Judge’s error fuels same-sex debate

[private_ryan]

http://www.msnbc.com/news/1004283.asp?0cv=CB10
SIOUX CITY, Iowa, Dec. 12 — 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.”

[onebigbadwulf]

1. Yeah

damn them quars :crazy:

[The Zanti Regent]

2. So what?

If you leave me alone, I will leave you alone.

What you do in your house is NONE OF MY BUSINESS.

Those who bitch, moan and piss the most about Gays and Lesbians are closet queens, anyway!

[baldguy]

3. This sets a precident.

If same-sex couples can get divorced - then they MUST be able to be married.

There's no going back.

[Eloriel]

4. Oh, good point

Terrific!

[Booberdawg]

5. Not necessarily

Looks like the judge simply felt that since the marriage was legal, the divorce was permissible without rocognizing same-sex marriage in Iowa. (although it's fine with me if that turns out to be the case):

Neary, who was appointed in January by Gov. Tom Vilsack, said he had the opportunity to change his mind but decided against it -- the divorce was permissible, he said, under a constitutional clause that requires states to recognize laws of other states.

“If I’m presented with a dispute that has to be resolved in my courtroom, or is before me that affects the rights of Iowans, I feel an obligation to solve that problem,” Neary said. “I don’t believe I’m recognizing same-sex marriage.”

[xchrom]

6. i think the judge is correct

i'm not sure it recognizes same sex marriages -- but it upholds recognizing another states laws.
and recognizes settling disputes for iowans in iowa.
fairly narrow there.
but -- i think it shows some wisdom as well.