A resolution scheduled to be voted on tonight by the Sioux City council opposing same-sex marriage endorses discrimination and should be rejected, the ACLU of Iowa’s Executive Director Ben Stone said today.

“The resolution contains language stating that it is about ‘respect [for] the rule of law and majority opinion,’” Stone said. “Such rhetoric was commonly used by the cowardly defenders of prejudice and bigotry in the 1950s and 60s, and its use in this context is unfortunate. History reveals that many laws in American history were immoral despite their support by majority opinion, and Iowa’s so-called ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ is among them.”

Councilman Brent Hoffman authored the resolution, which would have very little real impact since cities lack authority over marriage. But with a decision on the state’s same-sex marriage pending from the Iowa Supreme Court, the hope, Hoffman said, is that the Sioux City vote will spark discussion of a statewide vote for a Constitutional amendment, a process that takes at least two years.

The council will meet tonight at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers, fifth floor of City Hall, 405 6th St., Sioux City.