In other states where courts have intervened to hear same-sex marriage cases, the holdings have been divided. The Iowa decision, conversely, was the first ever to be unanimous. [The vote was 7-0].
"We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective," the court's opinion read. "The legislature has excluded a historically disfavored class of persons from a supremely important civil institution without a constitutionally sufficient justification."
Since the Supreme Court is the highest court in Iowa, the only way for same-sex marriage to be outlawed in the state now would be through a constitutional amendment via a ballot measure. But that could be a challenge, according to reports. It must first make its way through two-consecutive legislatures. But same-sex marriage currently appears to have strong support in the Iowa legislature, so the chance of it moving to a ballot is unlikely.
Additionally, the Iowa Supreme Court's decision cannot be appealed to a higher, federal court, according to MSNBC.com.
Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrated as soon as the decision was announced. "Iowa is about justice, and that's what happened here today," Laura Fefchak, an Iowa lesbian said.
But it was NBC News' justice correspondent Pete Williams who may have put it best after the decision was announced: "If you had to ask Americans what the next state would be to approve gay marriage, after Connecticut, after Massachusetts and California--which ultimately repealed it--I think it would surprise many people to say that the answer would be Iowa."
Surprisingly, the state has been embroiled in the same-sex marriage issue since 2005, when Lambda Legal filed suit against the Polk County, Iowa, register's office for rejecting applications from numerous same-sex couples who wanted marriage licenses.
A lower court ruled the prohibition of same-sex nuptials was unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court affirmed that ruling.
It is believed there are as many as 62,000 people who are LGBT in Iowa.
Click here to read more from MSNBC.com.
Click here to read the Iowa Supreme Court's Decision.
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with liberty and justice for all,, except those that do not live in Mass, Ct or Iowa
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