One Iowa
Encyclopedia
One Iowa is the largest LGBT rights activist group in Iowa
. It was instrumental in the state's Supreme Court
ruling to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage
.
that led to the Varnum v. Brien
suit. At first, the emphasis of the group was marriage equality, but soon after formation, a board of directors was established and efforts were increased to include civil rights
, civil marriage
, LGBT families and aging. As of 2009, One Iowa is the largest LGBT rights activist group in the state.
page, and has a website. During Varnum, the group contacted residents and urged them to contact their local officials. They also held forums in towns throughout Iowa that included LGBT community members, individuals from the religious establishment and legal scholars, where they emphasized the need for marriage equality.
Following Varnum, the group was lauded for its grassroots efforts by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. However, the group's efforts also faced criticism. Congressman Steve King
(R-IA) remarked that the state would become "a gay-marriage mecca" following the court's decision. But One Iowa's spokesman, Justin Uebelhor, maintained that his group's efforts concerned "Iowa couples" and that it was not his intention to turn the state into a "sideshow."
The organization has since worked to educate court recorders on how to "make sure gays and lesbian couples feel welcomed" when applying for a marriage license
, and have allowed for the participants to choose from either "bride," "groom" or "spouse" on the document.
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
. It was instrumental in the state's Supreme Court
Iowa Supreme Court
The Iowa Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Iowa. As constitutional head of the Iowa Judicial Branch, the Court is composed of a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices....
ruling to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
.
Background
The organization was founded in November 2006 following the 2005 suit filed by Lambda LegalLambda Legal
Lambda Legal is an American civil rights organization that focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities as well as people living with HIV/AIDS through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.Lambda's founder William J. Thom, Esq...
that led to the Varnum v. Brien
Varnum v. Brien
Varnum v. Brien, 763 N.W.2d 862 , is an Iowa court case in which six same-sex couples filed suit against Timothy Brien, Polk County Recorder, for refusing to grant marriage licenses to them...
suit. At first, the emphasis of the group was marriage equality, but soon after formation, a board of directors was established and efforts were increased to include civil rights
Civil rights
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the state without discrimination or repression.Civil rights include...
, civil marriage
Civil marriage
Civil marriage is marriage performed by a government official and not a religious organization.-History:Every country maintaining a population registry of its residents keeps track of marital status, and most countries believe that it is their responsibility to register married couples. Most...
, LGBT families and aging. As of 2009, One Iowa is the largest LGBT rights activist group in the state.
Efforts
The organization has used the Internet and other grassroots methods to spread its message. It established a FacebookFacebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page, and has a website. During Varnum, the group contacted residents and urged them to contact their local officials. They also held forums in towns throughout Iowa that included LGBT community members, individuals from the religious establishment and legal scholars, where they emphasized the need for marriage equality.
Following Varnum, the group was lauded for its grassroots efforts by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. However, the group's efforts also faced criticism. Congressman Steve King
Steve King
Steven Arnold "Steve" King is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.The district is located in the western part of the state and includes Sioux City and Council Bluffs....
(R-IA) remarked that the state would become "a gay-marriage mecca" following the court's decision. But One Iowa's spokesman, Justin Uebelhor, maintained that his group's efforts concerned "Iowa couples" and that it was not his intention to turn the state into a "sideshow."
The organization has since worked to educate court recorders on how to "make sure gays and lesbian couples feel welcomed" when applying for a marriage license
Marriage license
A marriage license is a document issued, either by a church or state authority, authorizing a couple to marry. The procedure for obtaining a license varies between countries and has changed over time...
, and have allowed for the participants to choose from either "bride," "groom" or "spouse" on the document.