More Than 360 Same-Sex Couples Apply for Marriage Licenses in Iowa Today

From the Desmoines Register:

"As final numbers come in from county recorders, at least 360 same-sex couples have applied for marriage licenses in Iowa, with the heaviest concentrations in Linn, Polk, Scott and Johnson counties, according to information collected by The Des Moines Register. The tally so far includes 26 out-of-state couples, according to a survey of county recorders. The Register is still gathering its data, but afternoon figures show that the greatest number of applications so far is in Polk County, which has logged 83. Johnson County has seen 40 applications so far, Scott County has seen at least 18, and 40 couples have applied for marriage licenses in Linn County. Today was the first day same-sex couples could since the April 3 Iowa Supreme Court opinion that struck down a state law that said marriage was only between a man and a woman."

Shelley Wolfe, 38, and Melisa Keeton, 31, were the first gay couple in Polk County to marry under the new ruling.

Desmoines Register photo gallery.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations! Wedding Bells in Iowa Today!

As a result of the state's Supreme Court ruling, today is the first day that same-sex couples in Iowa can go to their county clerk's office and apply for a marriage license, resulting in historic weddings later this week throughout the state.

Why later in the week? Most couples, after applying, will have to wait at least three days before the actual ceremony, until they get a judge to waive the waiting clause. So, some historical weddings can take place today.

If you wish to congratulate the happy couples, you can One Iowa's virtual guest book that will then be sent to the newlyweds!

Many benefits will be bestowed on the couples as a result of their marriage, including shared employer benefits, streamlined life and other insurance policies, and the ability for couples to make health care and end-of-life decisions for one another.

Unfortunately, as a result of DOMA, federal benefits will be denied, such as spouses in same-sex marriages may not be able to pay health care plan premiums with pretax federal dollars and may not get reimbursed for their spouse’s expenditures from flexible spending accounts for health care.

However, efforts are being made to at least repeal a portion of DOMA that restricts the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages in states where it is legal.

Here's to hope.

For a thorough look at today's celebration (and some opposition), check out Towleroad.