Question US

Iowa Permits Same-Sex Marriage: Is Gay Marriage a Constitutional Right?

Creamy April 03, 2009 20:59:38

Iowa is the third state in the United States to legalize gay marriage, claiming that defining marriage as only between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. Massachusetts and Connecticut were the first two states to legalize same-sex marriage; however, Iowa is the first state in the mid-west to allow gay marriage, beginning what may be an odd trend in an otherwise highly conservative region of the U.S.

Gay couples may begin getting married after 21 days, and same-sex marriage will be permitted for up to 2 years before the amendment can be overturned, though no evidence of revolt is apparent at the moment.

Many church members define marriage as being a right permitted only under the roof of the church, but by being "married," couples are granted a multitude of federal rights. If gays can't be "married," then they are not granted the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Do you think gay marriage is a constitutional right?
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  • +14 / -1 Marilyn April 03, 2009 21:04:55
    Marilyn

    I think...

    The problem with this whole issue is that people are meshing their religious beliefs and the definitions of marriage of those institutions with the issue of gay marriage.

    People don't realize that by making same-sex marriage illegal they are denying legitimate couples THOUSANDS of rights, among them hospital visitation rights.

    This isn't an issue of the term marriage as much as it is an issue of couples having their rights recognized on a federal level.
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  • death before dishonor October 09, 2009 15:44:20
    death before dishonor

    I think...

    I think that it is a tremndous step in showing exceptance in not just IA but America as well. while i don't agree with the wording of gay marriage, i do believe that they should be treated as equals and given the same benefits as a normal marraige. are constitution even says all men are created equal. women are no different.
  • WolfPup5683 July 20, 2009 21:46:37 (edited)
    WolfPup5683

    I think...

    All people should have the right to make their own choices, not just in marriage but in all things, we in america call ourselves a "FREE COUNTRY" but if they want to take away the right to same sex marriage what other rights are they going to take away, whats next freedom of Religion/Faith? they should stop doing votes on freedoms and let the freedom be. I personally think Obama is doing good. better than most. and I just hope that he continues on that path.



    and thats the truth, Plain and Simple.

    Furthermore, though I am Christian, and am God-Fearing, I do not agree with some aspects of the code of Morality.

    Plus, Just because a person is GAY/LESBIAN does not mean they are a PEDOPHILE, it simply means they prefer someone of the same sex over someone of the opposite sex. I admit there are those who claim to be Gay/Les and truly are pedophiles but to call all who are gay/les pedophiles is the same as to say that all black people are Gangsters, or all white people are part of the 3 K's. ITS Prejudicy PURE AND SIMPLE, And it needs to stop.

    We ourselves are not GOD so who are we to say same sex marriage is wrong. Noone truly has that right! If that were the case then those who were gay would then have the right to say opposite sex marriage is just as wrong! all because of a b...
    All people should have the right to make their own choices, not just in marriage but in all things, we in america call ourselves a "FREE COUNTRY" but if they want to take away the right to same sex marriage what other rights are they going to take away, whats next freedom of Religion/Faith? they should stop doing votes on freedoms and let the freedom be. I personally think Obama is doing good. better than most. and I just hope that he continues on that path.

    freedom religionfaith votes freedoms freedom personally obama hope continues path

    and thats the truth, Plain and Simple.

    Furthermore, though I am Christian, and am God-Fearing, I do not agree with some aspects of the code of Morality.

    Plus, Just because a person is GAY/LESBIAN does not mean they are a PEDOPHILE, it simply means they prefer someone of the same sex over someone of the opposite sex. I admit there are those who claim to be Gay/Les and truly are pedophiles but to call all who are gay/les pedophiles is the same as to say that all black people are Gangsters, or all white people are part of the 3 K's. ITS Prejudicy PURE AND SIMPLE, And it needs to stop.

