Press Release: Cedar Rapids Forum to Discuss Marriage Equality in Iowa

Submitted by justin on Mon, 2009-11-02 16:27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009
Contact Justin Uebelhor
515-288-4019 ext. 205
515-333-2525 cell
justin@oneiowa.org

Cedar Rapids Forum to Discuss Marriage Equality in Iowa

On April 3, 2009 the Iowa Supreme Court granted the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples in the state of Iowa. In the months since the ruling, hundreds of same-sex couples have married in the state. One Iowa, the statewide advocacy organization tasked with protecting this historic ruling, is hosting a series of public forums across the state designed to build public support for equality and share perspectives on the freedom to marry.

Cedar Rapids Marriage Equality Public Forum
CSPS Legion Arts
1103 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Thursday, November 12, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Welcome/Moderator
Andrea Jansa, One Iowa

Panelists
Lee Clancey
Former Mayor of Cedar Rapids and President of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Reverend Tom Capo
Minister at People’s Church Unitarian Universalist of Cedar Rapids

Bob Rush
Attorney at Rush & Nicholson, P.L.C. in Cedar Rapids, former
Iowa State Senator, chair of the ACLU of Iowa, and Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission board member

Kate and Trish Varnum
Named plaintiffs in Varnum v. Brien, the Iowa Supreme Court case that led to the freedom to marry in Iowa

With the Iowa legislative session set to begin in January, and a roster of anti-gay gubernatorial candidates pledging to take away these freedoms, the struggle to protect marriage equality has only just begun. At this critical juncture, One Iowa seeks to continue a civil conversation about the positive affect of marriage equality on Iowa communities. Panel participants typically represent various local perspectives: same-sex couples, parents of gays and lesbians, faith and community leaders, the legal community and local business leaders. The program includes introductory remarks from each panelist and a question and answer period.

Founded in 2005, One Iowa is the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, working for full equality for LGBT Iowans. More information can be found at www.oneiowa.org

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in