NCLR Responds to Minnesota Lawmakers’ Decision to Put Marriage Equality Ban on 2012 Ballot

Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell

(San Francisco, CA, May 23, 2011)—On May 21, 2011, the Minnesota House passed a proposal to put a constitutional amendment excluding same-sex couples from marriage on the state’s 2012 ballot, following Senate approval the previous week.

Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell:

"In a stunning betrayal of the promises that got them elected, Republicans in the Minnesota House voted late Saturday to place on the November 2012 ballot a constitutional amendment barring same-sex couples and their families from the protections of marriage. Rather than focusing on real problems affecting millions of Minnesotans, these elected officials chose tired scapegoating and divisive political games over policies to get their citizens back to work and save their homes and businesses. We know from hard experience that this ballot fight will be difficult, wrenching, and toxic for every Minnesota citizen. We stand with all fair-minded Minnesotans in condemning this cynical ploy and we will do all we can to support the campaign to defeat this shameful and destructive amendment.

No matter where you live, we must work to defeat this attack on our lives and our families. Please sign up with Minnesotans United for All Families to get involved, and take a stand against bigotry and injustice."

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
www.nclrights.org.

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