Capitol Report

State Representative Danny Carroll

March 17 2005

The Iowa House passed House Joint Resolution 1 this past Tuesday by a vote of 54 to 44.  The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit marriage in Iowa to one man and one woman.  This is current Iowa law.  The need for the constitutional amendment is due to court decisions in several states that have resulted in the overturning of  similar state laws.  In fact the day before the debate here in the House,  a California court declared that state’s law unconstitutional.  If the policy is changed the legislature and not the courts should do it.

As the floor manager of the resolution I have received numerous emails both in favor of the idea and opposed.  The main criticism has been that the proposed amendment is “gay bashing” or hateful.  I am personally acquainted with many of the Republicans and Democrats that supported the amendment and I can assure you they are not hateful people and certainly did not vote for HJR 1 in order to “bash” or put down anyone. 

With very few exceptions Iowans are not mean or condemning of others.  They would not support anyone who displayed such characteristics.  Iowans are fair, kind, thoughtful and more than willing to show hospitality toward their fellow man. Why would these peace loving people be so adamant about limiting marriage to only a man and a woman?  I think they just believe that marriage is essential to the wellbeing of children and society and that compromising those values will not be in the best interest of our state.  It is not about hate or judging others but more a sincere devotion to maintaining the best possible culture for raising children and promoting health and security.  These caring and well-meaning citizens are not convinced that it is necessary to redefine the age old institution of marriage in order to accomplish that goal.

So why the controversy?  I have thought a lot about this and I am not sure I have the answer.  For the most part it is simply a difference of opinion.  Our state has faced many such differences and survived and we will probably endure this one as well. 

You can reach me at home most evenings and weekends at 641-236-7043.  My home address is 244 400^th Avenue, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.  While at the Capitol, you can reach me at the House of Representatives switchboard at 515-281-3221 or by E-mail at danny.carroll@legis.state.ia.us.  My mailing address at the Capitol is House of Representatives, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.