Progress Iowa Celebrates Marriage Equality Rulings, Issues Warning to Extreme Right

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Progress Iowa Celebrates Marriage Equality Rulings, Issues Warning to Extreme Right
"For the states that have not yet recognized the freedom to marry for all, we encourage you to look to Iowa as an example. For those on the extreme right who attempt to deny those rights by perpetuating myths and promoting misinformation, we will be there every step of the way to hold you accountable."

DES MOINES -- Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement following the rulings by the United States Supreme Court on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California's Proposition 8:

"This is a landmark day for civil rights and religious freedom, a hard fought victory for families of all backgrounds, and a tremendous step toward full equality for all Americans. The United States Supreme Court reaffirmed what we already know in Iowa: a marriage and family should be defined by their love and commitment to one another, and nothing else."

"The rulings announced today by the Supreme Court will mean thousands of married Iowans will now receive at least 1,138 federal benefits they were previously denied. Hospital visitation rights, family leave, bereavement for a deceased spouse, retirement benefits, and many other rights will now be granted to all married Iowans."

"While we celebrate today, we also know there is much work left to be done. For the states who have not yet recognized the freedom to marry for all, we encourage you to look to Iowa as an example. Four years ago, there were those in our state who predicted catastrophe because we allowed the freedom to marry. Four years later, they have been proven wrong time and again."

"We will continue to fight for the rights of all Iowa families, and know this is not the last battle to be won or lost. For those on the extreme right who attempt to deny those rights by perpetuating myths and promoting misinformation, we will be there every step of the way to hold you accountable."

Progress Iowa is a statewide, progressive multi-issue progressive advocacy group with an online community of more than 10,000. For more information, visit progressiowa.org.
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I pass this on from an email I got. Progress iowa is a great organization.