BREAKING: Iowa Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Same-Sex Marriage
BREAKING: Iowa Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Same-Sex Marriage
In an unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry. The court, which was reviewing a district court decision allowing six gay couples to marry, found that “limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution”:
In a unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court today held that the Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.
The decision strikes the language from Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman. It further directs that the remaining statutory language be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage.
The ruling “makes Iowa the first Midwestern state, and the fourth nationwide, to allow same-sex marriages.” In the opinion, the judges compared protecting the right to same-sex marriage to past rulings by the Iowa Supreme Court that protected women’s rights and struck down slavery and segregation laws:
So, today, this court again faces an important issue that hinges on our definition of equal protection. This issue comes to us with the same importance as our landmark cases of the past. The same-sex-marriage debate waged in this case is part of a strong national dialogue centered on a fundamental, deep-seated, traditional institution that has excluded, by state action, a particular class of Iowans. This class of people asks a simple and direct question: How can a state premised on the constitutional principle of equal protection justify exclusion of a class of Iowans from civil marriage?
In its opinion, the court addressed concerns that today’s decision would trample on religious views of marriage, writing that “religious doctrine and views contrary to this principle of law are unaffected. “A religious denomination can still define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.”
Richard Socarides, a former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton on gay civil rights, told the Des Moines Register today that the “decision could set the stage for other states.” AmericaBlog’s Joe Sudbay calls the ruling “a huge win for marriage equality,” writing that “more and more Americans support marriage equality and it’s only going to increase.”
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And this comes from the heartland of America. Truly a good sign.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 amMemo to the GOP: see that commotion in front of you? That’s mainstream America moving ahead of your intolerant ideology. You better get moving if you want to lead them.
http://www.pufferfishblog.com/
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 amCue RupturedalReady and the rest of the trolls to tell us how this is going to destroy heterosexual marriages…
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 amBREAKING: Iowa Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Same-Sex Marriage
– - U.Nan.I.Mous.Ly.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 amMorning bit…
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 amFinally, some good news for a change!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 amHallelujah.
The right to civil marriage for all Americans is clear. I know the bigots will rally to Iowa to decry this decision. But, in time, the true meaning of America will steamroll over them just as it did those who stood in the way of racial equality last century.
I am again reminded of how ashamed I am at the Washington Supreme Court for bowing to the bigots rather than making a clear ruling based on our state constitution.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 am“A religious denomination can still define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.”
_________________________________________________________
I’m glad the court included this language. This will pretty much deflate the standard wingnut claim that clergypersons will be forced to conduct same-sex weddings in their churches, synagogues, and mosques.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:37 amThis is good news for bit.
Things have been so dry for bit lately that he was reduced to commenting in a non-gay thread yesterday.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 amThis is very good news :)
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 amRepublic Party’s new book…
‘The Audacity of NOpe’
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 amGreat news out of Iowa, now all we need is for Ca to throw out that piece of crap they passed.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 amWow, right in the Heartland. This is huge and hopefully will ripple across the country. Perhaps we will again have a country based on freedom and equality for all. Lot’s of work still ahead but hey, let’s celebrate the battles we win along the way. I feel really pleased for my gay and lesbian friends.
One thought, I wish the right-wingers would for once explain just how a gay marriage makes my marriage to my wife less meaningful? Each year there are more and more gay couples and my marriage just get deeper and more meaningful. Of course they say my marriage doesn’t have any meaning since we aren’t having children – never mind the fact that we pay taxes, are good citizens and maintain a close circle of family and friends that admire our marriage.
Agreed – the GOP and their mindless bigot bot followers are just going to get steamrolled as we move forward building a better nation.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 amOH, NO!!! My marriage is being threatened again!!! HELP!! HELP!! Where’s the American Taliban when I need them? Before you know it I won’t be allowed to beat my wife anymore, or keep her barefoot and pregnant, chained to the washing machine or any of the other traditional family value things. WattamI gonna do? Doesn’t anybody represent my beliefs anymore? Run in Circles, Scream and Shout!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 amCalling Daryll…..
Calling Daryll…..
Oh, Daaaarrrryyyllll…. Where art thou ruptured rectum?
LOL
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 amThe good news: If you are gay and live in Iowa, you can get married.
The bad news: You still live in Iowa.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 amThe soy beans have turned them all gay!!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 amLOL….I thought I’d beat the trolls to it!
