Iowa lawmakers surprised by senator’s resolution to end same-sex marriage

DES MOINES, Iowa (WOI) - On Wednesday, Republican State Senator Sandy Salmon introduced a resolution to end same-sex marriage.

Republican State Senator Dave Sires said he and other state republicans were unaware before Wednesday that this resolution was going to be filed.

Sires questioned the reason to file it so late in the session with so many other things on the line.

“Who’s doing the thinking on this stuff? Because I’m amazed,” Sires said. “A lot of things go through and are really not necessary. It’s always someone’s pet project or whatever it is.”

He also added that he believes that Senator Salmon sometimes “has her own agenda” and he’s unsure if he’ll actually support the resolution.

Opponents of the resolution say this is a messaging document that doesn’t have the power to change anything immediately.

“Iowa does have the right to make its own marriage laws. And we did,” Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Dallas County, said. “ We were one of the first states to allow for marriage equality. We really were leading the nation in a very positive way. I think Senator Salmon needs to be reminded of that.”

Opponents also added they don’t believe this resolution is widely supported and don’t see it moving forward this legislative session.

So far, Senator Salmon’s resolution has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for potential consideration.

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