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Unanimous ruling: Iowa marriage no longer limited to one man, one woman
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The Des Moines Register
4/3/2009
"Basic fairness and constitutional equal protection were the linchpins of Friday's historic Iowa Supreme Court ruling that overturned a 10-year-old ban on same-sex marriage and puts Iowa squarely in the center of the nation's debate over gay rights.
"...The Polk County lawsuit, Varnum vs. Brien, was financed by Lambda Legal, a gay-rights group that has fought similar battles across the country.
"'We won! It is unanimous!' Lambda attorney Camilla Taylor exclaimed when the decision was announced. 'Today the dream becomes reality...and the Iowa Constitution's promise of equality is fulfilled. Iowans have never waited for others to do the right thing.'
"Lambda chose Iowa because of the fair-mindedness of residents and the courts, leaders of the group have said.
"...For several Iowa couples, Friday's victory sparked movement on long-held plans. Kate and Trish Varnum, two of the lawsuit plaintiffs, announced their engagement at a news conference.
"'Good morning,' Kate Varnum said. 'I'd like to introduce you to my fiancee. Today, I am proud to be a lifelong Iowan.'"