Under The Gunn Ep 12: Marvelous Runway

So, here we are at the last challenge; the one that will decide which three get to show at The Tents. Sidenote: I know I’ve been saying The Tents, but there are no Tents, it’s a theater stage, but I like saying The Tents! So there.

Anyhoo, the show begins and we get Sad Sam, feeling, as he says, a sense of malaise, so Cynical Bob just knows that we are going to get a Sam Story this week, a mini-Lifetime movie, but, hey, it’s TV and that’s what they do. We also get a bit of the Uh oh, Nick and Anya only have one designer each and if Oscar or Shan gets eliminated, Nick and Anya go, too. Which you just know means Oscar and Shan will go 1-2 this week.

Still, the designtestants and Tim meet up at meltdown Comics to speak with Cort Lane, the Vice president of Animation for Marvel Television. Comic books; this week will be comic books.  Tim tells the designers that they will be designing a superhero inspired look that cannot, should not shall not, must not, be a costume. Y’hear that Oscar? Put down the capes!

The designtestants have to choose from four Marvel comic book heroes, Hawkeye, who has no superpower, but he’s a sarcastic marksman; I immediately identify with Hawkeye. Then we have Captain Marvel, who, apparently, is an alcoholic amnesiac, from what I gathered so, um, yeah … huh? Falcon is the first African-American superhero and he has man-made wings. [Sidenote: he’s played in the movies by the oh-so-cute Anthony Mackie. Sidenote over] And last we have Gamora, though not as Sodom and, but as in assassin.

The designtestants have two days and $250 for this challenge, so let’s all pray Oscar doesn’t do a cape and then let’s rip ….

TEAM NICK

Tim gives Nick props because, now, finally, with just one designer left, Nick has apparently learned how to mentor.

He doesn’t tell Oscar what to do, he simply let’s Oscar be Oscar. Unless there’s a cape coming.

OSCAR—Gamora

He keeps telling us that he won’t be doing a cape or a gown, but will focus on a jacket and pants, something he hasn’t done before. But then he begins to second guess his suit idea, although it has an open back and sleeves, and, quicker than you can say LIZA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A, he’s made a cloak, which is like a cape only it has a different name.

Still, I will Oscar props for this description of the challenge:

This is like pirates fighting with The Hunger Games style with scissors and fabrics. I mean this is Iraq. This is the Chernobyl bomb. This is intense.

No wonder his clothes are so dramatic, it’s in his blood.

WHAT HE SAID

It looks very superhero. I love it!

WHAT I SAID

It’s well-made, as always, and flashy and fun, but it looks too much like a costume, and the flyway sleeves on the jacket are just odd.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Zanna Roberts Rassi said Oscar’s superpower was construction and sewing, but she would have liked it without the cape-cloak because it looked a bit costume-y. Rachel Roy agreed that is was beautifully made but said maybe she missed the memo about the Halloween Costume Party; but then how do we explain that she came to the UTG dressed a s Ali McGraw from Love Story? Jen Rade called it a good combo or superhero meets badass bitch, and Jaime Alexander said it was high fashion and she would love to wear it. Sidenote: Jaime Alexander has been featured on this here bloggy’s WTF feature HERE.

TEAM ANYA

Anya doesn’t so much mentor as she does give subtle clues and praise this week. I get less mentor from her and more Life Coach because she delivers platitudes and sentiments and feelings, and not a great deal of criticism … unless you remember the week she made Blake cry.

SHAN—Captain Marvel

Pants or a dress; dress or pants. Shan is lost; he hasn’t a clue. But he’s learned one thing through this process: buy as much fabric as you can because if you f**k it up, you’ll at least have extra fabrics to try again. And that might come in handy because he has nothing to show Anya or Tim during the critique; no dress, or pants, and not even a sketch. If only he could open up his head and show them what he’s thinking … because all he has is shredded leather pieces and some camouflage knit.

Yes, I said camouflage knit.

WHAT HE SAID

I love the way the fringes are flowing on the skirt. I love the way you see the camouflage detail underneath. I’m feeling pretty good at this point.

