A Noble and Worthwhile Endeavor

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Project 515 is working with law-makers
to propose legislation to ensure equality
for Minnesota same-sex couples and their families
during times of illness and death

Project 515 is an initiative first launched in October 2007 that works to ensure that same-gender couples and their families have equal rights and considerations under Minnesota law. The organization envisions a world of equality where “all families are equally valued and respected under the law and in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities.”

And the significance of “515”? Well, the 2006 Equality of Minnesota statewide survey revealed that “a significant gap exists between the fairness Minnesotans value and what actually occurs under Minnesota law,” say the founders of Project 515. “Nearly eight out of ten Minnesotans said they think government should treat people no differently because of their sexual orientation, and seven out of ten Minnesotans said they believe ‘gays and lesbians should have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else.’ Yet at least 515 Minnesota laws treat gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships unfairly and unequally.”

Accordingly, Project 515 is committed to changing the debate around long-term same-gender relationships, primarily by identifying the 515 Minnesota laws that contribute to the unfairness same-gender couples and their families experience in Minnesota. As I’m sure you’d agree, it’s a noble and worthwhile endeavor that the good folks at Project 515 are committed to.

Recently, the executive director of Project 515, Laura Smidzik, shared details about an important initiative being undertaken by Project 515 at the Minnesota Legislature.

Following is the text of Laura’s e-mail.

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Dear Friends,

Last week at the State Capitol, Project 515 proposed legislation to ensure equality for Minnesota same-sex couples and their families during times of illness and death.

Minnesota Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL, Duluth) and Minnesota Representative Erin Murphy (DFL, St. Paul), who are sponsoring the Final Wishes bill, joined Project 515 to discuss the need for these proposals. They include:

1. The Final Wishes Proposal, which will provide same-sex partners equal opportunities to honor the final wishes of their partners without the creation of costly legal documents that may fail to guarantee this right.

2. The Preserving One’s Home Proposal, which will allow same-sex partners and their families to stay in their homes following the death of a loved one.

3. The Justice After Wrongful Death Proposal, which will allow same-sex partners the same right as a married spouse to recover medical or funeral expenses through a wrongful death court case.

To read more and view photos from the press conference, go to Project 515 News & Events. Watch for updates and information in the coming weeks about how you can help us pass this legislation.

In the meantime, please tell a friend - or 515 friends! - and help us spread the word about Project 515’s mission to ensure that same-sex couples and their families have equal rights and considerations under Minnesota law.

To top off a great week, we held a very successful fundraiser in Minneapolis at the beautiful home of Project 515 Board Member Ron Beining and Mark Perrin. At the event we raised more than $28,000 for our legislative work for equality and fairness under Minnesota laws. Thanks to all of you for your continued support!

Laura Smidzik
Executive Director, Project 515


P.S. Be sure to listen at 11 a.m. Wednesday to KFAI (90.3 FM in Minneapolis, 106.7 FM in St. Paul or online at KFAI.org). I will be speaking about Project 515’s legislative goals and will be joined by others from the GLBT community who will discuss their public policy efforts.

Above (left to right): Sen. Dibble, Sen. Prettner Solon,
Project 515 Executive Director Laura Smidzik, Rep. Murphy
and Rep. Clark gather at the Capitol to announce proposed
legislation providing equality for same-sex couples
- January 27, 2009.

Recommended Off-site Links:
Project 515
OutFront Minnesota
Anti-Gay Arguments We Don’t Bother With (and Should): Part 1 - Gabriel Arana (Box Turtle Bulletin, January 29, 2009).
Anti-Gay Arguments We Don’t Bother With (and Should): Part 2 - Gabriel Arana (Box Turtle Bulletin, January 29, 2009).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Catholics Join in Nationwide Protests of Prop 8
OutFront Minnesota’s 2008 Lobby Day
OutFront Minnesota’s 2007 Lobby Day
Separate is Not Equal
Naming and Confronting Bigotry
Getting the Word Out
The Same People
The Same Premise
The Real Gay Agenda
Love is Love
What Straights Can Learn from Gay Marriage
Celebrating the Presence of God Within All Families