As a resident of Iowa with a brother who is gay, I am ecstatic! It’s true that Iowa isn’t the most exciting state by a long shot, but most of the people are genuinely nice, and every now and then, Iowa shows its Progressive streak.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 amSenate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement this morning in response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to allow gay marriage in Iowa:
“The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels. I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state. Though the court has made their decision, I believe every Iowan should have a voice on this matter and that is why the Iowa Legislature should immediately act to pass a Constitutional Amendment that protects traditional marriage, keeps it as a sacred bond only between one man and one woman and gives every Iowan a chance to have their say through a vote of the people.”
___________________________________________________________
So the Iowa GOP is going to try to get this overturned by constitutional amendment. No surprise there — gotta protect the rights of bigots any way they can.
But this is bizarre — Paul McKinley said, “I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state.”
This ruling means “traditional” marriage won’t be legally recognized anymore? WTF????
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 amIt’s like the whole flag-burning issue – the GOP needs these fringe issues to keep the country in fear so it is too pre-occupied to notice the Reich’s looting and pillaging. Just how does gay marriage “threaten” traditional marriage?
The most surprising thing about this story is that it was IOWA…
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 amDoes Iowa NOT recognize heterosexual marriage?
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 amI’ve lived in Iowa. It is a beautiful state, and I am glad they support equality for all of their citizens.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 ammisscoleopteramolly Says:
This ruling means “traditional” marriage won’t be legally recognized anymore? WTF????
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
___________
Nope. It’s been infected with The Gay and is no longer valid.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 amSenate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton: I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state.
I believe marriage should be between people who love, respect, and are committed to caring about and for each other, regardless of sexual identity. I am confident that traditional (i.e. heterosexual) marriages will remain legally recognized and protected by the state of Iowa even with similar recognition and protection afforded to non-traditional (i.e homosexual) marriages.
It is a slippery slope to allow prohibition of marriage to one group of people based on religious beliefs. What’s next, denying baptism to children?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:02 amAs a graduate of the University of Iowa 2007 Tippie College of Business, I couldn’t be more excited! GO HAWKS!
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 amExcellent!
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 amOK trolls: Remember, you heard it first on WorldNetDaily:
Eating soy will turn you into girlie-men. Or, is that she-males? Or, trannies? or, ….this is getting confusing.
snark
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 amThis is just what you’d expect from those far left radical hippie types that live in Iowa. They are always so non conformist with there bevy of activist judges and there left leaning news media.
/snark
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 amhttp://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010
“Lobbying began immediately for lawmakers to launch the long process of a constitutional amendment to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.”
I wonder if these same people will follow the words from Jesus, and outlaw divorce except in cases where the other partner is unfaithful? If these so-called “c”hristians claim the Bible as their source for fighting against equal rights for all Iowans, then they need to look closely at ALL the words from the source for their prejudice and not just “pick and choose” the words that support their prejudice.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 amSee, what happened was, the Iowa Supreme Court took a look at Massachusetts and saw that we haven’t washed away into the ocean, no locusts to speak of, and we haven’t imploded yet. 6 years of Gay Marriage and we’re just fine thank-you.
Good for Iowa. Hopefully this will stand.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 amThat’s right, and don’t forget banning clothing with two types of material, banning the consumption of shellfish, banning all contact with menstruating women, and let’s make sure that we cut down all the fig trees we find in the US (seriously, look it up, Jesus once condemned fig trees in the Bible).
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 amIowa?
Is this a late April Fool’d Day joke?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 amPaul McKinley said, “I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state.”
This ruling means “traditional” marriage won’t be legally recognized anymore? WTF????
The fumbduck runs deep in the GNOPers!
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:12 amDoes this mean that the value of my property just went down? Cause I’ve been told if teh gays are allowed to have civil unions, my property value would go down.
Or some shit like that.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 amUncle Ho Says:
Eating soy will turn you into girlie-men. Or, is that she-males? Or, trannies?
__________
Well… Bill O’Reilly has called himself a T-Warrior in the past…
Much like the GOOPers and their “Teabag Revolt”, I hafta wonder… does Bill know what that “T” attached to the front of a word usually signifies?
I’m guessing… Not.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 amIt’s about time a high profile court decision drew a clear distinction between civil law and religious practice. I admire the clarity with which these justices wrote their decision and their acknowledging the political debate surrounding equal rights for gays.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 amUncle Ho Says:
OK trolls: Remember, you heard it first on WorldNetDaily:
Eating soy will turn you into girlie-men. Or, is that she-males? Or, trannies? or, ….this is getting confusing.
snark
I believe the three pronged pre-emptive troll dung has taken the wind out of their sails completely.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 amIMO, Marriage has historically been a business agreement; religions have adopted it as a “rite.”
