In an ABC News interview with Robin Roberts, President Obama finally "evolved" in his position on gay marriage to the point that he now supports it. With same-sex marriage as hot of a political issue as an exploding volcano, the president's decision to voice his support now is sure to spark outrage from his critics.
Iowa is one of a handful of states that allows same-sex marriage, but it's still a touchy issue that Iowans opposing gay marriage vow to overturn. It may be settled law, but the fight isn't over, yet. Here are a few key things to know about same-sex marriage in Iowa:
* A February Des Moines Register poll found a majority of Iowans oppose banning gay marriage. When asked if there should be a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, 56 percent were against, 38 percent in favor, and 6 percent were unsure.
* On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow same sex marriage. Its ruling overturned a 10-year ban on gay marriage, saying it was unconstitutional under Iowa law.
* In 2010, opposition groups that included the National Organization for Marriage mounted an aggressive campaign to oust three justices from the court.
* Chief Justice Marsha Ternus, justices Michael Streit and David Baker were removed from the bench in a historic election in 2010. This was the first time Iowa Supreme Court justices were removed by the voters. The 2010 election also gave Republicans control of the Iowa House and returned former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad to the governor's mansion.
* Three years after the Iowa supreme court ruling, Bob Vander Plaat, a high-profile conservative, continues to press for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in the Hawkeye state. With Democrats controlling the state senate, however, that's unlikely to happen.
* Four Supreme Court justices will be on the ballot in November and Chief Justice Mark Cady is worried: "I'm very concerned about what might lie ahead only because I realize what happened a year and a half ago," he said in a February interview with Radio Iowa. Justice David Wiggins, one of the seven justices involved in the ruling is up for retention vote in November. Opponents of gay marriage vow to punish each justice, but it's unclear if they will succeed. The views of Iowans have changed since 2009 and voters are more concerned about other issues.
* Iowa Republicans are still furious with the controversial ruling and Iowans can expect opposition groups to gay marriage to mount new efforts to remove all so-called "activist judges" as they come up for retention votes. The last three justices will be on the 2016 ballot.
* On May 8, 2012, the three ousted justices were honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award. Caroline Kennedy said "They were chosen in recognition of their political courage and judicial independence."
