Gay Marriage Ruling Friday

The Iowa Supreme Court has announced that it will be releasing its ruling in the Varnum v. Brien gay marriage case at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Should make for an interesting, possibly historic, day.

Perhaps the timing, during the ongoing legislative session, means the court will uphold the statutory same-sex marriage ban struck down by a district judge in 2007. Striking it down now likely would  set off an immediate legislative battle over passing a constitutional ban before lawmakers adjourn this month. It would take passage in 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions to put it on the Nov. 2010 ballot.

(UPDATE --  O. Kay Henderson reports at her blog that Republican leaders aren't exactly anxious to tackle the issue this late in the session. Perhaps that "immediate battle" will wait a year.)

It's also possible that the court will find some procedural route to avoid making a sweeping determination. Anything's possible.

This is edge-of-your-seat stuff. I know I'll be in early.