Iowa Gov. Chet Culver believes religious marriage should be between a man and a woman. Why, then, does the Democrat believe the Iowa Supreme CourtâÄôs ruling was correct? âÄúThe church has the right to decide if it should be between a man and a woman,âÄù he told the Des Moines Register, adding that the court made a distinction between a civil marriage and a religious marriage. Love or hate the idea of gays and lesbians having the same marriage rights, by law, as all other Iowans, it is hard to argue that the court made a bad decision. ItâÄôs not about religion or personal beliefs âÄî itâÄôs about equal rights. ItâÄôs clear that Culver, who waited until last Wednesday to release an official statement, took his time coming to terms with the ruling. ThatâÄôs something all Iowans can take away from the governorâÄôs actions âÄî however politically calculated they may have been. Of course people disagree with the decision. But now is the time âÄî more than ever âÄî to really consider what this ruling means and come to terms with the fact every Iowan, regardless of gender, race or âÄî yes, sexual orientation âÄî has the same rights. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie said he knows it will take time, telling the Iowa State Daily that âÄúIt deserves more debate; it deserves more education.âÄù HereâÄôs the kicker: âÄúPeople âÄî only when they get to know other people âÄî do they get to respect and understand their point of view.âÄù If you donâÄôt understand that point of view, you might as well give it a shot. Things arenâÄôt going to change anytime soon. This editorial, accessed via UWire, was originally published in the Iowa State Daily at Iowa State University. Please send comments to [email protected].