On this day in 2009, Iowa became one of the first places in the US to legalise same-sex marriage.

The decision came via the landmark Varnum v. Brien ruling, in which the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Within days of the ruling, nearly 400 couples applied for marriage licences, with many granted waivers to wed immediately in impromptu ceremonies on the steps of public buildings.

Just two other states in the US, Massachusetts and Connecticut, recognised same-sex marriage at the time.
Days later, Vermont became the first to legalise same-sex marriage through a legislative vote.

It would take another six years for marriage equality to be recognised nationwide in the US.