Same-sex marriage made legal in Iowa by Polk County judge

In a case that will keep social conservatives railing against “activist judges”, Polk County Judge Robert Hanson handed down a ruling striking down Iowa’s ban on same-sex marriage, which allowed a few same-sex couples to get married in Des Moines.

Of course, the decision will be appealed, so the ban may be reinstated.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  Iowa is still a pretty anti-same-sex marriage state, with Chet Culver, our Democratic governor, issuing a statement that he is against same-sex marriage:

While some Iowans may disagree on this issue, I personally believe marriage is between a man and a woman

Personally, I think it would be great if same-sex couples could have the same rights as heterosexual couples such as visitation and inheritance, and it would be even better if they were recognized legally with the same name, I’m not optimistic about the aftermath of this decision.  If it is not overturned at the Iowa Supreme Court, it most certainly will become a major election issue.  I expect some serious pandering from the Republican presidential candidates in the weeks to come.