Just this week, same–sex couples in Iowa began to be married thanks to a groundbreaking unanimous victory decided just four weeks ago today. Lambda Legal has been working hand–in–hand with One Iowa, the state's largest LGBT advocacy group, for the last four years on public education efforts to ensure that Iowans understand that same–sex couples in the state want and need the respect, dignity, benefits and responsibilities that only marriage provides.
Our friends in Iowa have faced a well–funded and concerted effort to undermine the court's decision. One Iowa started broadcasting a great television ad last week as part of an extensive public education plan to protect the freedom to marry from extremists who would want to strip these freedoms from the state Constitution.
The ad — "This Place" seen below — features Iowa scenes and Iowa families, and speaks to the traditional Iowa values of freedom and fairness. It is just one part of One Iowa's excellent work to help preserve our marriage equality victory. On Sunday, thanks to One Iowa's efforts, the state legislature ended its 2009 session without approving a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality or without other legislation designed to undermine the historic decision.
The GLBT community needs to help to keep this ad on the air and protect marriage equality in the heartland. Contribute what you can to One Iowa to help protect the freedom to marry and continue progress across the country.
