In 2004, Missouri passed a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriages from being conducted or recognized in the Show Me state. On April 3 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court determined that denying a marriage licenses on the basis of sexual orientation violated the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.  On May 1 2009, Ed Reggi and Scott Emanuel transported 17 Missouri same-sex couples to Iowa City to obtain Civil Marriages -- kicking off the first Show Me Marriage Equality bus Victory!

On Friday October 25, Bus #14 departs from St. Louis bound for Iowa -- filled with LGBT couples, along with their family, friends and witnesses.  When we return to St. Louis that evening, we will have transported over 750 Missouri and Illinois residents; furthermore, we will have legally married over 150 same-sex couples. And with the recent Supreme Court DOMA ruling, all of these couples are recognized by the United States Federal Government.

Why are we crowdfunding and raising money?
Not every couple can afford to drive up to Iowa and back in a day.  Remember, we are providing access to LGBT couples who typically would obtain a Civil Marriage License from City Hall within their community.  Your gift helps defray the largest cost for our project -- a 14-hour bus rental costing over $1500.

What our couples pay for:
- $50 contribution toward their bus seats
- $35 Iowa State Marriage License
- Any personal food expenses during the trip

What your contribution pays for:
Again, your monetary gift of $10, $35 or whatever you can afford, helps defray the costs of chartering a bus to Iowa City. All other expenses are donated by friends in both Iowa and Missouri or from our social media community. For example, every Show Me Marriage Equality Bus has a professional wedding photographer who generously donates her services. We've also had wedding cakes, flowers and clergy members ALL donate their typical wedding fees. Each bus is an estimated $5,000 of in-kind dontated services.