Same-Sex Marriages on Hold in Iowa

Just hours after Iowa’s ban on same-sex marriages was lifted by Polk County Judge Robert Hanson, the judge agreed to stay his ruling upon a request from the Polk County attorney, who will file an appeal.  However, one lucky couple was able to seal the deal before the stay was granted.

CNN.com:

Hanson ruled that the state law banning same-sex marriage must be nullified, severed and stricken from the books, and the marriage laws “must be read and applied in a gender neutral manner so as to permit same-sex couples to enter into a civil marriage ...”

“This is kind of the American Dream,” said plaintiff Jen BarbouRoske, of Iowa City. “I’m still feeling kind of shaky. It’s pure elation. I just cannot believe it.”

Kate Varnum of Cedar Rapids, another plaintiff, said she was elated but expected more legal battles: “I don’t expect this to be the last one.”

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AP Photo / Charlie Niebergall

The deal is sealed:  Sean Fritz (left) embraces his husband, Tim McQuillan, in Iowa’s Polk County on Friday.