Andrew Huck
Published: April 29, 2009

DUBUQUE – On Monday, April 27th Iowa made history by allowing same sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. The state normally requires a three day waiting period but some judges granted waivers allowing couples who received their licenses on Monday to get married that same day.

At the Dubuque County Courthouse Monday six couples applied for licenses in person and four of those couples were granted waivers to get married that same day.

LCTV interviewed the first couple in Dubuque County to get a marriage license.

“We wanted to get married be the first ones in Dubuque to break history,” exclaimed Kentanindra Scarver.

Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann moved from Chicago seven months ago but never believed they would one day be able to get married.

“We were thinking about the many ways faith works and this is one,” said Scarver.

The couple got married on Monday and is planning a big celebration with their family this weekend.

“Our families are very excited my sisters my family knows hers too,” said Scarver.

Representatives from OneIowa were on hand to offer support and give flowers to the couples applying for licenses.

“We’re here to answer questions and direct people where they need to go and celebrate along with them,” said OneIowa Representative Tyler Dague.

Tyler is proud of the impact today will have on his life.

“It makes me hopeful for my future just because I would love to share my life with someone and I would love to have the right to do that when I’m ready, said Dague.

Kentaindra and Veronica are glad to call Iowa home.

“We earned it equal rights, equal opportunity, and I’m just so glad that Iowa has acknowledged that,” said Scarver.

While a few people stopped by to offer their support there was no visible opposition or protests in front of the courthouse.

Here are a few useful links about gay marriage in Iowa and Dubuque County:
Dubuque County Recorder’s Office
OneIowa

Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com