Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Minnesota Legislature Places Anti-marriage Amendment on 2012 ballot

Without a Budget in Place, Legislature Wastes Time on Social Issues

WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, admonished the Minnesota legislature for ignoring the real needs of Minnesotans and instead placing an anti-marriage amendment on the 2012 ballot. The state House passed the proposal by a 70-62 vote, following Senate action last week.

“At a time when all Minnesota families are sharing concerns over the economy, it is appalling that the legislature would seek to harm a segment of those families rather than pass a budget,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We are confident, however, that when November 2012 arrives, Minnesotans will reject these divisive tactics.”

HRC has been working closely with OutFront Minnesota, Project 515, supportive legislators, labor and other progressive organizations in the state to oppose this measure in the legislature. Together, the group has been planning a winning campaign to defeat this amendment with the newly formed coalition, Minnesotans United for All Families.

“Minnesota voters are being asked to amend our constitution to ban same-sex marriage. In 2012, Minnesota will vote "NO" on this anti-family ballot question. In Minnesota, we treat others like we want to be treated,” said campaign spokesperson Donald McFarland. “Our campaign is hitting the ground running and we plan on using every resource available to defeat this anti-family constitutional amendment. I invite every Minnesotan to take the first step in defeating this measure by visiting http://www.minnesotansunitedforallfamilies.org and signing up to volunteer.”

Currently, 29 states have constitutional amendments prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples. However, a recent Star-Tribune poll showed the majority of Minnesota residents oppose the amendment.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/25/2024 06:07