No problems reported with same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses, ACLU says

A civil rights group monitoring the first day county recorders across Iowa began issuing same-sex marriage licenses said they had heard of no one being denied licenses in the first hours.Leaders opposed to the idea of same-sex marriages had encouraged county recorders to refuse to issue licenses if they are opposed to the idea.

But Ben Stone, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, said he hadn't heard of people having problems getting licenses. The organization has offered legal help to any gay or lesbian couple seeking a marriage license that is turned away.

"This is a monumental moment in our history," Stone said. "You know, Iowa really does have a remarkable past when it comes to having a visionary outlook on equality, and it's a great day to be an Iowan."

Stone wasn't anticipating any problems for same-sex couples seeking licenses.

"Iowans are so likely to be dutiful and respect what they are supposed to do, Stone said. "And frankly, I would be surprised if there's really any problems, especially widespread problems."

A long line of couples seeking licenses stretched outside the Polk County recorder's office in downtown Des Moines before the 8 a.m. opening.

Grant Lam and Andrew Mahoney-Lam, who have been together three years, were the first in line.

They've already solidified their union with a commitment ceremony and wanted to make it official.

"I want to have that paper in my hand to be able to now say I'm legal," Mahoney-Lam said.

Mahoney-Lam said his partner's health problems made it important to get married.

"If something does happen to him or happens to me, we can make the decisions and the family can't turn that around on us and change what we want as a couple," Mahoney-Lam said.

Some couples went directly to the Polk County Courthouse in an attempt to get a judge to waive the three-day waiting period.

Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, turned in a stack of petitions urging Polk County Recorder Julie Haggerty not to issue the licenses.

"The law, as we speak, this second says marriage in Iowa is between a man and a woman," Hurley said.

But while he protested the idea of gay marriage, Hurley also handed out water to couples waiting in line for licenses.

"Our expression is that we love you as a person," Hurley said. "It would be the same message as if one of my friends, one of my co-workers was doing something that was contrary to right and good and common sense. I would urge them to reconsider."