WHAT I SAID

This is my favorite because it reads superhero, but also fashion; it’s edgy and cool and tough.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Jen Rade called it modern gladiator, while Rachel Roy loved the structure and the good print, while she adjusted her head scarf that Ali McGraw wore in Love Story. Zanna Roberts Rassi called it sexy, cool, edgy and editorial, while Jaime Alexander liked the versatility of it — apparently the bottom skirt comes off or something?

TEAM MONDO

I kinda like Mondo’s style of mentoring because he lets his team work through their own process of coming up with the design, but then really nails them when they begin to mess up, a la Asha’s construction issues — which still makes me giggle when I remember how much she dogged Natalia over the same thing.

ASHA—Falcon

She decides that, since this is the last challenge before The Tents, she’ll try something she’s never done before: pants and chiffon. She’ll make utilitarian pants and a gown-esque chiffon top to play up the hard and soft aspect of the superhero. Bold move, especially since she isn’t good at building the look as much as she is creating the image of the look.

As the runway approaches Asha is a twittering twitching hot mess, and running wild in the workroom. So much so that Mondo keeps telling her to calm down before she ruins her look. That almost happens because one of her zippers breaks and, last seconds she sews her model into the pants, hoping they’ll stay on, on the runway,

WHAT SHE SAID

When my look comes down the runway it is absolutely gorgeous and it is beautifully executed.

WHAT I SAID

I laughed at “beautifully executed” and thought of the zipper issues, but I loved the flowing top, even the mullet back because they looked like wings. I did not like — and wished she’d been called out for it — the idea that she co-opted Shan’s pants from the Steampunk challenge into this look.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Zanna Roberts Rassi loved the drama of the mullet-gown-top-cape piece and the hardness of the leather pants but wished there was more. Rachel Roy called it timeless luxury, akin to coming to the show dressed as Ali McGraw from Love Story. Jen Rade noted that the construction as much better this week, and Jaime Alexander liked the idea, the grace of the idea, and the flow, but missed the powerful edge — this is where I thought that, had Asha made a leather top and a chiffon bottom, it might have worked better … but that’s just me.

SAM—Hawkeye

As I said, this week we have Sad Sam; Sam who picked Hawkeye because of his snark and sarcasm, which I call snarkasm; Sam feels a bit of a kinship with that idea. But then, as other designers work, Sam sits in the lounge, a la Isabelle with her Starbucks, and reads the comic book, and thinks and speaks.

Sam was bullied as a child, and perhaps identifies with the idea of a superhero protector — though he says he wasn’t as interested in being a superhero as he was in being Britney Spears — who might have been able to withstand the taunts and jabs of mean kids.

But, as happens with bullying victims, Sam also attempted suicide twice, the last time feeling saved only because he heard his mother calling his name. That’s got to be a moment that plays out in your head all the time, the What if … But, this is Under the Gunn, not my soapbox for stronger anti-bullying measures, so I’ll return to regular scheduled snarking.

He has chosen nearly every kind of print imaginable, which some might think crazy, but I really like; and Tim, upon seeing, and hearing, Sam’s ideas is quite impressed, even if it is risky. Plus, we get shots of Sam painting his fabrics again, but no real clue as to what or why.

WHAT HE SAID

I love my look. I put what I was feeling into this garment. I think it’s got the rebellious side where the darkness comes from.

WHAT I SAID

I liked the mix of fabrics — though I was confused by the straps — and I didn’t get the painted splotch on the back of the top, until Sam explained that it’s kind of the darkness we all carry, that we sometimes try to hide.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Rachel Roy called it mundane; this from a woman who came to the show dressed as Ali McGraw from Love Story?  Zanna Roberts Rassi said it was so close, but turned out to be nothing, and this is where Sam explains his ideas and the look, and the dark spot. Jen Rade, tough as nails, bitchy and sarcastic Jen Rade, tears up and understands Sam now, and is glad he always stuck to his aesthetic no matter the challenge. Jaime Alexander called it fun and vibrant and loved the black splotch, saying it was like wearing your heart on your sleeve.

WHAT HAPPENED

Well, everyone agrees that Oscar and Shan should move on to the The Tents, so it comes down to the two left on Mondo’s team.

