Here it is, in all its glory, the ultimate scare argument against same-sex marriage. Iowa Code § 595.19 currently reads:
595.19 VOID MARRIAGES.
1. Marriages between the following persons who are related by blood are void:
a. Between a man and his father’s sister, mother’s sister, daughter, sister, son’s daughter, daughter’s daughter, brother’s daughter, or sister’s daughter.
b. Between a woman and her father’s brother, mother’s brother, son, brother, son’s son, daughter’s son, brother’s son, or sister’s son.
c. Between first cousins.
2. Marriages between persons either of whom has a husband or wife living are void, but, if the parties live and cohabit together after the death or divorce of the former husband or wife, such marriage shall be valid.
So yeah, a marriage between a man and his brother is not prohibited by 595.19 in its current form. Good catch dude. Apparently you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this exact issue.
Well, here’s what. If you think the Iowa Legislature can’t handle something like an amendment to this, then let’s revisit this issue the first time two brothers or two sisters actually apply for a marriage license in Iowa. I’m sure we can deal with the situation then.
Until then, get real.
Hat tip to science fiction fan Patrick at Popehat, who also pointed to a link to this disturbing image.
