Same-sex marriage debate gains fuel in 'slow' August news cycle

This is my Sunday, Aug. 8, Column in The Gazette, but with links to source material. The column runs regularly on page 2A of each Sunday's paper, which also is available here in electronic form for a subscription of $4.95/month.

The jaded among us don't mind pointing out that sometimes a particular issue gets aired in excess during August because little happens during the month. So we latch onto the one thing that can keep our attention, or at least protect us from the din created by football fans getting closer and closer to their annual fall nirvana.

August is only week old and the same-sex marriage debate is getting attention this time around, thanks in large part to the state of California. Shortly after Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned California's same-same marriage ban on Wednesday groups in Iowa put into action their interest in this state's status of being one of only five to allow same-sex marriage.

A victory for all Americans and a step toward recognizing same-sex couples who simply want to marry someone they love, the group One Iowa said, reiterating its often-stated sentiment. The Iowa Legislature and governor, whoever that is in 2011, need to push for a state law defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, the Iowa Family Policy Center stressed in an equally often-stated sentiment.

Where this all ends up is nowhere close to anyone's guess. It ends up in higher courts.

The 9next step for Walker's ruling. Iowa is in the 8, so, while carrying heavy influence for subsequent court rulings, a 9

^th

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the

^th

U.S. Circuit

^th

Circuit ruling would not be binding in Iowa. Additionally, the Iowa Supreme Court was the ultimate authority in making same-sex marriage legal in Iowa in April 2009 because the issue dealt with a state constitution question.

A Supreme Court challenge to whatever comes out of the 9th Circuit could only apply to Iowa if the Supreme Court determines that Iowa's ruling - or, if enacted, any subsequent law in the state that bans same-sex marriage - is or isn't supported by the U.S. Constitution,

Whether that happens is anyone's guess. Thus, the attention in Iowa is focused on the state's law, and this fall's state elections.

Passionate people from groups like the Iowa Family Policy Center and One Iowa will be visible in the coming months arguing their points. Perhaps more important, however, individuals who don't give a whit about any group but who hold strong beliefs on the matter will share those beliefs with others on a more informal, grass-roots level.

Issues stemming from Iowa's economy, job market, education support and how state government can be funded without breaking the bank are fueling the gubernatorial race between Democratic incumbent Chet Culver and Republican, and former governor, Terry Branstad.

But same-sex marriage will continue to be part of their political discourse this fall, whether or not Culver and Branstad want to address it, because of current events and voters' interests. It will make for an interesting, continuing news story that will be part of our Gazette coverage of the campaign.