'Marriage is the secondary issue'

Gay marriage is an important issue for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats in his campaign for governor.

A firm believer in one man, one woman marriage, Vander Plaats said the issue goes beyond whether or not gay marriage in Iowa should be legal, but about the separation of powers in government.

"I think marriage is the secondary issue here," he said. "Whatever you think about marriage, put that on the shelf. The primary issue is separation of powers."

The Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay marriage April 2009. Vander Plaats said this was a dangerous decision and the courts "stepped out of bounds."

"People should be outraged," Vander Plaats said. "There should be an uprising. The legislature makes the law, not the court. The court can void a law they view as unconstitutional, but they are are supposed to give it back to legislation."

Vander Plaats visited Osceola Feb. 28 and spoke to a small crowd at Faith Fellowship Church about where he stands on gay marriage. The candidate said if he is elected as governor, he will issue an executive order that places a stay on the same-sex marriage decision until citizens have a chance to vote on it.

"It's an issue of liberty or tyranny," he said.

Vander Plaats went on to say if this decision stands, every freedom will be "up for grabs."

"This is why this issue is so important," he said. "Leadership is an issue here. Freedom is an issue here."

Vander Plaats said Gov. Chet Culver didn't act as a leader when he allowed this decision to stand.

Vander Plaats said his position on marriage isn't just a "political position," but a "personal conviction."

"If marriage is just about love, where does it stop? Can I marry my son? Can I marry three women? It's about procreation and training your replacements. That's why the state gave so many benefits."

An audience member asked Vander Plaats how citizens can hold those elected to office accountable.

"You elect a new governor," he said. "The people's power is in the ballot box. Elect someone who is going to stand on principle."