Molly Menster and Tina Sio are looking to get legally married in Iowa.

Felicia Carner
Published: April 15, 2009

DUBUQUE -The unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision on overturning the same sex marriage ban is being questioned by some Iowa citizens.

Lou Oswald, 2008 Republican candidate for Dubuque’s 27th District for the House of Representatives, says “It’s not about my opinion; we all know what that is, marriage is between a man and a woman. The issue here is hearing the voices of the citizens.”

Oswald says that he is working with other citizens that share the same view to get the vote back to the people. They have until May 1st to appeal this lawsuit.

Oswald and others who oppose the new law are taking advantage of their democratic rights.

Although lesbian couple, Molly Menster and Tina Sio, feel the Iowa Supreme Court made a wise decision they feel it is the Iowa citizens right to push for the vote.

“It is their right to work to get this put on the ballot and have a vote by the people, if that is their prerogative that is their right,” commented Menster.

For those who do oppose the legalization of same sex marriage and want a vote, Menster suggests for them to read the decision.

“It is so well written and so thought out they made a decision that is firmly rooted in our Iowa constitution,” said Menster.

You can find the Iowa Supreme Court’s Decision here: Full Decision

The couples believe the court made their decision based on the roots of the Iowa constitution and the separation between church and state.

Sio comments, “The judges have done their research on it and know the constitution and know whether or not this denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.”

Menster says the court set aside their personal beliefs and values and strictly looked at the constitution. “It has nothing to do with religion it’s about a set of rights that has been denied to a class of people, gay and lesbian people, without any good reason. There is no good legal reason to deny us these rights.”

Menster and Sio feel this is victory is not just about having a wedding reception but about the emotional and physical protection the law gives them. The couple has already committed a ceremony to dedicate their lives to each other but is looking to become legally married in the near future.

A complete interview with Ingrid Evans-Olson, one of the women named in the lawsuit regarding same sex marriage that reached the Iowa Supreme Court can be read on our blog: Full Interview

Felicia Carner can be reached at Felicia.Carner@loras.edu