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 amMarriage between two persons cannot be denied legally; but churches are free to do as they choose. Those who prefer traditional marriage will not suffer, and they should not cause those who prefer a same-sex marriage to suffer.
To deny a class of persons equality under the law is simply unconstitutional – this is consistent with the civil rights act of 40 years ago.
Religious traditionalists, fundies, and others who would deny another couple the same rights under the law are selfish, unchristian, and deliberately meanspirited toward fellow human beings.
RUCeriousDragonfly Says:
Paul McKinley said, “I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state.”
This ruling means “traditional” marriage won’t be legally recognized anymore? WTF????
______________
Apparently you didn’t read “Teh Gay Agenda”… Chapter 6, pg 135…
“And as soon as we have the LEGAL right to marry, we hereby declare all heterosexual marriages to be null and void. We will turn all Teh Straights GAY yet! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA… and we’ve already gotten most of Teh GOOPers.”
It right there in print… go check for yourself.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 amI can hardly believe this came from Iowa — this is surely a sign that the nation is moving beyond previous prejudices and narrow viewpoints.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 amOh no that slippery slope… Before you know it gays will be living in our neighborhoods, belonging to our families, paying taxes to our government, working in our schools and factoris, serving in our military. Oh wait a minute….
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 amHello?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:21 amTrolls?
This thread should be at 100 posts by now?
Are they too shell shocked?
Or sleeping in?
#40 – Marie Says:
———————————————————-
“IMO, Marriage has historically been a business agreement; religions have adopted it as a “rite.”
Marriage between two persons cannot be denied legally; but churches are free to do as they choose. Those who prefer traditional marriage will not suffer, and they should not cause those who prefer a same-sex marriage to suffer.
To deny a class of persons equality under the law is simply unconstitutional – this is consistent with the civil rights act of 40 years ago.
Religious traditionalists, fundies, and others who would deny another couple the same rights under the law are selfish, unchristian, and deliberately meanspirited toward fellow human beings.”
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
I’m reminded of the complaints of some “c”hristian leaders in the 60’s saying that overturning the ban on inter-racial marriage would “force” them to marry inter-racial couples which they refused to support, and used very carefully selected verses of the Bible to support their prejudice. They were never “forced” to provide marriage ceromonies t anyone they didn’t want to, but that didn’t stop them from complaining loudly about it back then.
Makes one wonder why they didn’t call for each state to pass their own law about inter-racial marriages, just as they are calling for each state to regulate same-sex marriage today. It seems apparant that “some” prejudice is still socially acceptable!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:23 amDr. Moth Matt
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 amI expect that Daryll is suffering a fit of apoplexy about now.
Marie Says:
Dr. Moth Matt
I expect that Daryll is suffering a fit of apoplexy about now.
Well, that never stopped him posting before. I had the impression it was more or less his “normal” state.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:29 amIs bit consoling Darryl? Come on guys, the party has started without you…
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:29 amI recently learned that David (of the Bible’s David and Goliath)was likely bisexual if not homosexual.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 amSo while Jesus never spoke of homosexuality – it didn’t seem to matter to him – fundamentalists often use the OT to support their claim that homosexuality is to be condemned, by selecting a few passages that seem to support them. They ignore other admonitions in the OT, but the Book of Samuel seems to offer clear acceptance.
I mean Daryll and on second thought the party never really begins without them
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 amgood for them. Too bad it’s not a more uh, accessible state?
We’ll have to look for new stereotypes I guess. This is a funny take:
wreckingballreport.com
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 amoops – http://www.wreckingballreport.com
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 amMarie Says: “To deny a class of persons equality under the law is simply unconstitutional – this is consistent with the civil rights act of 40 years ago.”
Quite so.
The Iowa Supreme Courts ruling could not be any plainer–equal protection under the law .
“IMO, Marriage has historically been a business agreement;”
Marie, that’s not opinion, that’s a FACT (don’t be so humble!).
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 amAnd whilst modern marriage typically isn’t a business arrangement between families any more, getting married is a BUSINESS, one which all the homophobes are going to lose-out on, by choice.
DRxJapanese Beetle Says:
Hello?
Trolls?
This thread should be at 100 posts by now?
Are they too shell shocked?
Or sleeping in?
______________
Or sleeping in… TOGETHER??????
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 amChildren of the future age,
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 amReading this indignant page,
Know that in a former time,
Love, sweet Love, was thought a crime!
