From USA TODAY:

The Iowa Supreme Court just ruled that the state’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional, The Des Moines Register reports. That makes Iowa the first Midwestern state where gay marriage is legal.

The court upheld a 2007 Polk County District Court judge’s ruling that would allow six gay couples there to wed.

The Iowa Supreme Court’s website was deluged with more than 350,000 visitors this morning, in anticipation of the ruling, Judicial Branch spokesman Steve Davis told the Register.

The case stems from a 2005 lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization. The Polk County attorney’s office claimed that Hanson’s ruling violated the separation of powers and the issue should be left to the Legislature.

From the DesMoines Register:

GOP REACTION

Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement this morning in response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to allow gay marriage in Iowa:
 

“The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels. I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state. Though the court has made their decision, I believe every Iowan should have a voice on this matter and that is why the Iowa Legislature should immediately act to pass a Constitutional Amendment that protects traditional marriage, keeps it as a sacred bond only between one man and one woman and gives every Iowan a chance to have their say through a vote of the people.” IN THE CROWD

Diane Thacker’s eyes filled with tears as the words were read aloud on the north side of the Iowa Judicial Building.

 ”Sadness,” she whisper when asked for her reaction. “But I’m prayerful and hopeful that God’s word will stand.”

Thacker of Des Moines said she went to the site of the announcement on Friday morning, “…because I believe in the marriage vow. I can’t see it any other way.”

Craig Overton’s jaw dropped when he heard the news. He’s opposed to same-sex
marriage, he said. Overton, of Pleasant Hill, had been carrying signs before the result was known. He was stunned to hear the news; his arm holding the signs dropped until the signs were resting on the sidewalk.

“I don’t want this taught in schools,” Overton said. “Animals don’t do that. I don’t like it. I have small children, and I just don’t think this is right. I think the people ought to be allowed to vote on this instead of letting just a few people make all the rules.”