The fight for LGBTQ rights has not stopped 15 years after the Varnum v. Brien decision by the Iowa Supreme Court

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – LGBTQ organizations feel their rights are in jeopardy fifteen years after the Iowa Supreme Court’s Varnum v. Brien decision

The Iowa Supreme Court Judges unanimously decided in 2009 that the state’s equal protection guarantee is violated when a marriage is limited to one woman and one man. Trish and Kate Varnum commemorated that anniversary last week, but they claim that new laws are merely restricting their freedoms.

“There we are, all dressed up and getting ready for oral arguments; man, we looked sharp,” said Kate Varnum as she and Trish looked at votes from the day of the ruling 15 years ago.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s been 15 years, but then again, it does,” said Trish.

Since the Supreme Court decided in Trish and Kate’s favor fifteen years ago, a lot has happened for them. They were married in 2009 and adopted their son, Alex, who had lost loved ones.

“Being able to sign the marriage certificate, gosh, that really felt good,” said Kate.

“It finally solidified our legal rights,” said Trish.

They claimed that when it came to LGBTQ rights in the state, such rights were first fulfilling and gave them a sense of success.

“Right now, our victory feels hollow because there have been so many laws enacted or pushed through that will only chip away at our rights but the rights of other people,” said Kate.

According to Keenan Crow, the director of policy for Iowa, throughout the last two legislative sessions, 44 measures have been proposed that would restrict the rights of LGBTQ people. On the day following the anniversary of Varnum v. Brien last week, the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” was passed.

“It’s a problem because what it’s going to allow people to do is to pick and choose laws, they are going to follow based on their religious beliefs at the time, and there really is no limit to a law that can be challenged in that way.”

According to Keenan Crow, the director of policy for Iowa, throughout the last two legislative sessions, 44 measures have been proposed that would restrict the rights of LGBTQ people. On the day following the anniversary of Varnum v. Brien last week, the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” was passed.

“There was an instance where I was not permitted to be with Trish in a situation where a husband would normally be with his wife,” said Kate. “They finally did let me in, and during the procedure, I could tell that her face was turning purple and she was in a lot of pain, and I had to stop the procedure. If I hadn’t been there I don’t know what would have happened.”

The Varnums said that even though they were granted the right to marry 15 years ago, they still needed to defend all of their legal rights.

“We can’t be apathetic about this,” said Trish. “We have to get out there and still fight. We need to fight until it is won 100%.”