–William Blake
Perry logan Says:
Love, sweet Love, was thought a crime!
–William Blake
___________
Wasn’t it Oscar Wilde who coined the phrase, “The love that dare not speak its name…”?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 am5th Estate Says:
And whilst modern marriage typically isn’t a business arrangement between families any more, getting married is a BUSINESS.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
___________
Yah, and a huge one at that. Between caterers and dressmakers and reception halls and DJs and linen rentals and tux rentals, the wedding industry stands to make a mint off this decision.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:50 amchiroptera toasterhead Says:
Yah, and a huge one at that. Between caterers and dressmakers and reception halls and DJs and linen rentals and tux rentals, the wedding industry stands to make a mint off this decision.
_______________
Need I point out that those business establishments that make a decision to become openly “gay-friendly” usually are quite pleased w/ the outcome?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:51 amWow, Cali. You have just been shamed by Iowa. IOWA!!
Who knew that California was such a backwards hillbilly state when compared to the cosmopolitan Iowan society?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 amLife is a blink of the eye, but hell is forever no end think about it is it worth it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 amFantastic!! This country is moving FORWARD! :-)
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 ampops7154 Says:
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Try that again. God hates poor grammar and punctuation.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 pmSounds like a good thing that Hell is imaginary…
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:03 pmLife is short so enjoy it, without condemning others who believe differently than you oppression is a sin wrong think about it is it worth it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pmAbsolutely! In the tiny window of time when GM was legal in CA, I was getting a lot of wedding work for the band! Then the bottom fell out. I will be thrilled when they strike down the ILLEGAL proposition here, only a matter of time.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pmSounds like a good thing that god is imaginary…
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pmI’d always made fun of Iowa until I visited there last summer and was absolutely floored by my own ignorance. The people are wonderful. I saw more Prius(es) on the road there in one day than anywhere else I have been and the Obama yard signs/bumper stickers outnumbered McCain 5 to 1.
As for the GOP senate leader . . .when will these idiots wake up and realize you cannot legislate discrimination? I’m sure if you’d put legalizing slavery up on the ballot 120 years ago, it would have passed by a landslide.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pmUm, yeah…
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pmPops, please expound on your concept of hell. I’m sure it will rival Dante’s.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pmpops7154 Says: ..some stuff….
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 pmShould we also implement policy based on a straw poll of the seven dwarfs? Grumpy really abuses filibusters….
#61 – pops7154 Says:
——————————————————-
“Life is a blink of the eye, but hell is forever no end think about it is it worth it.”
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Good point. I’m glad the Iowa Supreme Court is deciding to avoid “hell” by approving equal rights for all, and not continuing anti-American prejudiced attitudes that some people refuse to relinquish.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm.
… 46 States more!
.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 pmThink Progress.
Those two simple words in ultimate action.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm#61 pops7154,
Then save me a place when you get there… K?
p.s.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pmHi Daryyl!
Zooey Lepidoptera Says:
Try that again. God hates poor grammar and punctuation.
___________
And incoherence… I’ve heard He’s not too big on incoherence either.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pmThe Republic of Hymenoptera Stupidity Says:
And incoherence… I’ve heard He’s not too big on incoherence either.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Seriously. If I’m going to read batshit insane ramblings, I don’t want to feel like I need to reach for my red pen.
I’m sure god feels the same way. ;)
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pmand god has a big ass red pen….
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pmdbadass, did you mean “ink” pen, a corral, or both?
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pmIowa? That’s pretty amazing when you think about it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pmmisscoleopteramolly Says:
Cue RupturedalReady and the rest of the trolls to tell us how this is going to destroy heterosexual marriages…
And when they show up be sure to point out to them that divorce and adultery destroy heterosexual marriages. Therefore they should be made illegal.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pmWow, a Supreme Court that actually understands law.
And an incoherent troll.
Things just keep getting better and better.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pmComing soon-
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pmthe time-tested “Activist Courts” whine from the wingers when things don’t go their way
pops7154 Says: 61
Yeah stupidity is forever too. YOU think about it
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 pmpops7154 Says:
Life is a blink of the eye, but hell is forever no end think about it is it worth it.
That’s good advice for your Republican brethren, since most of them are headed for hell anyway.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:54 pmThe BIH crowd has to be going gonzo over this one. How dare a court uphold the law over myth….er, religion!
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:55 pmIf the Old Testament tells us that we have to hate homosexuals, can we go back to stoning disobedient children and killing people who eat shrimp, as well? And forbidding people who wear glasses to enter any Temple, as well.
