Quote of the Day

It’s disturbing that Republicans want to use one of the last weeks of the legislative session to marginalize one group of people and divide our state. We are facing a $5 billion budget shortfall, yet Republicans believe the biggest threat to our state’s welfare is who is allowed to be married.

For same-sex couples, marriage is about economics; it’s about allowing families to take responsibility for each other and support their loved ones, creating strong households throughout our state. For this reason, there is significant evidence that the states that do the best economically are the ones that embrace diversity, not shut it out.

With this amendment, we are taking Minnesota in exactly the opposite direction of where we should be headed – toward a stronger economy that welcomes the contributions of all people.

– Sen. Scott Dibble of Minneapolis
Quoted in "Minnesota Republicans Offer Constitutional Amendment
to Ban Gay Marriage"
by Andy Birkey
Minnesota Independent
April 26, 2011

Recommended Off-site Links:
State GOP Seeking Vote to Define Marriage – Bob von Sternberg (Star Tribune, April 26, 2011).
Republicans Move to Put Same-Sex Marriage Ban on the Ballot – Tim Pugmire (Minnesota Public Radio, April 26, 2011).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment is Anti-Jobs, Anti-Business and Anti-Family – Digital Journal (April 26, 2011).
Amendment is Just a Red Herring – Albert Lea Tribune (April 27, 2011).
Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Offered by Minnesota Republicans – TheColu.mn (April 27, 2011)
Se. John Marty Talks About the Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment – TheColu.mn (April 27, 2011).
Senate Hearing Set for Anti-Gay Marriage Bills – The Colu.mn (April 27, 2011).
In Minnesota, the Time for Action is Now! – The Progressive Catholic Voice (April 27, 2011).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Quote of the Day – April 21, 2011
Governor Mark Dayton to LGBT Advocates: "I Stand with You"
A Celebration of Faith and Family; A Call for Compassion and Fairness
Quote of the Day – November 4, 2010
A Message for NOM (and the Catholic Hierarchy
Minnesotans Rally for Equality and Love
Responding to Bishop Tobin's Remarks on Gay Marriage
Archbishop Nienstedt Calls (Again) for a Marriage Amendment to Minnesota's Constitution
A Catholic Statement of Support for Same-Sex Marriage