IOWA -- Gay couples in Iowa are celebrating. Thursday afternoon, a Polk County judge struck down Iowa's ban on gay marriage.

The judge's ruling is the first of many more steps that need to happen before gays can marry.

KCRG-TV9 spoke to one of the six couples who filed the lawsuit against the state.
Kate and Trish Varnum fell in love seven years ago.

They invited family and friends to a special commitment ceremony back in October 2004.

"It was a statement to ourselves that we're in this for life," Kate Varnum said.

Now, they're eager to take their relationship to the next level.

"There's so many things. So many rights that you get with that little piece of paper that we don't have," Trish Varnum said.

Kate Varnum said, "Without marriage, there is no way for me to declare who Trish is in my life. She's a very important part of my life."

When Kate heard about the judge's ruling, she immediately reached for the phone and asked her partner a pretty serious question.

Trish Varnum said, "Kate called me and asked simply, 'Do you want to get married?' I couldn't answer because I was shocked. I was just so happy. I was elated. It was the most wonderful news I could imagine."

Kate Varnum said, "I believe the judge believes in fairness and that's what we believe in. This is right for all of Iowa."

The Varnums say they deserve the same benefits as every other married couple.

They love each other. They want to share the rest of their lives with each other.

And, they believe that's what marriage is all about.

Late Thursday afternoon, two Des Moines men applied for a marriage license. But they might not get it.

Polk county is already asking permission to postpone giving licenses until they can appeal the judge's decision.
Governor Culver says he opposes the ruling.

During his election campaign, Culver said he supported Iowa's law defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.

House Minority Leader Christopher Rants says he guarantees there will be a vote next session to ban gay marriage.