I’m shocked! I’m stunned! I knew it!

Jen wants Sam because he has a strong POV, while Rachel wants Asha because she has good ideas. Zanna said Sam hadn’t been very interesting until this runway, but she wants Asha and Jaime Alexander picks Sam.

What to do, what to do. It’s a tie.

Oscar and Shan and Sam and Asha will all show.

MY TAKE

Cynical Bob notes that we are getting the Bullied As A Child edit for Sam, and while I feel compassion — I was, quelle surprise, bullied as a child, too, for being gay or allegedly being gay or seemingly gay or not being able to climb the rope in gym class or whatever — I get annoyed by these maudlin attempts by the PR, and now the UTG, to make us feel. I watch for the creativity, and the ability to take an idea, a spark, and make something, even something awful, out of it. 

I get that it’s a great spot to talk about bullying—and the Trevor Project link at the end was needed—but sometimes I think these shows try to get us to root for someone simply based on their back-story. I mean, Sam has been given the Pissy Little Bitch edit, too — though maybe that was just me — but that doesn't mean you turn on the Sad Story to get people to root for him.

I like the designers who create cool things on the spur of the moment with little sleep, no cash, and hardly any time.

Speaking of which, Shan got the Stumbling, Can’t Decide, What Do I Do, Let Me Talk To My Wife edit which usually means the person is going home, but, yes, that was another attempt at Emotion Stirring.

I agreed with Shan that the idea was to cut designers and someone should have been cut. And based on the season, and based on the fact that I think Asha stole Shan’s pants, I would have sent her packing and let Oscar and Shan and Sam show.

What did YOU think?

Would You Hit It?

Keanu Reeves.

Actor, whoa, and always rumored to be gay, dude from The Matrix and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
And one simple question.

Would.You.Hit.It?

Yes or no.

I Didn't Say It ....

David Cameron, British Prime Minister David Cameron, on the new marriage equality in the UK: 

"The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding. We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to that – and all those getting married this weekend.”

I wish we could have a day like that, where our president could toast to all same-sex marriages in every state in the union.

So, the march goes on …

Trinity K. Bonet, revealing he's HIV+ on RuPaul's Drag Race:

“I came on this show with a mission because I am HIV-positive. I was diagnosed in August 2012, and I have so much to live for. I have so many goals and aspirations that I want to conquer in my life, so I’m not going to let an obstacle get in the way. And I wanted to come on this show, and I wanted to be that voice for people who are scared to speak out about that. ... I’m hoping that by sharing this that I will be affecting somebody’s life. And I’m hoping, by sharing my story, that I will inspire others and that they will take it and maybe apply it to themselves. ... It's not a disease, it's just a situation. I get up in the morning, I take my vitamin E, I take my fish oils and then I pop my pill and that's the end of that. I have to remember, 'Bitch, you're here for a reason. The main reason why I came here is I’m here for all those people so that you have somebody that you can look up to. There are people out there who love you and who support you. And if you don’t have anybody know that I love you and I support you. You have somebody that you can lean on."

I’m so happy that the stigma of being HIV+ is diminishing. We have so many people affected who are living longer, who are living, and we need to make sure that those newly infected realize that.

It isn’t a death sentence any more.

James Manning, Harlem "Pastor," on how the white gays moved to Harlem to indoctrinate Black men into homosexuality:

"The white homo who now lives in the [Harlem] community, and there are a lot of them that moved up here, they brought their restaurants, they brought some of their lifestyle, they brought their Starbucks coffee with them and like anybody else, they prey on black men, they convert black men. Not only those who live here, but in the office buildings all over New York City and places around America where homosexuals have supervisory positions."

Wow, we brought restaurants and Starbucks to Harlem? Just so we can convert Black men to the Homosexual Lifestyle?

Who knew all it took was a decent meal and a Double Venti Frappucino?

Or I guess we just get jobs in upper management so we can turn all our subordinates into The Gays.

Brendan Eich, Mozilla CEO, on the outrage over his donation to the Prop 8 campaign: 

"I know there are concerns about my commitment to fostering equality and welcome for LGBT individuals at Mozilla. I hope to lay those concerns to rest, first by making a set of commitments to you. More important, I want to lay them to rest by actions and results. ... I know some will be skeptical about this, and that words alone will not change anything. I can only ask for your support to have the time to “show, not tell”; and in the meantime express my sorrow at having caused pain."