Hey, it’s all in the OT.
/Wondering if it’s still legal to buy slaves as the OT tells us.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pmI’ve heard He not too big on hatred either.
This is great news Iowa.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:01 pmSo Daryll, we know you’re reading. How’s the wife’s pregnancy progressing? Still in her first month?
Iowa is a beautiful state, and appears to be far ahead of the rest of the country on many issues.
Yes we can!
PEACE
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pmI saw Rachel’s second part of Powell’s interview on the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell< policy and he said it should be reviewed? I wish Rachel would have asked him, how he would have responded if the issue was SKIN COLOR and whether being a black man (no fault of his own) would be acceptable if it were reviewed for consideration?
I live in the Great Hate State of California where the bible seems to guide so many lives and seems to be more important than human rights. I am not personally looking to marry another male but why can’t people get it? What ever happened to seperation of church and state? Human rights? Why do we have so many that hate for so many reasons? I guess their salvation is Fox Noise?
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pmDr. Moth Matt Says
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Homosexuals can be born-again and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
___________________________________________________________
Of course they can — just as heterosexuals can. But what in the world does this have to do with sexual orientation?
Being “born-again” and accepting Jesus is about as likely to change someone’s sexual orientation as it would their gender, skin color, height, or whether they are right or left handed.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:55 pmNo doubt that Iowa is progressing. Now, if they could just learn to DRIVE!
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pmIs there a reason why Hawaii never gets credit as the first state to legalize same-sex marriage? If California goes in the count, Hawaii should too.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pmAwesome!! Just a matter of time, and the dying off of the old, white males, before this is excepted as the norm.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:32 pmEugene atrax robustus Debs Says:
pops7154 Says: 61
Yeah stupidity is forever too. YOU think about it
=========================================================
Couldn’t have said it better. Those Bible myths all predated the Bible. What utter idiocy. There is no Jesus . . . except on South Park. =)
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pmscytherius Says:
There is no Jesus . . . except on South Park. =)
I know a Jesus Gonzalez, a Jesus Martinez, and a Jesus Gomez who would disagree with you :P
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:40 pmActually most historians don’t dispute that he did, in fact, exist.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pmWTF? A “gay thread” that hasn’t attracted Daryll? I’m growing concerned. I hope he’s not ill. And I would feel like a real ass if he’s been Raptured.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmwags camponotus saundersi Says:
There is no Jesus
Actually most historians don’t dispute that he did, in fact, exist.
That depends on what kind of historians you are talking about. Those who begin with the assumption that there is some truth to the Gospel tend to take a historical Jesus as a fact. Those who have sought, in vain, for independent corroborating evidence are much more skeptical that Jesus of Nazareth ever existed. Many suspect that he’s a composite of a particular sect that arose in the first century.
Personally, my doubts gain strength when I consider that there is not a single contemporary document that mentions Jesus. The Romans, alone, kept copious documents, many of which survive. And yet? Not a single mention of an itinerant preacher, allegedly capable of miracles and fomenting rebellion, who resembles the Biblical Jesus has been found.
Outside the Gospel, Jesus is no more likely than Klingons or orcs.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pmGratuitous musical comedy connection (teh Gay and Iowa):
The Music ManMusic: Meredith Willson
Lyrics: Meredith Willson
Townspeople:
Oh, there’s nothing halfway
About the Iowa way to treat you,
When we treat you
Which we may not do at all.
There’s an Iowa kind of special
Chip-on-the-shoulder attitude.
We’ve never been without.
That we recall.
We can be cold
As our falling thermometers in December
If you ask about our weather in July.
And we’re so by God stubborn
We could stand touchin’ noses
For a week at a time
And never see eye-to-eye.
But what the heck, you’re welcome,
Join us at the picnic.
You can eat your fill
Of all the food you bring yourself.
You really ought to give Iowa a try…
But we’ll give you our shirt
And a back to go with it
If your crops should happen to die.
So, what the heck, you’re welcome,
Glad to have you with us.
Even though we may not ever mention it again.
You really ought to give Iowa
Hawkeye Iowa
Dubuque, Des
Moines, Davenport, Marshalltown,
Mason City, Keokuk, Ames,
Clear Lake
Ought to give Iowa a try!
I remember that song as the first thing I ever heard about Iowa (the show opened the same year I was born), and it always made me think of Iowans as down-to-earth, sensible, good folks. See, everything you need to know in life CAN come from watching musicals!
