It’s been three-and-a-half years since Iowa legalized same-sex marriage. MPR recently ran a long piece on what has changed since that historic Iowa Supreme Court vote.

First, no lawsuits:

When the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, it was out of step with public opinion on the matter. But polls show acceptance among Iowans has grown since the ruling. There have been no lawsuits.

Second, no children are being “forced to learn about the ‘gay lifestyle.’” Instead, legalization of same-sex marriage may actually increase the quality of teachers attracted to Iowa:

Decorah School Superintendent Mike Haluska says legalization of same-sex marriage has not changed what’s taught in schools.

“As far as our curriculum is concerned, it hasn’t changed in regard to that,” Haluska said. “Conversation maybe in government class has changed just because it’s now the law, but curriculum, no.”

Haluska believes he has been able to attract top teachers because Decorah is seen as a welcoming community.

Amalia Vagts works for Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries and had this to say about the difference same-sex marriage has made in Iowa:

The reality is it hasn’t made a difference in most people’s lives… and it’s made a very positive, wonderful difference in some people’s lives.

And that’s just what would happen here in Minnesota. If we defeat this mean-spirited marriage amendment, for the majority of Minnesotans, there would be no impact. However, defeating this amendment would send a very clear message to committed same-sex couples: The citizens of Minnesota stand with you and support equality for all. Don’t let amendment supporters confuse the issue with their misleading advertisements and downright lies. Just take a look at what’s happening (or not happening) just south of our Minnesota border…