Iowa Supremes: Gay marriage is a no-brainer.

We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective. The legislature has excluded a historically disfavored class of persons from a supremely important civil institution without a constitutionally sufficient justification. Iowa Supreme Court, in their unanimous decision, legalising gay marriage. My first reaction was "Iowa?!?!" But, then, Wikipedia tells me I shouldn't be surprised: Iowa has always been a leader in the area of civil rights. In 1839, the Iowa Supreme Court rejected slavery in a decision that found that a slave named Ralph became free when he stepped on Iowa soil, 26 years before the end of the Civil War decided the issue. In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated “separate but equal” schools had no place in Iowa, 85 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision. In 1873, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled against racial discrimination in public accommodations, 91 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reached the same decision. In 1869, Iowa became the first state in the union to admit women to the practice of law. Go, you corn-eatin' hog-raisin' heroes of the heartland! And, hey, look, it's right there on their flag! Hat tip to Bohemea's blog for the tip-off. ..