I have copied for you my speech today (Feb. 1, 2011) in the House concerning HJR6, calling for a Constitutional Amendment to ban civil unions, domestic partnerships, and same sex marriages.|(From Rep. Sharon Steckman)
I have copied for you my speech today (Feb. 1, 2011) in the House concerning HJR6, calling for a Constitutional Amendment to ban civil unions, domestic partnerships, and same sex marriages. There are only two other states that have such an extreme law. This resolution would even affect some heterosexuals.
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House.
Last night when I heard President and CEO of Bankers Trust, Mr. Suku talked about
“the remarkable history of tolerance and civility” in Iowa.
His comments reminded me of a convention I attended the summer after the Iowa Supreme Court decision.
The convention was in Tama. One of the speakers was the Mesqwaki tribal historian.
He told the story of his tribe looking for a place to settle…they finally settled in Iowa because Iowa was the only state that allowed them to own land. At first the Governor had to hold it in secret for the tribe because, as the historian stated” it was at a time when Californians were shooting Native Americans for target practice.”
This is only one of many, many stories that can be told of Iowa protecting the civil rights of all our citizens.
Justice Cady stated that we are writing history at this very moment…when we look back 50 years from now are we going to be as proud of this decision we make here today, as that tribal historian was???
I was elected to represent all Iowans the majority AND the minority.
This summer when I visited with my constituents at their doors they talked about jobs and growing our state… in the 8,000 or so doors I knocked I had four questions on the subject we are debating today.
As of yesterday we have finished a fourth of this 84th session.
How much longer are we going to spend on divisive issues and ignore what Iowans really need… jobs and job security????
What have we accomplished for Iowa citizens?
Cut preschool, cut core curriculum, cut job creating programs like the Values Fund and the Power Fund, cut environmental dollars from REAP, etc. etc.
Actually we have been cutting jobs with many of these bills.
This morning I looked at the debate calendar for this week… not one of these bills creates jobs, or provides job security.
When are we going to get to work for Iowans? By Thursday a full month will have passed…
I’m tired of wasting taxpayers money.
Let’s get to work for all the citizens of Iowa!
Sharon
Sharon Steckman
Representative, District 13
sharon.steckman@legis.state.ia.us
515-281-3221
