Minnesota comes one step closer to enshrining discrimination in the state constitution. The House Committee on Rules and Administration narrowly voted 13-12 to advance a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage to the full chamber. The vote was met with vocal protests, reports the Minnesota Independent.
One Republican, Rep. Tim Kelly of Red Wing, joined the DFL in voting against the measure. DFLers pleaded with Republicans on the committee. "The founding fathers warned against tyranny of majority," said Rep. Kathy Brynaert, DFL-Mankato. "Don’t do this."
Rep. Kate Knuth, DFL-New Brighton, said. “Why take away rights in our constitution? Why tear the people of our state apart? It makes me physically ill to think of the division we’ll see.”
Rep. Carolyn Laine, DFL-Columbia Heights, said, “Clearly this isn’t about the sanctity of marriage; it’s about discrimination."
As the roll call was being taken, several protesters shouted “Shame!” and “You are damaging my life and my family!” One was dragged from the committee room.
The bill now heads to a House floor vote. If it passes the House, the amendment will appear on the 2012 ballot.
A majority of Minnesotans oppose amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, according to a Star Tribune-Minnesota Poll released last week.
Passing ridiculous marriage amendments they have plenty for? Really. The good ol' US of A!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 18 May 2011 at 17:21
The protesters should know better. When you yell, “You are damaging my life and my family!” to a Republican, all you’re doing is putting a smile on his face. It’s the very reward he seeks.
Posted by: Jim | 18 May 2011 at 23:56
IT'S TIME FOR SOME ACTION:
As I sit home watching the FREEDOM RIDERS special/documentary and think about the Civil Rights Movement, I am compelled to say OUT LOUD that in order to see REAL CHANGE in the country, the LGBTIQQA (ALL OF THE LETTERS) is going to have to take it to the streets. The fact that people are changing laws and I am NOT paying less taxes OR less insurance OR seeing any discounted rates for my homosexuality means that I am paying DISPROPORTIONATELY to the rights and privileges that I enjoy as an American "citizen."
So TODAY, it's time to get on the phone with our lawmakers in our cities and states and scream!!! It's time to start HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE, INCLUDING OURSELVES!
THIS IS SOME BULL**** and I'M NOT TAKING IT ANYMORE!!!
It's time for us to open up our MOUTHS and our CLOSETS and say YOU PICKED THE RIGHT ONE!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 19 May 2011 at 08:21