I’ll give him a hot minute, but I’ll be watching because he's never said his position regarding Prop H8 and same-sex marriage has changed.
UPDATE: After the news broke yesterday that Eich supported bot Pat Buchannan--a racist, anti-Semitic homophobe--and Ron Paul, he stepped down as CEO.

Elaine Stritch, on her intense platonic relationship with Rock Hudson: 

"Did we have an affair? No. He was nuts about me, and I felt it, knew it. And I was madly in love with this gorgeous guy. But I couldn't have reacted in any real way because I don't think he was truly in love with me. I think he just loved me and loved that we had fun and loved to be with me. ... Anybody that dates you all the time, wants to be with you all the time, takes you out everywhere - he had a good time with me. You know what I'm talking about. And there's nobody who says that gay guys don't have fun with women, because they do!"

Some of my best friends are The Women!

David B. Oakley, the lawyer defending Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage:

"For example, if the definition of marriage is no longer based on procreation or the ability to procreate naturally, then what is the purpose in prohibiting marriage between persons of close kinship? Would it then be unconstitutional for two brothers who are confirmed bachelors and live together to marry so that they could own property as tenants by the entireties, file joint tax returns, qualify for health benefits, and obtain better insurance rates?"

First off, for example, marriage is not solely about procreation because if that were true we wouldn’t have single mothers and fathers having children without being married; and if this was true we also would not allow the elderly to marry because they can no longer procreate, and we wouldn’t let the infertile marry either.

And the idea that letting two men marry means brothers will marry one another is the most bassackward thing to say.

But then Oakley is from Virginia …

Karl Lagerfeld, on selfies: 

"They are this horrible thing where you are distorted. The chin is too big, the head is too small. No, this is electronic masturbation."

I guess this means we will never see a Lagerfeld selfies, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Random Musings

Gosh, I wished I used regular mail more because next month the U.S. commemorative "Forever Stamp" honoring San Francisco political figure and LGBT activist Harvey Milk will be issued on Harvey Milk Day, May 22.

I may have to buy a sheet just to have it.

Dave Elliott, an anchor on Mississippi’s WLOX, thinks there are just too many LGBT folks and their stories on the news these days and he thinks we should all just take a vacation:

WLOX responded on its Facebook page by saying:

"We are not happy at all with the post or any imagined 'free publicity.' Dave made this post initially on his personal Facebook page, and you should look for him to address it on that same page."

I guess Dave Elliott might have wished the Black Community had taken a break from all that Civil Rights mess in the 60s? I mean, how dare we continue to fight for equality day in and day out when people like Dave Elliott are probably more interested in CNN's round-the-clock missing airplane coverage.

Elliott later apologized for what he called his "insensitive and unprofessional Facebook post.”

I think Elliott should take a Facebookation.

So, RuPaul’s Drag Race …

This week's mini-challenge was "The Read." Ru opened up the “liberry” and asked each dragtestant to throw a little shade on her competitors. Darienne took the Top Spot, and got to choose her team for the main challenge where the girls would be split into two groups, with each one delivering a short rap for a '90s-style rap song, "Oh No She Better Don't."

Sidenote: Oh no, she betta don’t has been my catchphrase for the week and my co-workers are ready to kill me; to which I say, Oh no, they betta don’t!

Back to the DR: the runway challenge this week was to show off some Crazy, Sexy, Cool fashion, so let’s break dance it down:

#1 Adore Delano. I don't adore Delano whatsoever, but she nailed the read, especially when telling Laganja that she should reverse her ‘death drop’ and just ‘drop dead.’ She also owned the rap part of the show, and she once again strapped herself into the corset for the runway but then she failed in the Floor-length Dress Challenge, by wearing some cheap looking sheer drapes that stopped at her ankles. Note to Adore: I don’t.

#2 Bianca Del Rio. I’m loving her and thought she would have nailed The Read — she said to Adore, “I know what you got on your SATs … ketchup! — because she’s as snarkastic as I but she failed that. And I was worried about her rap, which she kinda nailed, and then she brought it to the runway.

