DES MOINES — Now that the Iowa Supreme Court has finished hearing oral arguments in the same-sex marriage case Varnum v. Brien, much will be written about what each side had to say to the court’s panel of justices.  But equally important is what did not happen at the courthouse today.

There were no mass protests on the steps of the building, no disruptive outbursts in the courtroom, and no major security incidents.  Even stragglers who entered the building minutes before arguments began were greeted by friendly security guards and a very short line to enter.

For an issue as emotional as same-sex marriage, one which has polarized the electorate here in Iowa and elsewhere for years, there was surprisingly little tension in the air.