Lambda Legal Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Same-Sex Couples in Iowa Seeking Marriage

Lambda Legal Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Same-Sex Couples in Iowa Seeking Marriage
‘Since marriage is the way the government provides protection, support and respect for families, it is only fair that these couples be able to marry’
(Des Moines, December 13, 2005) — At press conferences today, Lambda Legal announced a lawsuit on behalf of six Iowa same-sex couples across the state seeking the right to marry.

“This lawsuit is about fairness and equality. Same-sex couples all over Iowa are devoted and love each other,” said Camilla Taylor, Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. “Since marriage is the way the government provides protection, support and respect for families, it is only fair that these couples be able to marry.”

The lawsuit filed in the Iowa District Court for Polk County argues that under the equal protection and due process guarantees in the Iowa State Constitution it is unlawful to bar same-sex couples from marrying. Since the lawsuit is based on state law, the Iowa Supreme Court will have the final word on the outcome of this case.

“Without marriage, there is no way for me to declare who Trish is in my life,” said Kate Varnum, a plaintiff in the case. “We want our family to be protected and treated fairly.”

“Same-sex couples who are ready and willing to take on the responsibilities that come with marriage should have that opportunity,” said Dennis Johnson, former Solicitor General of Iowa, currently with Dorsey & Whitney in Des Moines. Johnson is working with Lambda Legal as a cooperating attorney on the case.

Lambda Legal is working on marriage cases in California (along with the ACLU and National Center for Lesbian Rights),Washington (with Northwest Women's Law Center), New York, New Jersey. Camilla Taylor, Staff Attorney and Patricia M. Logue, Senior Counsel are handling the case for Lambda Legal. They are joined by Dennis Johnson of Dorsey and Whitney in Des Moines.

The case is Varnum v. Brien