    We ourselves are not GOD so who are we to say same sex marriage is wrong. Noone truly has that right! If that were the case then those who were gay would then have the right to say opposite sex marriage is just as wrong! all because of a belief. therefore we should all just mind our own business and stop bothering with what other people are doing in bed with their lovers. the only time anyone should ever get involved is when it is someone over the age of 18 with someone under the age of 18. or if it is rape/molestation.
    (more)
  • Pmaxsr WolfPup... January 18, 2010 17:56:57
    Pmaxsr
    You state that even though you are a Christian you do not agree with the code of Morality. God is the author of that code and your opinion, my opinion matters little. LEV 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. No man or woman is born homosexual. God would NOT create a human that is an abomination to Him. It is a chosen lifestyle. Never in the Bible does God condone same-sex relationships, nowhere! When mentioned it is ALWAYS in the light of sin. ROM 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
    ROM 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. It has NOTHING to do with prejudice everything to do with truth.
  • acts2and38 July 17, 2009 18:58:08 (edited)
    acts2and38

    I think...

    I think I am moving.Whenever a country disregards God's moral laws, and logically placed social foundations, (It is not a issue of constitutionality as improperly asked here. Rather every society throughout history, such as Greece and Roman were destroyed from within. Primarily, before being conquered on the outside by their enemies. When the family and it's foundation is removed or uprooted, then society crumbles. Is legalized gambling good for a society? Yet it exists to the woe of many addicts.) and natural purposes; well it is a recipe for disaster. Nobody should discriminate against another person for whatever motives. That being said, the purpose for rules is to keep order. When society moves from this, (Which it has been by corrupt politicians for many years and feeble attempts at justice by them in all matters, not just this.) then get ready for the countdown to confusion and coersion.
  • +2
    servant July 09, 2009 03:44:58
    servant

    No, gay marriage is not a constituional right...

    Marriage is between a man in a woman and will alway be such in the sight of God. Same sex marriage is not constitutional. (IN GOD WE TRUST) Also, It is a SIN. America has let it's standards down and God is not please nor will He ever be pleased with this mess. God loves people but He hates sin. So, let's quit sugar coating this "so called" same-sex marriage and call it what it is an abomination. Someone has to stand up for Jesus and willing to do so in spite of what the "world" do or thinks. Jesus reigns.
  • Terry J Vey May 14, 2009 06:19:51
    Terry J Vey

    I think...

    It doesn't bother me one way or another!
  • LordOfTheFail April 24, 2009 12:01:33
    LordOfTheFail

    Yes, gay marriage is a constitutional right...

    YES. GO IOWA. )>..)> <(..<(
    Now if only Missouri and the rest of the Midwest would follow Iowa's lead........ O..o

    Obviously, yes, I do think it's a constitutional right. :3 It's not like it's a sexuality revolution or something. Those who are straight aren't going to be turned gay... I understand there are some who are against it for religious reasons, as well... but.. eh,
  • +2
    RushSchlafly April 21, 2009 23:48:07
    RushSchlafly

    No, gay marriage is not a constituional right...

    Join the fight by righteous patriotic Christian Americans against the homosexual pedophile plot to take over our country. http://www.traditionalvalues....

    James Dobson and Focus on the Family and Paul Cameron and the Family Research Council are exemplary in the struggle to preserve Christian Marriage and families from liberals like you. The more abuse purveyors of evil hurl at those who speak the Truth, the more intelligent, critical thinking people will see our message and acclaim it.

    America needs to wake up to this disease growing inside our country.
    http://www.nambla.org/
    http://www.nambla.org/pederas...

    The threat to our culture from homosexuals and pederasts is real and eminent. Please do join in combatting this evil.

    Report: Pedophilia more common among 'gays'
    http://www.wnd.com/news/artic...

    A book every American needs to read is "The Homosexual Agenda: Exposing the Principal Threat to Religious Freedom Today
    By Alan Sears and Craig Osten
    http://books.google.com/books...

    As the great Phyllis Schlafly has warned us, it is not only marriage that is being attacked by homosexuals, it is also free speech.
    http://townhall.com/columnist...
    Join the fight by righteous patriotic Christian Americans against the homosexual pedophile plot to take over our country. http://www.traditionalvalues....

    James Dobson and Focus on the Family and Paul Cameron and the Family Research Council are exemplary in the struggle to preserve Christian Marriage and families from liberals like you. The more abuse purveyors of evil hurl at those who speak the Truth, the more intelligent, critical thinking people will see our message and acclaim it.

    America needs to wake up to this disease growing inside our country.
    http://www.nambla.org/
    http://www.nambla.org/pederas...

    The threat to our culture from homosexuals and pederasts is real and eminent. Please do join in combatting this evil.

