Iowa Pol Stands Firm Against Antigay Amendment

[William769]

Source: The Advocate

Iowa’s senate majority leader will block any attempt to bring a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality before voters, the Associated Press reports.

Democratic state senator Michael Gronstal told the AP that he would not allow debate on measures intended to put the issue on the ballot — as is currently the case next door in Minnesota, where voters will decide next year whether to constitutionally prohibit gay marriage.

"I'm not going to put discrimination into the state's constitution,” Gronstal said.



Read more: http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/29/Iowa_Pol_Stands_Firm_Against_Antigay_Amendment/

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This says it all. "I'm not going to put discrimination into the state's constitution,”

[xchrom]

1. Recommend

[Glorfindel]

2. What a great and courageous man!

K&R

[rurallib]

3. You can imagine what kind of money is lining up to defeat him.

he is from Council Bluffs - just across the river from Omaha.

[William769]

4. I may not live in that State.

But at least I have idea where some of my money is going to support Democratic candidates.

[Oceansaway]

5. K&R..n/t

[Dogtown]

6. K&R n/t

[Pirate Smile]

7. Democrats still control the Iowa State Senate - unlike in Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Michigan.

The Dems controlling one part of the state government has kept Iowa from becoming the RW political/policy hell hole like has happened in the states I listed above.

[William769]

10. One of the reasons I feel State races are no more less important than Federal races.

[No Elephants]

8. Send the man some encouragement. This is his email address:

[e-mail].

[BlueIris]

28. Thanks! nt

[bongbong]

9. Arguments?

I just can't figure out the arguments against marriage equality, except perhaps:

1) "I hate gay people!"
2) "I'm afraid I'm actually gay and hate that fact!"

and, related:

3) "My heroes, idols, and bosses on Fox, the MSM, and the radio order me to hate gays!"

[saras]

18. Yeah, you've figured them out. They aren't that complicated.

I also suspect that 1 and 2 are, in the long run, exactly the same thing.

[progressoid]

11. That's my Senator!

[William769]

12. You should feel very proud.

:toast:

[progressoid]

13. He's a pretty level headed guy (from a Republican family!)

And a fighter! The knuckle-draggers are gunning for him but we're going to fight hard to keep Mike!

I've sent him a few thank-yous about this and other issues lately.

[William769]

14. Good for you.

He will get a contribution from me. This is the type of person I will whole heartedly support.

[emulatorloo]

15. As Pirate Smile noted, our Senate Dems have saved us from Teabagger Hell

here in Iowa.

This is one of the reasons I get frustrated when some DU'ers post that "Dems and Republicans are the same".

[Pirate Smile]

17. What we've seen in the state governments lately should prove that more now then ever.

[Critters2]

22. When I was there, my State Senator was Stewart Iverson. Grrr.

Friends told me that, at the first town hall in Wright County that he held after I moved, he actually asked people where I was and if I was okay. Yeah, I was that big a gadfly for him. I envied those of you with Dem State Senators. Still do.

[progressoid]

19. Thanks William!

He'll appreciate it.

Iowa will appreciate it!

[SoapBox]

16. Bravo! nt

[Kurska]

20. So god damn brave.

No words for this type of courage. I have few doubts that a ban on gay marriage would pass right now, but if they can hold on for a bit longer we'll win there too.

[24601]

21. So in other words - democracy is OK, as long as we are ensured

a favorable result. Otherwise, fuck 'em!

[ldf]

23. democracy has absolutely nothing to do with human rights

but no politician will step forward and state that.

NO ONE'S rights should be put up for popular vote.

:grr:

the supreme court should have to rule on it, and if they rule that it IS allowed to vote on who receives rights, we should immediately get referendums on ballots in every state that would make them rue the day....

[William769]

25. Democracy is always ok unless the majority uses it to infringe the rights of a minority.

If you can't understand that well then shame on you.

[24601]

27. I understand it perfectly. And I understand also that if it

really is a "right" rather than a "want", then the Iowa Supreme Court,or federal courts will say so. The fact that Senator Gronstal is doing everything he can to keep it away from the people and, by extension the courts, tells me that HE lacks any confidence that

1. The legislature was in sync with the people.
2. The Iowa Supreme Court would agree with him.

What about the right of the people of Iowa to have laws with which they agree? Are you willing to let the people vote when legislatures have failed to pass gay marriage? If so, then you aren't about rights but only about getting the result you personally want. I'm willing to accept the vote either way - but denying the right to vote when state law allows it rankles me.

I trust you fought for Wisconsin legislators for their right to serve their terms without interference from recall elections? After all, compared to the state population, legislatures are a vary small minority. Again, I had no problem with it and accept the results no matter what happened.

[William769]

29. ...

[lindysalsagal]

24. Gronstal for president n/t.

[BiggJawn]

26. Wish we had someone like that in Indiana

But both sides of The House of Bubbas are ReTHUGlican controlled, and it's all about "protecting" marriage.
All the ReTHUGs are in favour of it, even RentBoi connoisseur Phil Hinkel.