AP: Federal Grants Aided Anti-Marriage Equality Group

Some $2.2 million in federal funds paid to the Iowa Family Policy Center for counseling services over a five-year period also aided anti-marriage equality efforts in the state.

According to an investigation by the Associated Press, the Department of Health and Human Services grants, received between 2006 and 2010, paid for education and counseling services -- but also funded employee salaries and utility expenses as the group fought against gay marriage on multiple fronts.

According to one University of Iowa researcher who consulted on the grants, the center also refused to provide services to same-sex couples.

Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of Family Leader, which includes the Iowa Family Policy Center among its divisions, was a leading force in the state to oust three Iowa Supreme Court justices who struck down laws banning marriage rights for same-sex couples. Among its political activities in the run-up to the Iowa caucus, the group has hosted a presidential lecture series featuring many contenders for the 2012 GOP nomination.

Read the AP article here.