Coalition formed to oppose same-sex marriage ban

DES MOINES -- One Iowa, Iowa's largest gay rights group, has announced the formation of a broad coalition of groups opposed to a constitutional amendment to deny civil marriage equality to gay and lesbian couples.

The 71 Iowa groups have a combined membership of nearly 150,000 Iowans and include labor, civil rights, and faith groups.

“Iowans believe in treating their neighbors with respect. That's why a growing chorus of Iowans is speaking up to say discrimination has no place in the Iowa Constitution," said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison.

The announcement comes in advance of Sunday's Equality: Red Blue Purple campaign kick-off and the beginning of the 2010 Iowa legislative session on Monday.

The campaign kick-off will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., Des Moines.

Opponents of equality have pledged push for an amendment to the Iowa Constitution during this legislative session. An amendment would have to pass in two consecutive legislative sessions before being put on the ballot.

The coalition includes prominent Democrats and Republicans, including former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack, former Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson and former Lt. Gov. Joy Corning.

It also includes labor unions, church-based organizations, human rights groups and students groups.