This was one of the concerns about the Iowa Supreme Court back in April. The promotion of gay marriage in Iowa outside of the state. I just didn’t think it would be done by a tax (hotel/motel tax) funded entity.
Two representatives for three regional visitors bureaus flew out for the three-day Gay Days, when 30,000 partipants (sic) roll into town to attend Disneyland. Gay Days is not sponsored by nor discouraged by Disney.
At the booth set up inside Disney’s Grand Californian hotel, gay and lesbian couples sampled wedding cake and posed for photos inside a frame that read, “Just Married … In Iowa City!”
The Iowa representatives took the free photos and supplied the tuxedo jackets and bridal veils. They also handed out brochures touting Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Coralville, among other cities.
“We want people to know that if the California Legislature is unwilling to take the step to give gay couples the right to marry, then please consider coming to Iowa where we will gladly welcome you with open arms,” said Joe Jennison, executive director of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance.
So it begins. Nice. Waiting for those lawsuits to be filed by out-of-state gay couples getting married here and looking to have their marriages be recognized in their home state.
HT: The Bean Walker