Republicans introduce gay marriage amendment in Iowa

Republicans in the Iowa senate have introduced a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The amendment introduced Wednesday is similar to one that lawmakers debated last year. After an intense debate, senators voted down the plan 25-24. Chance for passage this year seems slim in the chamber, which is tied 25-25 between both parties, because leaders have pledged to avoid hot-button social issues. Still, the nine Republican senators sponsoring the one-sentence amendment to the Iowa constitution want to revisit the issue. "I still feel the majority of Iowans think we need to keep marriage protected," said one of the cosponsors, Sen. Bob Brunkhorst. The amendment reads: "Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in the state of Iowa." It would require a statewide vote. Iowa already has a law banning same-sex marriage, but supporters say the constitutional amendment is needed in case the courts strike down the law. (AP)