Not So Fast!

Iowa's surprising move to legalizing same-sex marriages has both sides of the argument in a frenzy. Many of those in favor of the legalization are optimistic that more states will follow Iowa's (and Massachusetts, and Connecticut's) lead, and soon same-sex marriage will be legalized nationally. Opponents of the issue are trying to rally more support to rewrite state constitutions so that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman, and to keep the measure from reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.

I don't doubt that I wasn't the only one surprised by Iowa's decision. Not known for the liberal mindset that is typically associated with proponents of same-sex marriage, Iowa knocked many of those following the issue off guard. For the longest time gay rights seemed to only be issue for the "metropolitan" states to deal with, unless you count the rampant disapproval of states in the Bible Belt. It was always associated with places on the east coast or the west coast, the Midwest was never really thought about as being apart of the controversy... especially not Iowa. I think it was that status as a "nonentity" that made its decision have so much impact on both sides of the spectrum. Many people are seeing it as a sign of things to come. If some place as obscure as Iowa supports same-sex marriage, what will stop the rest of the country from following suit? The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has actually released a promo warning against the effects of same-sex marriage on American Society.

I think this optimism/fear (depending on which side of the issue you're on) is premature. In an article by Andrew Cohen on the CBS News website, there are several reason why the U.S. Supreme Court isn't ready to choose a side. The Supreme Court does not like to make a habit of solving issues until there's an absolute need for it, and at this point there doesn't seem to be any pressure for them to act. The nation is still equal split on the issue, with no clear indicator that the public is heavily in favor of either option. Until the public overwhelmingly chooses a side, the U.S. Supreme Court can stay safely out of the fray.