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pmThis is true, pete. I was recalling that the Romans had some census documents which mentioned him, but now I’m looking through my old links and can’t find that source now.
*shrug*
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:55 pmWAY TO GO IOWA!! As an Illinoian with Iowa roots – I am not surprised.
We’re proud of you.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm*
Hello?
Trolls?
This thread should be at 100 posts by now?
Are they too shell shocked?
Or sleeping in?
Not quite….The expiry date has passed.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 pmAmerica is not a Christian nation. I also think that the “same-sex marriage violates our religious rights” argument is hilarious. What about religious denominations that accept same-sex marriage? Their freedoms are being violated every day that it is illegal.
Oh, and animals cannot provide a “yes” or “no” consent. And if marriage is solely for procreation, let’s round up the infertile wives and husbands, eh?
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pmWhere is Daryll?!
He and his partner are in his car driving to Des Moines to apply for a marriage license.
_____________________
Bonus Iowa jokes:
Q: What’s the best thing to come out of Iowa?
A: Highway 35W
Q: Why did they have to take those warning rumble strips off the roads by the stop signs?
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pmA: Too many women were getting killed while doing their laundry.
And another bonus:
Iowa is running a raffle to raise money for the state. First prize is one weekend in Des Moines. Second prize is two weekends in Des Moines.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:26 pmI am beginning to think Daryll really has been lifted up naked by himself through the air. It sort of looked like a pen is but it was smaller….
Apparantly I can’t say this
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 pmFunny think is I’ll bet ball sack, twat, asslick are still A-okay. This whole moderation thing is weird
I-O-W-A
I owe away alotta money
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pmWow, Jebus might have been a myth, a fairy tale manufactured to support a political power play? Please tell me it ain’t so.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:30 pmIf that was true then all of the wars fought in his name (even though he decried violence) were just wars? And all those political types who claimed His blessing were just plain power hungry? No way.
And all this hooraw about people deserving equal rights because they are people is just right because it is and not because it serves some religious groups fantasy? Which it obviously doesn’t.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pmHey, no fair!
I was s’posed to get his SUV! I called dibs.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:34 pmAnother Iowa joke:
What’s the difference between an Iowa State lineman and a rhinoceros? Answer: About 500 lbs.
How do you make up the difference?
Force feed the rhino.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pmHoodathunktick,
I’m a joke collector and have spent most of my life in Southern Minnesota. I have heard hundreds of jokes that denigrate my neighbors to the south. My two favorites are:
Why do migrating birds fly upside down over Iowa?
Cause it ain’t worth sh!tting on.
And.
What do you call a swimming pool full of Iowa girls?
Bay of Pigs.
NOTE: Despite my politically incorrect jokes I have spent many happy days hunting and fishing in, beautiful, Iowa and I have many friends, decent people, who have lived in Iowa.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pmThose sound like Idaho jokes. :-D
They’re keepers!
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:24 pmI think we might as well go ahead and VOID the U.S. Constitution and all state constitutions as well because it’s clear NO ONE understands or believes in them ANY MORE.
This is ESPECIALLY true of “gay rights” activists and what saeems to be a majority of Democrats, so-called progressives, et. al.
It’s really sad to see people twist the Constitution and use it when it suits THEIR agenda, but when conservatives rightly point out TRUE Constitutional rights, we are vilified and told that the Constituin is “old and outdated.”
HYPOCRITES.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm#116 – Tim Vaculik Says:
——————————————————-
“It’s really sad to see people twist the Constitution and use it when it suits THEIR agenda, but when conservatives rightly point out TRUE Constitutional rights, we are vilified and told that the Constituin is “old and outdated.””
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
What a hoot!!
“When conservatives use the Constitution to support prejudice, it’s what the founding fathers meant for us to do. When you liberals use the Constitution to support expanding equal rights to all Americans, you’re just all wrong!”
How much more of a hypocrite can you get, Mr. Vaculik?
I think I know the answer to that hypothetical. . . . .
April 4th, 2009 at 2:20 pmTimmeh you moron. What is clear is how stupid you are. What is clear is that YOU have no understanding of the constitution which is unsuprising considering you are too stupid to understand the difference between dirt and mud. Good to see you are still around and still proud of how abjectly stupid you are. Good luck with being a moron.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:02 pmOK Pat obviously senile dementia has set in. Time to see the nice young men that will need to take care of you soon.burun estetigi rent a car arac kiralama
April 18th, 2009 at 6:13 amsac ekimi