Activists want gay marriage on Iowa Legislature's agenda

Gov. Chet Culver and legislative leaders say the upcoming session will focus on budget problems, but activists are working to get gay marriage on the agenda.

Supporters and opponents of an Iowa Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage are planning Statehouse rallies to mark Monday's opening of the Legislature. A group that supports the decision will gather Sunday, and opponents will rally Tuesday, when Culver gives his condition of the state speech.

The group heading the anti-gay marriage event, the Iowa Family Policy Council, also is criticizing Culver for issuing a proclamation that supports the rights of transgender people.

Culver spokesman Troy Price says Culver believes all Iowans should be protected from discrimination and abuse.

-- Associated Press