DES MOINES—A poll from The Des Moines Register released today shows a plurality of Iowans—36 percent—have come to terms with marriage equality in Iowa, saying that it doesn’t affect them. In addition, 28 percent of Iowans say they are proud that Iowa is a marriage equality state. Similarly, in a February 2012 poll from The Des Moines Register, 56 percent of respondents said they were opposed to the legislature passing a state constitutional ban on marriage for gays and lesbians.
The following is a statement from Donna Red Wing, Executive Director of One Iowa, the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization:
“The latest poll from The Des Moines Register tells us what we already know to be true—the tide for LGBT equality is turning. Month after month, we see more states embrace the freedom to marry. We see the state and federal courts knocking down marriage bans, paving the way for justice for all. We see new laws all around the country protecting our transgender brothers and sisters. We see national polling for marriage equality at its highest point.
“Nearly 5 years after the historic Varnum v. Brien Iowa Supreme Court ruling, The Des Moines Registerpoll reaffirms that Iowans accept marriage equality as ‘the new normal.’ LGBT people are not so different from anyone else. We are your neighbors, your friends, your family and your co-workers. We pay our taxes, we worship, and we take care of our families.
“We know we are winning, but our work is far from over. With the help of Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN), we will continue to educate legislators on the need to reform Iowa’s discriminatory HIV law. We will continue to create a space to have civil dialogue with our opponents so that there might be a sense of understanding, even amid disagreement. We will continue to advocate for a healthier and happier LGBT community. Together, we are One Iowa.”