Lambda Legal Celebrates Historic Victory in Iowa on First Day Marriage Licenses are Issued to Same-Sex Couples

(New York, April 27, 2009) — Lambda Legal today issued the following statement on the first day that marriage licenses are being issued to same-sex couples in Iowa.

Statement from Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director at Lambda Legal:

"At Lambda Legal we are thrilled to extend our congratulations and warmest wishes to the couples and their families who can celebrate today and in the future because their relationships will now be honored and treated equally under the law.

"When the Iowa Supreme Court issued its unanimous decision in Lambda Legal's marriage equality case, history was made not only for Iowans, but for the entire nation. Within days, the Vermont legislature enacted a marriage equality bill and proposed bills are now pending in other states. Equality is taking root and growing strong from coast to coast and in the heart of our country.

"We have a lot more work to do to protect the relationships and families of LGBT people and people with HIV in other states, and to advance and protect our civil rights on the job, in school, and in all aspects of our lives.

"Today, our thoughts and hearts turn to Iowa. We know there is a long road ahead to protect this victory. We must roll up our sleeves and work with our colleagues at One Iowa to continue to share with Iowans, and the rest of the country, about the importance of marriage equality for our families. But first, we celebrate. Love, justice and history are on our side."

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Erin Baer 212-809-8585 ext 267;Email: ebaer@lambdalegal.org