Defenders of traditional marriage in Iowa are considering their options after the state's supreme court struck down a ban on same-sex marriage.

But they have an uphill climb if they want to pass a constitutional amendment.

The legislators need to allow the people to do it," said the Alliance Defense Fund's Jordan Lorence. "They have a difficult process. It's got to pass the legislator twice and then a vote of the people. It's easier in states like California it would be an act of extreme judicial arrogance as well as elitism by the legislators if they do not allow the people to vote on it. If this goes not to the people, the people will affirm in Iowa even traditional marriage of one man, one woman."

Activists on both sides of the issue claim the sight of same-sex unions in the nation's heartland will spur other states to take action.

The legal director for one gay rights group believes one day the whole nation will allow gay marriage.

"People are coming to understand that this is inevitable," said Lambda Legal's Jon Davidson.

Opponents reject that notion.

Iowa is now the third state to recognize gay marriage, following the lead of Massachusetts and Connecticut.