Iowa

Iowa's Grinnell College has named Raynard S. Kington, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D., its 13th president - beginning August 1, 2010.

More than 160 faith leaders in Iowa have joined together - to support marriage equality. The group is concerned about people and groups who cite the Bible to support their bigotry.

The AP reports:

The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa held a Statehouse news conference to say that 167 representatives from a cross-section of diverse faiths in the state had sent a letter to all 150 legislators outlining their position.

Governor Chet Culver proclaims Wednesday January 27 Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day. This is the fourth year of Iowa's GSA Day - and Iowa is the only state in the nation with such an event.

The day, organized by Iowa Pride Network seeks to honor student GSA groups in high schools and colleges that work to end violence and harassment of students including those that are GLBT.

Poll: Iowa life unaffected by marriage equality

92% of Iowans say that same-sex marriage has "brought no real change to their lives" according to a poll from the Des Moines Register, the first to examine the issue since the Supreme Court overturned the state's ban.

The paper reports:

Governments and citizens are accepting gay partnerships at a rapid pace. The recent Iowa court's meaningful decision was followed four days later by the Vermont Legislature’s legalizing gay marriage over Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto. Then the Washington, D.C., City Council unanimously voted to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. And President Obama personally invited families headed by gay and lesbian couples to this year’s Easter Egg Roll.

Two of our new bloggers are trying to get pregnant in the comfort of their Iowa home. ProudParenting.com member - Us 2 - is sharing their story with us.

She writes: "This is my first blog! We have attempted at home insemination for the past 3 months. We have been together for the past 8 years. We have good jobs and own our home..."

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Two courts in Iowa have different views of adoption legislation in the state. The Supreme Court has sided with fair-minded citizens.

The AP is reporting on a story involving a female couple raising two children. One mom is biological, and one adoptive. They have separated, and the adoptive mom has asked the courts to determine custody and support for the kids.