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Saturday, April 04, 2009

Iowa

I thought I'd paste a post from the Rev. Susan Russell's blog ....

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From the Iowa Marriage Opinion

Today's Iowa Supreme Court decision is 69 pages long and most folks (myself included) have not yet had time to "read, mark, learn and inwardly digest" all of it. But this paragraph from the conclusion stands out as an extraordinarily succinct summary of the facts behind the decision -- and a voice of hope, reason and clarity for those of us in the other 47 states still working to end marriage discrmination.
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“In the final analysis, we give respect to the views of all Iowans on the issue of same-sex marriage—religious or otherwise—by giving respect to our constitutional principles. These principles require that the state recognize both opposite-sex and same-sex civil marriage.

Religious doctrine and views contrary to this principle of law are unaffected, and people can continue to associate with the religion that best reflects their views. A religious denomination can still define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and a marriage ceremony performed by a minister, priest, rabbi or other person ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith does not lose its meaning as a sacrament or other religious institution.

The sanctity of all religious marriages celebrated in the future will have the same meaning as those celebrated in the past. The only difference is civil marriage will now take on a new meaning that reflects a more complete understanding of equal protection of the law. This result is what our constitution requires.”


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And let the people say: "Amen!"

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:)


2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think that I have said this, but certainly not as well or as forcably stated as in this paragraph. I, too, will add my "Amen."

Mike L

1:26 PM  
Blogger crystal said...

:)

1:46 PM  

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