#3 I have to give props to Joslyn Fox for her read to Darienne:  "This is the girl who probably sits reverse cowgirl on the toilet just so she has a flat surface to eat off of." Her rap was good, but her runway was just a big old strappy mess, too much of a bad thing.

#4 My darling Ben De La Crème took a wee tumble. Her rap was not the best, the outfit even worse, and she totally missed the mark on Crazy, Sexy, Cool on the runway. I love her style, but I’d like to see her mix it up a bit.

Now for the Bottoms:

Courtney Act is relying on the pretty and I’m not the only one saying that. I don’t get drag queen. I get pretty girl from her, and that whole coming out in a blanket and ripping it off to show the bikini bod on the runway thing was all kinds of wrong.

Darienne seemed kinda mean this week and her rap was awful — dressed in shiny black trash bags — and her runway look was the furthest thing from Crazy Sexy Cool. It looked like a version of the same thing she’s done all season.

And Miss Trinity K. Bonet? She seemed so ready for the rap, but she sucked it like no one else; then she complained that she doesn’t sing, she lip syncs. Well, hunty, this is the DR, so step it mother**king up. I did like her Cher-Naomi Campbell runway look, and her lip sync was in sync, so no wonder she Sashayed to stay.

Which means ….

Good bye Milk. You weren’t the worst this week in the challenges, but when asked by the judges to bring some glam, you brought out a bed sheet? I loved your individuality, and find it odd that when you tried to conform, you got the Sashay. Plus, as a dude, you’re kinda cute.

What did YOU think?

Next week: Two! Two! Two eps in one night!

Over there to Missouri, state Representative Mike Colona has introduced a House Joint Resolution to repeal Missouri's existing ban on same-sex marriage:

"We passed the same-sex marriage ban 10 years ago, and I think so much has changed between then and now. I think more people understand that marriage is a basic right that the State guarantees."

 The state ban on same-sex marriage passed in 2004 with 71% of voters supporting and 29% opposing, but Colona thinks maybe the tide has changed enough to step forward.

Here’s hoping he’s right, though, but, yeah … Missouri.

I loves me some Fashion police, but last week's episode brought out some man candy in the form of one Victor Cruz, a wide receiver for the New York Giants. he was all kinds of sexy and cute and funny. Plus, the man has style!

Okay, so howsabout those Brooklyn Nets? 

Yeah, I know, you had no idea that I followed the volleyball! Well, I don’t but I heard that the Nets have been on a wild winning streak and have just made the playoffs. And, not to say this had anything to do with it, but the change for the better has come ever since the Nets signed openly gay player Jason Collins.

Just sayin’.

So, there’s actually a video game based on the Old Testament and, well, a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for it has failed miserably, so the makers of the game are looking for a scapegoat and think they’ve found it … in Satan. Really.

Richard Gaeta, a co-founder of Phoenix Interactive, argues that since the launch of the Kickstarter campaign to raise money for Bible Chronicles: The Call of Abraham, trouble has come into the lives of all the people in his company:

"I believe that, 100 percent. It's very tangible. From projects falling through and people that were lined up to help us make this a success falling through. Lots of factors raining down on us like fire and brimstone … If Satan is rallying some of his resources to forestall, delay, or kill this project, I think, this must be a perceived threat to his kingdom."

At least, this one time, they aren’t blaming The Gays.

And for some cool news ….

The producers of Broadway’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch have announced a charitable partnership with LGBT youth organization Hetrick-Martin Institute as part of the Broadway show’s run.

The musical will donate a portion of each ticket sale to Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, where at-risk youth can learn without fear of physical or emotional attacks. According to a press release, the partnership "will also utilize the resources of the production, including representatives from the show meeting with young people in an educational and mentoring capacity, and additional fundraising support."

Since we may be in NYC this summer, I’d like to see this show and give back just a little. Plus, it’s NPH people!

Now that The Gays can legally wed in England and Wales, Elton John and David Furnish — who have been in a civil partnership since 2005 — are planning to get married in the UK this year.

