For a Day, Gay Marriage Is Legal in Iowa

Associated Press Saturday, September 1, 2007; A07

DES MOINES, Aug. 31 -- Two men sealed Iowa's first legal same-sex marriage with a kiss Friday morning, less than 24 hours after a judge threw out the state's ban.

A couple of hours later, though, Polk County Judge Robert Hanson stayed his own ruling, pending an appeal by the county to the state Supreme Court.

Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan were among the lucky few to get their application through.

... State House Minority Leader Christopher Rants (R) said the ruling illustrates the need for a state constitutional amendment banning such marriages.

"I can't believe this is happening in Iowa," Rants said. "I guarantee you there will be a vote on this issue come January," when the legislature convenes, he said.

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What is there about this issue that ignites such instant flaming on the part of various legislators?

Consistently, unendingly, relentlessly these holier-than-thou types keep getting caught with their pants on the wrong bed. Why is it not enough to lead your own life and leave the lives of others to themselves?

* For more in-depth articles by Jim on Civil Rights, check out Opinion-Columns.com