The group “Marriage Matters” today delivered petitions bearing the signatures of 10-thousand Iowans who support “traditional marriage” between a man and a woman. Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, says marriage between a man and woman is the best institution in which to raise children, and it has stood the test of time. Hurley and his group are lobbying Iowa Legislators to pass an amendment to the Iowa Constitution, declaring that legal marriage in Iowa is between a man and a woman. Hurley calls gay marriage a “perversion.” Hurley says any relationship that would keep a child in a home from having a mom or keep that child from having a dad is “asinine social experimentation.” Senate Democrat Leader Michael Gronstal of Council Bluffs says he doesn’t quite understand what’s riled Hurley’s group. Gronstal says the state already has a law that says marriage is only to be between a man and a woman. Gronstal says the group’s pursuit of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage is like saying it’s “really, really illegal.” Hurley’s group also wants to get rid of no-fault divorce, making marriage a “life-long contract.” Hurley says the “valleys” that couples go through can be worked out, but he says allowing couples to easily divorce, by not requiring them to cite grounds like adultery or abuse, prompts a “rush to judgment and a rush to court.” A noon-time “Marriage Matters” rally was held in the statehouse rotunda. Wedding cake, punch and mints were served. Hurley hopes to get a real marriage ceremony scheduled for next year’s rally..
