Minnesota Legislature Passes a Proposed Constitutional Amendment

By Michael Crawford
May 24, 2011 at 12:42 pm

In a disappointing and decidedly divisive move, the Minnesota legislature passed a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution that would ban marriage for same-sex couples. The measure will be on the ballot in 2012. 

In an emotional debate, a number of legislators spoke eloquently against the measure and for the freedom to marry for all committed couples.

Rachel Maddow featured this segment on her show looking at two of the speeches.
 

 
According to a poll released in May 2011 by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, a majority of Minnesotans opposed the amendment. 
 
Shortly after the proposed amendment passed the legislature, the White House issued a statement opposing it.
 
The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples or to take such rights away. While he believes this is an issue best addressed by the states, he also believes that committed gay couples should have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.

Freedom to Marry will be working closely with groups in Minnesota to defeat the proposed amendment.