One Iowa / Lambda Legal Statement:

As you may have heard, the California Supreme Court recently ruled that it is unconstitutional to bar gay and lesbian couples from marriage, and California soon will join the list of places where same-sex couples may marry. If you are considering travel to California or elsewhere to marry, the documents below contain information about how to obtain a license in California, and about legal implications for out-of-state couples who travel to California to marry. We encourage you to call Lambda Legal's help desk if you have specific questions about the legal ramifications for you individually, including how marriage to a same-sex spouse is likely to affect your legal obligations and eligibility for particular benefits and protections under Iowa law. For more information regarding whether to travel to California or another state or country to marry, see Lambda Legal's FAQs:

"Traveling to Another State or Country to Marry"

"Marriage for Same Sex Couples in California"

If you do choose to get married in California or elsewhere, we encourage you to call Lambda Legal before filing a lawsuit to seek respect for your marriage once you return home to Iowa. Lambda Legal may be able to assist you in getting your marriage recognized in some circumstances. Additionally, in a joint advisory, four legal groups and five other leading LGBT groups explain that while couples who go to another state or country to marry should ask friends, neighbors and institutions to honor their marriages, filing a lawsuit may not be a good idea. Ill-timed lawsuits are likely to set the fight for marriage back.

For more resources, visit Lambda Legal's Relationship Resources page.

Meanwhile, here in Iowa, Lambda Legal won a trial court victory last August on behalf of six same-sex couples seeking the right to marry, and three of their children. We currently are defending that victory before the Iowa Supreme Court, where we are waiting for oral argument to be scheduled. The Iowa Supreme Court could reach a decision in 2009. While there are never any guarantees in court cases, we are hopeful that the Iowa Supreme Court will affirm the trial court's powerful decision so that Iowa same-sex couples may plan their weddings soon in their own communities, joined by family and friends celebrating their commitment.

Read more about Lambda Legal's groundbreaking marriage lawsuit in Iowa and see a description of the briefs filed by Iowa and national leaders (including elected officials, child advocates, faith leaders, physicians and others) in support of same-sex couples seeking to marry.