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Iowa Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Iowa became the third state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday.

Jason Morgan, of Sioux City, Iowa, reacts after hearing that the Iowa Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage.

Jason Morgan, of Sioux City, Iowa, reacts after hearing that the Iowa Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage.

Steve Pope-AP

Jennifer Waldron, left, hugs Annette Lynch, right, at a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa. Before Friday's ruling in Iowa, only Massachusetts and Connecticut allowed same-sex marriages.

Jennifer Waldron, left, hugs Annette Lynch, right, at a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa. Before Friday's ruling in Iowa, only Massachusetts and Connecticut allowed same-sex marriages.

Matthew Putney-AP

Advocates gather for a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa.

Advocates gather for a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa.

Matthew Putney-AP

Jennifer Waldron and her partner Brenda Fite address those who gathered at a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa.

Jennifer Waldron and her partner Brenda Fite address those who gathered at a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa. "We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective," the Supreme Court wrote.

Matthew Putney-AP

Northern Iowa sophomore Matt Smith laughs as a speaker makes a joke during a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa. The Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriages will take effect in 21 days unless a rehearing in requested.

Northern Iowa sophomore Matt Smith laughs as a speaker makes a joke during a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa. The Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriages will take effect in 21 days unless a rehearing in requested.

Matthew Putney-AP

Northern Iowa students Josette Gillmore, left, Chelsea McFarland, center, and Shane Nehlsen, right, hang up a rainbow flag before a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa.

Northern Iowa students Josette Gillmore, left, Chelsea McFarland, center, and Shane Nehlsen, right, hang up a rainbow flag before a gay marriage rally at the University of Northern Iowa.

Matthew Putney-AP

Laura Fefchak, right, and Nancy Robinson, center, of Urbandale, Iowa, react to the ruling from the Iowa Supreme Court in Urbandale, Iowa. Gay marriage advocates began celebrating early Friday after the Iowa Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling finding that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

Laura Fefchak, right, and Nancy Robinson, center, of Urbandale, Iowa, react to the ruling from the Iowa Supreme Court in Urbandale, Iowa. Gay marriage advocates began celebrating early Friday after the Iowa Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling finding that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

David Purdy-AP

Dawn BarbouRoske, second from left, of Iowa City, leans toward her partner, Jen BarbouRoske after learning of the Iowa Supreme Court ruling in favor of legalizing gay marriage in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dawn BarbouRoske, second from left, of Iowa City, leans toward her partner, Jen BarbouRoske after learning of the Iowa Supreme Court ruling in favor of legalizing gay marriage in Des Moines, Iowa.

Christopher Gannon-AP

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This Story Iowa Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage Article \| Iowa became the third state in the country and the first from the rural heartland to legalize same-sex marriage when its Supreme Court yesterday unanimously struck down the state's decade-long ban. Gay Marriage Legalized in Iowa Iowa Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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