    Report: Pedophilia more common among 'gays'
    http://www.wnd.com/news/artic...

    A book every American needs to read is "The Homosexual Agenda: Exposing the Principal Threat to Religious Freedom Today
    By Alan Sears and Craig Osten
    http://books.google.com/books...

    As the great Phyllis Schlafly has warned us, it is not only marriage that is being attacked by homosexuals, it is also free speech.
    http://townhall.com/columnist...
    (more)
  • +1
    servant RushSch... July 09, 2009 03:46:29
    servant
    Amen!
  • +2
    me April 12, 2009 18:41:32
    me

    No, gay marriage is not a constituional right...

    It is NOT a constitutional right by way of the United States Constitution.

    This type of issue was to be left to the people of each state to decide for themselves. Those 7 judges inserted a "right" into the Constitution that does not exist.

    The appropriate way to "pass" or not , gay marriage, is by a vote of the people on a constitutional amendment to their state Constitution.

    7 judges do not get to speak for the whole of the state. A minority does not speak for the state. The maority of VOTERS get to decide and those judges should all be impeached for going beyond their powers.
  • +2
    BRAIN April 12, 2009 04:44:51
    BRAIN

    I think...

    Let gays and lesbians have all the rights they want, in fact, lets give them their own little world to live in, so they are not offended by our beliefs. We leave them alone, they leave us alone. It will work like quarantining!
  • Cheyenne BRAIN April 18, 2009 18:57:18
    Cheyenne
    You're basically refering to homosexuals as bees. "Leave them alone and they won't bother you." The idea of quarantining people just because you don't like their behavior goes against their rights. It's absurd. Homosexuality is NOT a virus.
  • +2
    BRAIN Cheyenne April 20, 2009 02:17:19
    BRAIN
    No...actually I was thinking more along the lines that if you isolated them, they couldn't reproduce, problem solved. I would never have gone that far, except even when homosexuals have the same legal rights as man and woman married couples, they feel they need to force what they believe on us, saying they don't have the same rights. Yes you do, you can be gay and be legally protected, or you can marry someone of the opposite sex, which is what marriage is. Man+woman=marriage! Blue+yellow=green. So if the law says blue and blue is protected just like blue and yellow is, you wouldn't still call that green would you?
  • Cheyenne BRAIN April 21, 2009 23:11:07
    Cheyenne
    Well, you're forcing what you believe on them. So, what's the difference?
    What? That's too many 'blues' in one section, I couldn't follow along with that. Sorry, can you explain that without using one word a million times, I get lost and can't focus =P
  • +1
    BRAIN Cheyenne April 22, 2009 00:58:06
    BRAIN
    What am i forcing on them? I wasn't the one who established what marriage is. Marriage is a union of a man and woman for the purpose of having children and establishing a family unit. Homosexuals can not physically become pregnant by they're own means and cannot produce children in that sense so by the system which i believe, they cannot be "married". That's not to say I don't believe they should have the same legal protection as a married couple, but i don't what to have to change what I believe a "marriage" is. In the California domestic partners have all the same legal protections as married heterosexual couples, but they are fighting over calling it marriage which forces me, and people like me to change, if not just for legal reasons, our beliefs. If that isn't forcing themselves on me I don't know what is. Gays say they are progressive, evolving so why would they want to be joined by a term that is soooo "traditional". Why don't they really be progressive and leave my beliefs along and make up their own word or term to which to be joined to your partner and still enjoy the legal benefits they all ready have without forcing us "traditional" people to change.
  • Cheyenne BRAIN April 22, 2009 21:14:32
    Cheyenne
    Marriage should be between two people who love each other and are willing to spend the rest of their lives together. It shouldn't matter their gender. Well, why can't union be called marriage? I have read the bible, and everything is just based off how people interpret it. You can't live your life by a bunch of pieces of paper that may or may not be true. We don't KNOW any of the bible is really real. It may have been mistranslated by a biased person. And, for that matter, there were so many religions around before the Christian or Catholic religions. There are still so many religions, so who knows which one is right anyways. I hate when people use the bible as protection for things and then sit around and call homosexuals names and hurt others when that's not what their book said to do. So, why can't the gays be married? Sure, it involves a church and all that jazz, but big whoop, isn't everyone supposed to be equal? Besides, if God didn't want them he wouldn't have created them or would've gotten rid of them by now. I know you didn't mention the bible and you probably think that I'm just rambling things now, but I do have a point. I just have to find it. . . .
    Anyways, marriage is also supposed to be "'Till death do us part." Haven't people already changed that? Divorces and annulments. Ev...
    Marriage should be between two people who love each other and are willing to spend the rest of their lives together. It shouldn't matter their gender. Well, why can't union be called marriage? I have read the bible, and everything is just based off how people interpret it. You can't live your life by a bunch of pieces of paper that may or may not be true. We don't KNOW any of the bible is really real. It may have been mistranslated by a biased person. And, for that matter, there were so many religions around before the Christian or Catholic religions. There are still so many religions, so who knows which one is right anyways. I hate when people use the bible as protection for things and then sit around and call homosexuals names and hurt others when that's not what their book said to do. So, why can't the gays be married? Sure, it involves a church and all that jazz, but big whoop, isn't everyone supposed to be equal? Besides, if God didn't want them he wouldn't have created them or would've gotten rid of them by now. I know you didn't mention the bible and you probably think that I'm just rambling things now, but I do have a point. I just have to find it. . . .
    Anyways, marriage is also supposed to be "'Till death do us part." Haven't people already changed that? Divorces and annulments. Everything is changing, whether people like it or not, it is. I just think that people should all be happy, and love makes people happy, and gay men love other gay men. So, I see nothing wrong with it.
    I see no point in getting into another incredulously long argument, and I have night class soon, so I have to go. Believe as you will, and I will believe as I do. Buh-bye, and good luck with life.
    (more)
  • BRAIN Cheyenne April 22, 2009 21:29:36
    BRAIN
    what ever
  • rightwi... Cheyenne April 25, 2009 19:00:13
    rightwingchick
    "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity," - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Cheyenne rightwi... April 26, 2009 00:37:50
    Cheyenne
    Yeah, okay, I'M the stupid one.
  • +2
    rightwi... BRAIN April 25, 2009 18:59:27
    rightwingchick
    God is there judge...Let them have there rights, and if they can naturally procrate there own children... let it be so... which we know is impossible, and don't call it marriage. Legal Partnership, United For Life...? I don't care, I care about marriage, and what it represents in my beliefs, I will stand up for God...till the day I die. Christians, Jews, Unite! NOW!
  • mp April 11, 2009 18:12:34
    mp

