Prayer service opposing gay marriage

By PAT SHAVER Courier Staff Writer

April 25, 2009 12:34 am

— KEOSAUQUA — Gloria Villanueva wants her voice heard.
She is one of many in the state who are opposed to last month’s ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage.
“This is something our family has been praying about since this whole thing started. I don’t want to sit back and not do anything,” she said. “As a Christian, I have the responsibility to speak out.”
Villanueva of Bonaparte has organized a statewide prayer service on Monday morning at 7:45.
She is urging people to go to their local county courthouse Monday and pray, and she plans to show up at the Van Buren County courthouse in Keosauqua.
“Our main idea is to be praying for our county recorders and encouraging them to do what is right,” Villanueva said.
She has been contacting churches around the state, informing them of the event and asking for their support.
“People I’ve talked to, some have been very excited about this and have indicated that they will let their people know. I’m hoping that we can get a good representation throughout the state,” she said.
She said she doesn’t want the recorders to lose their jobs for not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Though, from what she understands, the wording on the constitution hasn’t yet changed, so the law still reads “between a man and a woman,” Villanueva said.
“Each of them will have to decide what is right and good and they have to know what the state constitution says, and I know we can’t change anybody’s mind. Those who would like to do what is legal know that people are supporting them,” said Villanueva.
Wapello County Recorder Joyce Hass said it’s difficult as an elected official when people are opposed to part of her job.
“This is not a law I made. It’s my job to abide by the law,” Hass said.
Hass said that she has met with the county attorney and used information from the Iowa Attorney General’s office to interpret the new law.
Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.