Same-sex marriage was legalized in Iowa this morning after the state’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the state’s marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples. This comes on the heels of a 2007 district court judge’s ruling that the law violates the Constitution (you may remember that marriage became legal in Iowa for just one day in 2007 before being suspended and sent to the state Supreme Court; just one same-sex couple legally married back then). The ruling is set to go into effect in three weeks. You can read more here.

I’m rejoicing. As a former Iowan (during my college years), I’ve long wondered why Iowa is always the butt of so many jokes. The state has an excellent education system and is pretty as hell (in some places). Plus I’ve long maintained that Midwesterners as a whole are a fair-minded people. I for one can’t wait to pose, American Gothic–style, for my wedding photo. I’m kidding. What I actually can’t wait to do is head to Iowa in 2010 when right wingers in the Hawkeye state no doubt try to get a ballot measure in the hands of voters (like in California). Hopefully, thousands of Chicagoans will cross state lines to join the fight when and if it comes. Until then, congratulations to Lambda Legal, which argued on behalf of the plaintiffs and to the couples who can now legally wed and begin enjoying state benefits. Happy times!