Supervisors call for action on same-sex marriages

Before the state?s Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriages took effect this morning, interested residents packed a meeting room in the Jefferson County Courthouse to hear what the local board of supervisors had to say about the issue.

Following a brief discussion, the supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Iowa Legislature to pass legislation providing for a public vote to amend the Iowa Constitution or to pass legislation conforming Iowa Code to the Supreme Court?s ruling.

?I think the Legislature and the governor have really not done their job. We now have conflicting Supreme Court opinion and law, and I personally I would like to see the Legislature address the issue,? supervisor Steve Burgmeier said.

The resolution he drafted Friday was reviewed and amended by the county attorney and assistant county attorney.

?It may not do what I want it to do, but it does what the county attorney says I can have it do, and that?s important,? Burgmeier said.

Assistant county attorney Pat McAvan said the board has the ability to lobby the Legislature for action, and it?s not uncommon for the board to do so.

?You?re certainly allowed to do this. What you?re not allowed to do is make legislation on this issue,? he said.

Supervisor Dick Reed said certain issues should take into account the voices of everyone concerned and he supports a public vote on the issue of same-sex marriage.

?My concern is that the Legislature in this state and the governor in this state have taken a position where they?ve stated that because the court has issued an opinion, that somehow or another that has become the law of the land. I?m sorry, but I don?t accept that premise,? supervisor Lee Dimmitt said.

For the complete article, see the Monday, April 27, 2009, Fairfield Ledger.