Furnish explains the significance of marriage to his family:

"When it was announced that gay couples were able to obtain a civil partnership, Elton and I did so on the day it came into law. As something of a showman, [Elton] is aware that whatever he says and does, people will sit up and take notice -so what better way to celebrate that historic moment in time. Our big day made the news, it was all over the internet within minutes of happening and front page news the next day. [But] Elton and I both think there is a massive difference between calling someone your 'partner' and calling them your 'husband'. 'Partner' is such an impersonal word and doesn't adequately describe the love we have for each other. When Zachary and Elijah [the couple's sons] are grown up and having children of their own, they will – hopefully – be living in a world where everyone can be equal, when being married isn't about whether you're straight or gay, but simply about being human."

Happy news, and I cannot wait to see the pictures of that wedding, though David suggested that he and Elton will simply go to a registry office in England in May with their sons and a couple of witnesses.”

Damn, because I bet Elton would have made a spectacular groom!

And while we’re talking same-sex marriage, let’s congratulate Sara Gilbert, who married her fiancée Linda Perry over the weekend in California.

It's happening everywhere, y'all!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Photo of the Week: Spot The White Tree

The Arbre Blanc [The White Tree] is a mixed use development designed for housing, art galleries, a restaurant and bar with panoramic views, commercial offices, and open common spaces; it's set to be built in the city of Montpellier, in the south of France.

It’s the ultimate tree house.

For more pictures, floorplans, etc, visit HomeDSGN.

Happy Anniversary Iowa ... And Thanks

Well, well, well, looky here.

Five years ago today the Iowa Supreme Court issued its decision in Varnum v. Brien, a case that challenged the constitutionality of Iowa's marriage law, which limited marriage to a man and a woman and prevented same-sex couples from enjoying the legal benefits of marriage.

The unanimous decision by the court declared Iowa's marriage statute was unconstitutional because it violated the equal-protection clause of the state's constitution; in addition, though, the court ruled that churches could not be forced to violate their religious beliefs by hosting same-sex weddings.

Five years of marriage equality in Iowa and yet the locusts haven’t ruined the crops; not one “traditional” marriage has been ruined’ not one child has been “turned gay”; the sky didn’t fall.

And now, on the fifth anniversary of equality, people are talking about Iowa then and now:

Connie Ryan Terrell, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa:

“People stood on the steps of the Iowa Supreme Court on a glorious spring morning. What would the court do? Some hoping for official affirmation of what in their hearts they already knew to be true. Others hoping against hope that, based on their personal religious beliefs, they could hoard those rights and privileges.

Then the news came, as if from on high. The Iowa Constitution does ensure equal protection. Everyone does have the right to marry the person they love. Simple yet profound affirmation that rights and privileges must be available to all.

In the last five years, that is what same-gender couples have received in Iowa, equal protection, just like any other hardworking family. That mysterious "gay agenda" includes going to work and worship. Attending school concerts. Paying taxes. Caring for loved ones in sickness and in health. Living every day as family.

The sky has not fallen in Iowa. Houses of worship remain protected to make their own decision on same-gender ceremonies. For same-gender families, however, the sky has opened up, creating real opportunities.

What has changed in the last five years? Nothing for most; everything for some. And, in the words of one pastor, that is simply awesome.”

Bishop Richard E. Pates, Catholic Diocese of Des Moines:

"According to several indicators, there is a growing acceptance of same-sex marriage nationwide, and there's no reason to think that's not true in Iowa. I believe most people who support same-sex marriage do so in good will, but I think there is much more than good will involved.

First, many of us can agree on this: God loves everyone, gay or straight. No one is excluded, and sexual identity is only one component of who we are. Gay people are welcome in the Catholic Church. Many of them are hurting from hateful attitudes, and as Pope Francis has said, Christians should see themselves less as enforcers of rules than as doctors in a field hospital.

Furthermore, all of us, not just gay people, are challenged to approach our sexuality in a responsible and mature manner.

This said, the church holds that marriage is the union of a man and a woman and is the best way to nurture and protect children. This position is based on the solid teaching of Scripture and our own tradition about its meaning, which is derived from "natural law" deeply embedded in the humanity of each of us by a loving creator.