    No, gay marriage is not a constituional right...

    What is wrong with UNION? Not good enough for you?
  • Cheyenne mp April 18, 2009 18:55:30
    Cheyenne
    Nope. As well it shouldn't be. I can't wait for hipocracy to end ^.^
  • Cheyenne mp April 18, 2009 18:59:16
    Cheyenne
    I agree with themaidenraven a few comments below. It's like the slaveowners back in the day.
  • Teekio April 11, 2009 07:31:31
    Teekio

    I think...

    marriage wasnt even mentioned in the constitution so yes and no
  • -2
    themaidenraven April 08, 2009 20:31:49
    themaidenraven

    Yes, gay marriage is a constitutional right...

    And anyone who says otherwise should go rot in hell for all the sins they're committing. They're no better than the racist sons-a-bitches that called themselves slaveowners. Trying to demand that people should only be what others want them to be and not who they really are!
  • +1
    Cheyenne themaid... April 18, 2009 18:54:47
    Cheyenne
    Exactly! Everyone always tells us to be ourselves, but they hipocritacly tell homosexuals they can't be the way they are.
  • +2
    rightwi... Cheyenne April 24, 2009 03:09:03
    rightwingchick
    I don't get it, we are not trying to tell them what they are??? We are telling them to call there Unity ANYTHING BUT MARRIAGE! Marriage is a insituation of Holy Wedlock...when a man leaves his father and mother, and cleves to his wife *woman. call it Legal Partnership,
  • +1
    Cheyenne rightwi... April 26, 2009 00:44:32
    Cheyenne
    Call it marriage. It shouldn't matter their genders. It's just stupid say that, "Oh they're two men! They can't be in love! That's just digusting and ungodly!" Well, for all you know there is no God. I'm not saying I'm an atheist, and I'm not saying people shouldn't believe in God. But, there may not be a God, and if there is, aren't there so many? If you don't believe in God and go to church, doesn't your precious book say you'll be eternally damned? Then which God to follow, hmm? I think people should have the right to love and be loved regardless of gender, and if you don't agree with that, fine. But, don't call me stupid. Oh, and wasn't Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for equality? Isn't that what homosexuals are fighting for? I think you chose a bad quote dear, because it really shows YOUR ignorance.
  • WolfPup... rightwi... July 20, 2009 22:09:34
    WolfPup5683
    The Very Meaning of Marriage as per WEBSTERS DICTIONARY as follows:

