1:33 AM: One Iowa: Justices lost to 'perfect storm of electoral discontent and out-of-state special interest money'
The fight to preserve the right for same-sex couples to marry will continue despite tonight's vote against the retention of three Iowa Supreme Court justices who gave couples that right, One Iowa executive director Carolyn Jenison said in a letter to supporters early Wednesday morning.
"Over the past year and a half Iowans have fought off and beaten back every attempt to diminish this ruling," Jenison said. "In this election, three of the courageous justices who recognized the freedom to marry in Iowa fell victim to a perfect storm of electoral discontent and out-of-state special interest money. In addition, many of our pro-equality allies from Governor Culver to statehouse candidates lost their seats due to an anti-incumbent mood that swept the nation."
Jenison said while the full implications of these election results remain to be seen, one thing remains the same. "The freedom to marry in Iowa remains intact," she said.
She said in the months and weeks ahead, supporters of same-sex marriage can expect renewed attempts to overturn the freedom to marry and write discrimination into the Iowa Constitution.
"It will take a concerted and collective effort on the part of pro-equality Iowans to respond to these attacks and defend on our liberties," she said. "This is no time to be discouraged. While our fight may be tireless, our mission is clear. Together, we will protect marriage equality and preserve Iowa's long tradition of equal rights for all."
-- By Lynn Campbell
Labels: 2010_election
