Minnesotans will be voting in the fall of 2012 on whether to ban marriage for same-sex couples in our state Constitution. This issue should not have been thrust upon us. But now that it has been, we have an opportunity to transform a shameful referendum on the lives and legal protections of our fellow citizens into a historic victory for families and respect for human dignity.
. . . As a married man, I oppose this marriage amendment. . . . Marriage is deeply important to me. I have lived long enough and have been married long enough to know that it is fulfilling, but not easy. Many things can undermine a marriage. But my happiness has never depended on depriving others of their happiness. My marriage has never needed the exclusion of others from marriage. I am not threatened by seeing others find love and celebrate it.
. . . The bad news is that we are going to have to spend the next year fighting a useless and hurtful constitutional amendment. The good news is that we have the chance to become the first state in the country to vote down such a proposal.
We need do nothing heroic to defeat the amendment. We need not change our fundamental beliefs or values. We need only be the best version of ourselves – a people who don't slam the door on others, but instead bring them in from the cold.
See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Local Catholics Premier Video Series on Faith, Family and Marriage
In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics Are Changing Hearts and Minds
Javen Swanson: "Don't Get Disappointed, Get Organized"
Good News from the Minnesota State Fair
Sharing the Good News of Marriage Equality at the Basilica Block Party
Senator Scott Dibble's Message of Hope and Optimism
The Political Intrigue (and Money) Behind the MN Marriage Amendment
Opposition to the Marriage Amendment Grows
Law Professor: Marriage Amendment is Divisive and Mean-Spirited
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