    1. State of being husband and wife; "a long and happy marriage"; "God bless this union".

    2. Two people who are married to each other; "his second marriage was happier than the first"; "a married couple without love".

    3. The act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony; "their marriage was conducted in the chapel".

    4. A close and intimate union; "the marriage of music and dance"; "a marriage of ideas".

    only the first one talks of man and women. the rest use NO specificts.
  • rightwi... Cheyenne April 25, 2009 18:49:37
    rightwingchick
    "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity," - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • +1
    Cheyenne rightwi... April 26, 2009 00:38:53
    Cheyenne
    You already said this to me. Stop calling me stupid. I'm not the one who follows a book like a lost puppy.
  • jacobpoo Cheyenne April 27, 2009 04:17:28
    jacobpoo
    No, I believe that you are too big for your britches. Must admit in recent discussions with you I never would have guessed you were 15. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons learned in life is you have to stand up for what you believe to be the truth. That comes from within; who you are as a person what morals, beliefs, & standards you believe to be true. It is wrong to think a person should give in, or change their beliefs for equality or tolerance. Once you start bending and changing your entire belief system will eventually crumble. There is a right and a wrong. You can't change that neither can a homosexual. We straight couples don't tell them not to be joined together, we just don't want them to use the term marriage! We leave them be they at least owe married couples the same courtesy just leave us be!
  • +1
    rightwi... themaid... April 24, 2009 03:05:42
    rightwingchick
    I love what your gay buddy Peraz Hilton did to you gay's on the miss America Pagent the other night! It just proves again how sick and immature your community really is! Freedom of speech, and Miss California spoke from her heart, and was a class act... Stood in her Convictions of God, and her freedom and rights!
    Thank you Paeraz! a feather in the hat for true Marriage... :-) between a man and a woman.
  • +1
    Cheyenne rightwi... April 26, 2009 00:45:59 (edited)
    Cheyenne
    Yeah, Peraz Hilton is my gay buddy. Oh, and look, Miss what's-her-face didn't win. Because she said that it was because of where she grew up. It wasn't HER opinion, she's a follower. Just another sheep in the flock.
  • +1
    sun1079 "In Nature I Trust" April 07, 2009 20:51:39
    sun1079 "In Nature I Trust"

    Yes, gay marriage is a constitutional right...

    equal rights go to everyone right?
  • +1
    Cheyenne sun1079... April 18, 2009 18:53:53
    Cheyenne
    Most definately.
  • RushSch... sun1079... April 21, 2009 23:45:31
    RushSchlafly
    I suggest you try to find the truth on this issue and quit blindly accepting the politically correct position. Read some of the literature from the Christian side of the argument. See:
    A book every American needs to read is "The Homosexual Agenda: Exposing the Principal Threat to Religious Freedom Today
    By Alan Sears and Craig Osten
    http://books.google.com/books...

    Persecution: How Liberals are Waging War Against Christianity By David Limbaugh
    http://books.google.com/books...

    The Gay Agenda By Ronnie W. Floyd
    http://books.google.com/books...

    Understanding Homosexuality By David N. Glesne
    http://books.google.com/books...
  • sun1079... RushSch... April 22, 2009 02:14:15
    sun1079 "In Nature I Trust"
    I suggest you leave me the hell alone!
  • +1
    BRAIN sun1079... April 24, 2009 05:23:44
    BRAIN
    If you don't want to have contradicting views to your own, perhaps you should stick to writing in a diary. No one to argue with you there, or maybe there is?
  • sun1079... BRAIN April 24, 2009 11:48:30
    sun1079 "In Nature I Trust"
    I just don't want some religious freak telling me what I should believe. And the same should go for everyone. I have a right to think what I want about gay marriage and no one is going to change that.
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