Iowa extends marriage to same-sex couples

In an unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld the right for gays and lesbians to marry in the Hawkeye State.

The judges upheld a lower court's decision that would have allowed six same-sex couples to marry. Polk County District Judge Robert Hanson ruled in favor of the couples last year, but he suspended his decision until the state Supreme Court issued its decision.

Des Moines resident Sandi Patton-Imani praised the decision in a statement released through the Family Equality Council.

“Our family is celebrating with great joy at finally being granted full civil rights by the state we live in," she said.

This ruling, which takes effect on April 21, will almost certainly be a watershed moment for activists within the movement for LGBT rights continue to push for marriage for same-sex couples in other states. The Vermont House of Representatives passed a marriage bill last night. And lawmakers in New Hampshire and other states continue to debate the issue.