What's this pre-marital counseling bill?

[Hobarticus]

What are Iowa DUers' thought on this?

http://www.kcrg.com/article.aspx?art_id=80810&cat_id=123

Bill Requires Counseling for Quicker Marriage License

Wednesday, April 21, 2004, 11:12:25 PM

(Des Moines-AP) -- Couples planning to marry in Iowa may have to add one more task to their months of wedding planning Ð counseling sessions.

Iowa couples who get counseling would receive their marriage license after a three-day waiting period under a bill passed by lawmakers. Without it, the bride and groom would have to wait 20 days.

Senator Neal Schuerer, a Republican from Amana, says the legislation could reduce the divorce rate by five percent.

Opponents say the legislation has the effect of religious discrimination because people who belong to a church would get the counseling free. Others would have to pay a counselor.

Under the bill, couples also would be required to file a parenting plan if they choose to divorce or separate.

Governor Vilsack is reviewing the bill and has 30 days to either sign or veto the measure.

Copyright The Associated Press

[Blue Gardener]

1. More Republican BS

Once again sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.

[cothomps]

2. Mixed feelings... mostly negative.

Truthfully, I wouldn't see a problem with telling people to get counseling before the marriage license - I think it would do a lot of good for people to just talk things through before making a decision.

Where I do have a major problem is the idea that you either get church counseling or you're forced to pay for it. (Plus, there is also the rather odd idea that a pastor is immediately considered as a valid marriage counselor. I can think of a few denominations that would merely ask the husband "Will you be faithful?" and then tell the woman "You better do what he says - or else.")

If there were a way to ensure free, professional counseling (even a simple licensure program), I wouldn't have an issue. As it stands, I hope Vilsack vetoes it.

(But then prepare for the "anti-marriage" television ads....)

[Hobarticus]

4. My thoughts exactly...

The idea of it doesn't bother me, but why should it be free if you go through a church?

I dropped Tom a note about it. I hope he vetoes it too.

Getting married in August, so I guess we'll be applying for our license early.

[Carni]

3. My feelings... this is bullshit

The government (state or otherwise) has no business meddling in who is ready to be married - where the HELL am I living???

[Hobarticus]

5. Drop the Guv a letter...

http://www.governor.state.ia.us/comments/capitol_correspond/index.html