A constitutional amendment banning gay marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships and any formal recognition of same-sex relationships was the topic of Monday night’s public hearing in the Iowa House.

The more than 100 speakers who signed up to have their voices heard included many religious leaders on both sides of the issue, business persons, parents and college students. One such college student talked about being raised by two women, but felt he would make any parent proud.

The first video appears here – for both, use the link to the Iowa Independent site below.

Full Story from the Iowa Independent

Click here for gay marriage resources in Iowa.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Nearly 400 people listened for more than two hours to a debate over equality, fairness, liberty, God’s law, natural law and what’s best for families, the state and society.

At a public hearing on House Joint Resolution 6, which calls for a referendum on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, some speakers defended traditional marriage – one man and one woman – while others said gender does not define marriage or family.

“Marriage is two people committed to love each other and build a life together sharing one another’s hopes, dreams and a lifetime together,” said Dawn BarbouRoske of Iowa City, who spoke with her wife and their two daughters at her side. “Our marriage is roped together with love, honesty, hard work, laughter trust and respect … core values not dependent on gender.”

Full Story from the Globe Gazette

Click here for gay marriage resources in Iowa.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.