Full Version: Iowa Judge Grants Lesbian Divorce
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SIOUX CITY, Iowa - A county judge approved a divorce for a lesbian couple who obtained a civil union in Vermont, saying he didn't realize he was signing a settlement for a same-sex couple, but ultimately decided to let his decision stand.
Iowa is one of 37 states whose law bans same-sex marriage.
State Sen. Neal Schuerer accused Judge Jeffrey Neary on Thursday of "judicial activism at its worst."
"The judge was wrong. He should have backed away and sent them back to Vermont," said Schuerer, a Republican. "If judges want to flaunt the law like this, I can guarantee you we will move to recall them."
Iowa is one of 37 states whose law bans same-sex marriage.
State Sen. Neal Schuerer accused Judge Jeffrey Neary on Thursday of "judicial activism at its worst."
"The judge was wrong. He should have backed away and sent them back to Vermont," said Schuerer, a Republican. "If judges want to flaunt the law like this, I can guarantee you we will move to recall them."
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...s/gay_divorce_3
Did this poor judge just not pay attention? Should he be removed? If he didn't realize it was a same sex dispute and he's a judge, then is this a sign that gay marriage isn't really that big a deal?
What are the people of Iowa upset about? Their NOT married any more?
QUOTE(Billy Jean @ Dec 12 2003, 07:44 PM)
Did this poor judge just not pay attention?
I'd say it's more like he was caught off guard.QUOTE
Should he be removed?
Not for this. IMHO this would be covered under full faith and credit.QUOTE
If he didn't realize it was a same sex dispute and he's a judge, then is this a sign that gay marriage isn't really that big a deal?
You know how I feel about this. It's clear to me that whatever mystical 'difference' some claims exists in opposite sex unions doesn't show up in simple legal paperwork.
I must admit to being saddened at having a case like this used to advance our rights. It seems wrong on so many levels for something so personal to be a political issue at all. One reason I feel so strongly that same sex marriage needs to be recognized is the permanence of marriage, it should be harder to leave a marriage than a casual relationship.
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I must admit to being saddened at having a case like this used to advance our rights. It seems wrong on so many levels for something so personal to be a political issue at all. One reason I feel so strongly that same sex marriage needs to be recognized is the permanence of marriage, it should be harder to leave a marriage than a casual relationship.
It's sad, but doesn't it show that they went to the trouble of going to court to have a divorice and doesn't that show that they took their relationship and commitment serious enough to go through the legal rigamarow?
QUOTE(Billy Jean @ Dec 12 2003, 06:44 PM)
Did this poor judge just not pay attention? Should he be removed?
I don't think he should be removed. There is no reason. Judges do divorces. This judge did so. nothing wrong.
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What are the people of Iowa upset about? Their NOT married any more?
I think they are upset over the fact that the judge acted on a decision that did not sync with Iowa law over the Gay Marriage issue
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I think they are upset over the fact that the judge acted on a decision that did not sync with Iowa law over the Gay Marriage issue
But he admitted it was an oversight. It didn't even cross his mind that it was a same sex case. I think the people of Iowa are overreacting.
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