Gay marriage rallies to open Iowa session

The first days of 2010 Iowa legislative session will be marked by high-profile rallies over one of the state's most contentious issues - gay marriage.

One Iowa, an advocacy group for gays and lesbians, announced plans Monday for a rally to demonstate “broad-based opposition to an amendment that would take away civil marriage protections from Iowans.”

“It's basically an issue of fairness and equality,” said Justin Uebelhor, a spokesman.

The rally, called “Equality: Red, Blue and Purple,” will be Jan. 10, the day before the legislature gavels into session.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Speaker Pat Murphy, both Democrats, have said they don't plan to take up measures to put a referendum on gay marriage on the ballot.

However, opponents of same-sex marriage have made it clear they'll push hard for a vote.

Last week, the Iowa Family Policy Center said it plans to hold a rally in Des Moines on Jan. 12, the day Gov. Chet Culver gives his condition of the state address. It released more details Monday.

The effort, dubbed “Two Days For Marriage,” also will include a call for participants to commit to a day of lobbying lawmakers for a vote.

Since the state Supreme Court's decision last year legalizing same-sex marriage, critics have called for a public vote and warned they'll make it a political issue next fall, when most lawmakers will go before the voters.

“Any member who stands between the people and our right to vote is risking their political future,” said Chuck Hurley, the family policy center's president.

One Iowa isn't without influential allies. A list of speakers at its Jan. 10 event will include the leaders of two of the largest unions in the state, which tend to favor Democrats.

Uebelhor said in addition to its rally, One Iowa also will lobby lawmakers to keep the issue off the ballot.

“Throughout the legislative session, I imagine they'll be hearing from people who share our position,” he said.