As appeared in the Opinions Section of the Des Moines Register | June 5, 2008
Even if a majority of Iowa citizens do not wish to recognize gay marriage, that opinion will not matter in the long term. Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states that, "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State."
This aspect of the Constitution was the justification for the infamous Dred Scott decision, which declared that a slave remained a slave even after crossing into a free state. Under our current Constitution, a gay couple who has been married in another state can move to Iowa, demand and receive all the same rights and services due a traditional married couple.
To my knowledge, this has not yet become an issue, but the legal precedent is clear. When this issue comes to our state, the preferences and opinions of Iowa citizens will not matter under current federal law.
- Corey J. Smith, Iowa City
1 comment:
I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of this rhetoric. Also, under DOMA, FF&C is limited in the case of same-sex marriage.
Try to tone down the argument a bit. A lot of people are on the side of marriage. A lot of people are open to "rights and responsibilities". Very few people appreciate "the gayz are coming, and we don't care what you think."
Sean
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