Minnesota’s Independence Party announced this morning that it is joining the opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to one man and one woman.
“Our platform declares that ‘we oppose having the government impose state-sponsored morality or values on people of good conscience with differing views,’ ” said Mark Jenkins, the IP chair, in a statement. “This is a perfect example.’’
Jenkins, who also speaks to the issue in a blog on the party’s site, said the party will support the work of an umbrella organization, Minnesota United for All Families Coaltion, in opposing the proposed amendment that was advanced by the Republican-controlled Legislature during the last session.
Don McFarland, who heads the coalition, said the IP support shows that opposition to the amendment has a cross section of support in the state.
“This campaign is thrilled to have the support of the Independence Party,’’ McFarland said in a statement. “It is clear that Minnesotans across the political spectrum agree that government should not be deciding which Minnesotans have the opportunity to marry.’’
A number of labor organizations also have announced opposition to the proposed amendment.
Although it was Republican legislators, with support of leadership, that pushed for the proposed amendment, they seem to shy away from talking about the amendment.
For example, last week House leaders made a big production of talking about a statewide listening tour, which they have billed as Reform 2.0. When asked if they were concerned that the marriage amendment was going to overshadow all other political conversation in the coming year, there was an effort to quickly change the subject back to taxes and decreasing the size of government.
“It [the amendment] is a decision for the people to make,’’ said House Speaker Kurt Zellers, a supporter of the measure “We’re talking about reform in government.”
The All Families Coalition, like most other political organizations, will have a booth at the State Fair.
“It [the amendment] is a decision for the people to make,’’ said House Speaker Kurt Zellers, a supporter of the measure “We’re talking about reform in government.”
Mr. Zeller simply doesn’t understand the limits of majority rule in our society, at either the state or federal level. Might does not make right, in this or any other context. (Cue the theme from Camelot.)
While I personally believe that sexual orientation is no more a choice than one’s eye color, legally and morally it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s a choice or a genetically-environmentally dictated predisposition, government has no business determining who loves whom and then discriminating as to the protections afforded families on the basis of sexual orientation.
I’d have thought Republicans would understand that.
Kurt, didn’t the people already make that decision when they voted for their legislator? Gawd, what frauds!