The following statement was released this morning by Iowa Gov. Chet Culver in response to the Iowa Supreme Court decision that legalizes gay marriage:

“The decision released this morning by Supreme Court addresses a complicated and emotional issue, one on which Iowans have strong views and opinions on both sides. The next responsible step is to thoroughly review this decision, which I am doing with my legal counsel and the Attorney General, before reacting to what it means for Iowa.”

Culver had said in January 2008 that if the Supreme Court ruled against marriage being only between one man and one woman, that he would call a special session to “deal with it.” The legislature is currently finishing up the final days of its 2009 session.

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, responded to the ruling with his own statement:

“My personal view has been that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I have voted in support of that concept. But I also fundamentally believe that same sex couples in a civil union should be entitled to all the basic legal protections and benefits of marriage. The Court found that it is necessary to afford same sex couples the ability to marry in order to allow them those legal protections and benefits. I will respect and support that decision and I hope that other Iowans can do the same. I know that this decision will be very hard for many to accept but I also know that it will provide many committed same sex couples and families important rights, as well as an important sense of recognition and belonging.”