience is worth having if you can’t share it with your neighbors. It’s very un-Iowan to be self centered. Even if people personally don’t agree with an issue, they understand and accept other people’s right to have their own opinions and live the life they choose, which shows that Iowa really is “a place to grow.”

Austin Zepeda K 09