Attempt to Amend Iowa Constitution Blocked

 

Senator Mike Gronstal

Well you knew it would happen. You just knew there would be an attempt to put a constitutional amendment through in Iowa after the State Supreme Court ruled it was legal for gays to marry. However, someone forgot to tell the conservatives that this is not their time.

Without the support of Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, efforts to amend the Iowa Constitution can not move forward in the Senate.

Below is the video of the Senator's response when asked by Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley of Chariton to co-sponsor a bill. This was on April 6, 2009, the first day the Senate met after the unanimous decision by the Iowa Supreme Court to allow same sex couples to marry. (Transcript is below the video)

Transcript
One of my daughters was in the workplace one day, and her particular workplace at that moment in time, there were a whole bunch of conservative, older men. And those guys were talking about gay marriage. They were talking about discussions going on across the country.

Any my daughter Kate, after listening for about 20 minutes, said to them: You guys dont understand. Youve already lost. My generation doesnt care.

I think I learned something from my daughter that day, when she said that. And Ive talked with other people about it and thats what I see, Senator McKinley. I see a bunch of people that merely want to profess their love for each other, and want state law to recognize that.

Is that so wrong? I dont think thats so wrong. As a matter of fact, last Friday night, I hugged my wife. You know Ive been married for 37 years. I hugged my wife. I felt like our love was just a little more meaningful last Friday night because thousands of other Iowa citizens could hug each other and have the state recognize their love for each other.


No, Senator McKinley, I will not co-sponsor a leadership bill with you.