Iowa is the only state to see a decline in same-sex marriages. What do advocates say?

Yahoo! News - Apr 18th, 2025

Iowa, once a trailblazer in legalizing same-sex marriage, is now the only U.S. state experiencing a decline in same-sex households. According to a recent report by USA Facts, the number of same-sex couples in Iowa has decreased by 11% from 2014 to 2023, dropping from 4,653 to 4,123 households. This decline contrasts with national trends, where many states have seen significant increases in same-sex marriages since the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized it nationwide. LGBTQ+ advocates attribute this downward trend in Iowa to the state's increasingly hostile environment for the community, marked by recent legislative actions that restrict transgender rights and remove protections for nonbinary and transgender individuals.

Despite Iowa's pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights, including being one of the first states to legalize gay marriage in 2009, recent policy shifts have reversed some of this progress. Lawmakers have enacted laws that limit transgender youth's access to gender-affirming care, restrict bathroom use based on gender identity, and ban transgender athletes from participating in female sports. These actions, coupled with efforts to curtail the teaching of gender identity in schools, have contributed to a climate that LGBTQ+ advocates argue is driving same-sex couples out of the state. The decline in same-sex households could exacerbate Iowa's workforce challenges and economic issues, as some LGBTQ+ individuals with the means to leave are relocating, leaving more vulnerable community members behind.

Legislation Transgender Rights Iowa Lgbtq Rights Same Sex Marriage Usa Facts Max Mowitz One Iowa

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded examination of the decline in same-sex households in Iowa, supported by credible data and expert opinions. It effectively contextualizes the issue within broader legislative trends and societal changes, making it both timely and relevant. While the article is clear and engaging, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives to enhance balance and depth. The topic's potential to influence public opinion and policy is significant, given the ongoing debates about LGBTQ rights. Overall, the article is a valuable contribution to discussions on civil rights and demographic trends, with minor areas for improvement in balance and source diversity.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Iowa's unique status as the only state with a declining number of same-sex couples, supported by USA Facts and U.S. Census Bureau data. The timeline of same-sex marriage legalization is correctly outlined, stating Iowa legalized it in 2009, following Massachusetts and Connecticut. However, the claim about Iowa being the only state with a decline should be cross-referenced with the most recent census data for verification. The report's mention of legislative changes affecting LGBTQ rights in Iowa, such as the removal of gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and restrictions on transgender rights, aligns with recent legislative trends, adding to its accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from LGBTQ advocates, such as Max Mowitz from One Iowa, who attribute the decline in same-sex couples to increased hostility and legislative changes. It also mentions the actions of Iowa lawmakers, providing a context for these legislative changes. However, the article could enhance balance by including perspectives from those supporting the legislative changes for a more comprehensive view. The focus on the negative impact of these changes without presenting opposing viewpoints or legislative intentions slightly skews the balance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language, making it accessible to a broad audience. The logical flow from Iowa's historical context in legalizing same-sex marriage to current legislative actions and their impacts on same-sex households is coherent and easy to follow. The inclusion of specific data points, such as the percentage decline in same-sex households, aids clarity. However, the article could benefit from a brief explanation of the methodology behind the USA Facts report to fully elucidate its findings.

Source quality

The article draws from credible sources such as USA Facts and the U.S. Census Bureau, which are reputable for providing accurate statistical data. It also includes expert opinions from LGBTQ advocacy groups, adding depth and authority to the narrative. However, the reliance on a single advocacy group for LGBTQ perspectives might limit the diversity of viewpoints. Further input from other stakeholders, such as policymakers or demographic experts, could enhance source quality.

Transparency

The article provides clear attributions to USA Facts and the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical data, enhancing transparency. It also specifies the legislative changes in Iowa, offering readers a basis to understand the claims. However, the methodology of the USA Facts report is not detailed, which could help readers assess the robustness of the data. Additionally, while the article cites Max Mowitz's opinion, it doesn't clarify how widespread these sentiments are within the broader LGBTQ community in Iowa.