Go Iowa Register!!

Quote from desmoinsregister.com

Of course, many Iowans were upset by the decision striking down Iowa's gay-marriage ban. Letters to the editor and phone messages have poured in. Some readers say they were offended by the Register's photos of same-sex couples showing their affection toward each other by kissing. The usual suspects rolled out the usual arguments against legalizing gay unions.

Among them: Gay marriage jeopardizes the sanctity of heterosexual marriage.

So, how is your marriage doing today? Have things fallen apart since ceremonies like this one took place? Does the union of couples like Kassis and Lowman negatively impact you or your relationships?

We doubt it. It's hard to believe that two people making a commitment to stay together has anything other than a positive impact on their immediate communities.

Perhaps part of the trouble is that people get hung up on the term "marriage." The state should quit using that term and instead grant a civil union - in essence a legal contract between two people. Religious institutions should set the rules for a marriage.

Whether it's called a marriage or a civil union, and whether it's between same-sex or opposite-sex couples, it fosters commitment and stability and financial security and love.

It doesn't jeopardize heterosexual marriages. If anything, couples should be inspired by the enduring commitment of Kassis and Lowman. After all, 30 years is a lot longer than many heterosexual couples stay together.