Despite what the Iowa court has ruled, we also believe that limiting marriage to a man and woman is best for the common good and the future of society.”

Jonathan Wilson, a Des Moines lawyer who is the son of a minister:

"The Varnum decision continued a long history in the evolution of marriage as an institution. Starting with biblically endorsed polygamy, marriage evolved to a point that preserved the institution premised upon concepts of property — women were the property. The age of consent to marry also evolved. Mary would not have been legally able to marry Joseph under current Iowa law.

Awaiting that evolutionary process, inter-denominational marriages were uncommon, and interracial marriages virtually nonexistent. The latter were actually a crime in many states until the U.S. Supreme Court changed that in 1967. By 2013, nearly half of all marriages in the U.S. were interfaith, and there were 4.8 million interracial marriages.

In the early 1970s, marriage further evolved with the elimination of "fault divorce." No longer did one of the partners have to be found at fault (and the other not at fault) for a civil marriage to be dissolved.

The Varnum decision continued the evolution of marriage. I believe each of those changes strengthened the institution. Is it a surprise that most folks who don't believe in evolution itself also oppose this most recent change in marriage? I think not. Isn't enlightenment wonderful?

Marriage as an institution is stronger today than ever before.”

Chuck Hurley, an official of the Family Leader, a social issues advocacy organization:

“The seven Iowa Supreme Court Judges who tried to redefine God's first institution — marriage — remind me a lot of Bruce Braley.

Mr. Braley recently said that someone with a law degree, rather than Sen. Grassley (with common sense), is better able to lead the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Well, the judges all have law degrees, and they lead Iowa's judiciary. But Sen. Grassley, and millions of other Iowans who don't have law degrees, have the common sense to know what marriage really is.

As Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, said right after the Varnum decision, "The Iowa judges think they are smarter than nature." Common-sense Iowans know better than law-degreed judges (and Mr. Braley) that homosexual "marriage" isn't natural and that judicial decisions aren't always right just because they are made by people with law degrees.

The result of this un-natural decision? Half a million impressionable Iowa children are being taught by the judges that unnatural "marriage" is now OK, because it's legally equal to natural (God-designed) marriage.

Jesus warned that it's better to have a large millstone tied around our necks and be thrown into the sea than to cause children to sin. Those who believe they can defy the "laws of nature and of nature's God" would be wise to heed Jesus' caution.”

Michael Gronstal, majority leader of the Iowa Senate:

“Five years ago, then-House Speaker Pat Murphy and I proudly issued a statement that celebrated the Varnum decision as another step in Iowa's groundbreaking efforts to guarantee equal rights for all our citizens.

We declared: "The court has ruled today that when two Iowans promise to share their lives together, state law will respect that commitment, regardless of whether the couple is gay or straight."

We concluded with this: "Today, we congratulate the thousands of Iowans who now can express their love for each other and have it recognized by our laws."

Because of Iowa's long-standing leadership in the area of civil rights, we shouldn't have been surprised by the Varnum decision. Iowa's record of protecting the rights of African-Americans, women and others goes back as far as the 1830s.

In one respect, however, I missed the mark when initially reacting to the Iowa Supreme Court decision five years ago. Immediately after the decision, I predicted that in 10 years, Iowans would wonder what all the fuss was about.

I was wrong.

It actually took less than five years for most Iowans to embrace marriage equality. That says a lot about the common sense and common decency of Iowans.”

I remember that day when I heard the news. My first thought was, “Iowa? Iowa?” But then I listened to some of the people in Iowa who talked about ‘common sense’ and ‘equality’ not as ideals for the marriage equality march, but as ideals for everyday life.

Common sense says it doesn’t matter who your neighbor loves or marries as long as they are happy; common sense says it’s none of my business what that couple does in their bedroom; common sense says, really, though they may not look like what was once considered a normal couple, normal is in the eye of the beholder, and who am I to judge?

As for equality, well, that’s far simpler than common sense, though, most of the time, the two go hand in hand; we are all equal under the law — or at least we should be — and so we all deserves the same rights and privileges.

Happy Anniversary, Iowa, and, yeah, who knew?