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U.S. Sen. Harkin: Statement on unanimous Iowa Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage
4/3/2009

Contact:               Kate Cyrul / Jennifer Mullin (202) 224-3254

Statement of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

“My personal view has been that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I have voted in support of that concept.  But I also fundamentally believe that same sex couples in a civil union should be entitled to all the basic legal protections and benefits of marriage.  The Court found that it is necessary to afford same sex couples the ability to marry in order to allow them those legal protections and benefits.  I will respect and support that decision and I hope that other Iowans can do the same.  I know that this decision will be very hard for many to accept but I also know that it will provide many committed same sex couples and families important rights, as well as an important sense of recognition and belonging.”  


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