The following statement was issued by Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Rev. William Sinkford.

I rejoice at the Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to affirm the rights of same-sex couples to marry. This ruling recognizes the necessity for equal treatment under the law of all citizens and their families in Iowa and brings us one step closer to full legal equality for all Americans. Along with the recent decision in Sweden to make marriage equality legal there, I take heart in these signs of the moral arc of the universe bending toward justice.

I want to thank the courageous Iowa justices and to applaud the many Unitarian Universalists (UUs) who have worked tirelessly for marriage equality. On August 31, 2007, in an hours-long window between court decisions, Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan were married by Rev. Mark Stringer of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. As the only legally married same-sex couple in Iowa, the status of their marriage was in question until yesterday's ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court. I am proud that a Unitarian Universalist minister and congregation honored the commitment of these two exceptional young men and supported them in their struggle for legal recognition of their marriage.

Today we celebrate, but we know that the struggle for marriage equality is far from over. Until all of our nation’s marriage statutes are free of discrimination, the Unitarian Universalist Association will stand on the side of love and advocate for full legal rights for committed same-sex couples.

Related Stories from the media

• "Marriage Ruling Boosts Pride in Home State," Iowa Times Herald
• "Clergy Raps, Hails Gay Marriage Ruling," DesMoines Register
• "Unanimous Ruling: Iowa Marriage No Longer Limited to One Man, One Woman," DesMoines Register

• Support the UUA's Work to Advance Marriage Equality—Donate to the UUA President's Freedom to Marry Fund!
• Gay Marriage, Real Life: Ten Stories of Love and Family