Supporters of the temporary lift of the gay marriage ban in Polk County gathered to discuss their next step Tuesday.

One America, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy group, held a press conference to announce the start of the appeals process to the Iowa Supreme Court.

“We’re hoping to see a speedy discussion in the government’s halls,” said Brian Eslinger, lecturer of philosophy and religious studies and minister of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 N. Hyland Ave.

Lambda Legal, a civil rights group for LGBT citizens, will head One America’s defense.

One America’s and Eslinger’s hope is that the final piece of the puzzle, the legal piece, will finally come along.

“We believe that government or religion should not be used to deny people’s rights to choose partners,” said David Digby, pastor of First Christian Church, 611 Clark Ave. “It’s about treating families fairly under the law.”

He said allowing gays to marry goes along with what Jesus taught from the Bible, though the opposition often uses the Bible to fuel their own arguments.

“Jesus himself stood up for the marginalized people in society,” said Rev. Mary Jane Button-Harrison of First Christian Church.

Now people are starting to take another look at the theology of the church, Digby said.

“I think bigotry should never be disguised as religion,” he said.

Sean Fritz, senior in computer science, and Timothy McQuillan, junior in linguistics, who were married Friday, also attended the press conference.

Fritz and McQuillan are trying to stay positive about the pending court ruling and were happy the state recognized what they felt were their constitutional rights.

All three pastors agreed that what has been happening can be seen as a progressive step, albeit a radical one.

Now all they can do is wait as this case is sorted out through Iowa’s legal system.

Another gay couple, Mark Kassis and Terry Lowman, both of Ames, had a wedding ceremony Sunday, but their marriage is not legally recognized by the state.

However, Eslinger said that there is no question in his mind on whether the marriage is valid.

“In the eyes of our congregation, it’s a fully legal and holy marriage,” Eslinger said.