Equality drive races forward

We're fast approaching the sixth anniversary of the Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous ruling establishing marriage equality as a constitutional right. And now the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to do the same nationally by the end of June.

Historic social change in this country usually moves like a glacier. In this case, it could win the pole at Talladega.

That's fitting, as Alabama this week became the 37th state where same-sex marriages are now permitted, thanks to a federal court ruling. Back when Iowa's highest court ruled, our state was one of only three that offered couples legal recognition.

Alabama reminded us of what was and what might have been in Iowa. The images of joyous couples tying the knot looked like the ones snapped here in 2009.

Less joyous was Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, who ordered local judges to ignore the federal ruling. This is the same dubious scenario that Bob Vander Plaats and others sought in Iowa by urging county officials to ignore the 2009 ruling.

Vander Plaats argued, as he ran a failed campaign for governor, that the state's chief executive should veto court rulings. He basically urged social conservatives concoct a constitutional crisis to stop people from rushing to access the most socially conservative institution of all.

Instead we kicked three justices off the court. They'll be feeling vindicated soon.

Because the biggest news from Alabama came when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to step in and put a hold on marriages, sending a remarkably clear signal on which way it's leaning as it prepares to hear arguments on marriage equality in April. Justice Clarence Thomas scolded the court for telegraphing its pass, but the message came through.

Will Republicans campaigning for president in Iowa hear it? Last month, Politico published a piece headlined 'The gay marriage litmus test,” suggesting Iowa social conservatives won't let it go. Nor will they let caucus candidates move on.

'If you dodge the question, then it's the kiss of death,” former Republican U.S. Senate and state treasurer candidate Sam Clovis said in the piece.

The spirit is willing, but the politics is weak.

In the Iowa House, only 12 of 57 Republican members signed on to the annual constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. Gone are the rallies and loud railing that once echoed through the Statehouse.

Truth is, the Republicans who currently stand the best chance of actually being elected president by a national electorate - Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Rand Paul and Chris Christie - each have sent signals that the issue is largely settled, rulings should be respected and the GOP needs to change the subject. They know every time Mike Huckabee says being gay is like choosing to swear or drink, more young voters turn their backs on a backward party.

Social issues are now a Democratic advantage. So Republicans looking for a way to make Americans uncomfortable with Democratic leadership already have seized on the threat of terrorism. A recent Iowa Poll showed it's become the top issue among GOP caucusgoers. Marriage is ranked seventh.

So Republicans can pretend it's 1988, and ignore the history of 2015. But not if they want to rule a changed nation.

l Comments: (319) 398-8452; todd.dorman@thegazette.com