Two Ankeny Legislators Among Group Proposing Constitutional Ban of Same-Sex Marriage in Iowa

Two Ankeny legislators are among a group of state lawmakers seeking to redefine the definition of marriage in Iowa.

Representatives Kevin Koester (38) and John Landon (37), both Republicans, are among 35 legislators who sponsored Iowa House Joint Resolution 11, introduced to the Iowa House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill is seeking to amend the Constitution of the State of Iowa to specify marriage between one man and one woman as the only legal union that is valid or recognized in the state.

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Same-sex marriage has been legal in Iowa since April 2009, when the Iowa Supreme Court deemed a state law restricting marriage to a union between a man and woman unconstitutional.

For the constitution to be amended, the measure would have to win legislative approval in two consecutive General Assemblies and then go to a vote of the people, the Des Moines Register reported on Tuesday.

However, it is unlikely the bill will advance this session, House Judiciary Chairman Chip Baltimore, R-Boone, told the newspaper.

In 2011, Koester also co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 6, a similar piece of legislation calling for the same amendment to the state constitution. Prior to last November's election, Koester said he felt voters should decide the legality of same-sex marrige in Iowa.

What do you think? Should this be a priority for the Iowa Legislature this session? Tell us in the comments.