Iowa Governor Chet Culver believes religious marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Why, then, does the Democrat believe the Iowa Supreme Court’s ruling was correct?  “The church has the right to decide if it should be between a man and a woman,” 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.

It’s not about religion or personal beliefs — it’s about equal rights.

It’s clear that Culver, who waited until Wednesday to release an official statement, took his time coming to terms with the ruling.

That’s something all Iowans can take away from the governor’s actions — however politically calculated they may have been.

Of course people disagree with the decision. But now is the time — more than ever — to really consider what this ruling means and come to terms with the fact every Iowan, regardless of gender, race or — yes, sexual orientation — has the same rights.

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie said he knows it will take time, telling the Daily that “It deserves more debate; it deserves more education.”

Here’s the kicker: “People — only when they get to know other people — do they get to respect and understand their point of view.”

It’s time.

If you don’t understand that point of view, you might as well give it a shot.  Things aren’t going to change any time soon.

Judging by the crowd in Des Moines on Friday night, there are many people — real people — who have been touched by the monumental ruling.

There are approximately 5,800 same-sex couples in Iowa, so chances are most heterosexual Iowans know someone who is gay.

Get to know the people beyond the statistic. Furthermore, take an hour or two and read the Court’s 69-page decision. It’s long and time-consuming, but a worthwhile read.

More than anything, it outlines that Iowa is historically a leader in decisions involving social justice, and this is a clear case where the rights of human beings are on the line.

There are just over two weeks until same-sex marriages will be performed all over the state, whether religiously or otherwise.

Love it or hate it, there is no changing it.

This is the perfect opportunity to embrace it, accept it, learn more about it or come to terms with it — whatever your beliefs may be.