My gay and lesbian friends, my partner, and I thank our heterosexual allies for support in opposing the proposed constitutional ban on same sex marriage in Minnesota. Thanks for the “VOTE NO” letters, signs, t-shirts, donations and your vote against the proposed limiting amendment. We are heartened by the help.
But people need to hear from us too. We are the ones most affected by this upcoming vote. To anybody questioning how to deal with this issue, know this—we are your neighbors, not some dark force lurking in the shadows.
In Cook County, we are nurses, ministers, artists, cooks, teachers, social workers, carpenters, students, business owners, government employees and retirees. We work and play hard, pay taxes, shop, garden, volunteer, raise children, etc.
Many of us are in long-term, committed relationships. We hope that someday we can legally marry and have the same legal rights and societal blessings as others.
It’s not about threatening your marriage. In many progressive countries, eight U.S. states and the District of Columbia with legalized marriage for everyone, the marriages of straight couples have not been affected.
It’s not about forcing churches to perform wedding ceremonies for us. Hundreds of religious leaders in Minnesota have joined the movement to Vote No. They are many Lutherans, the UCC, some Methodists, Jewish leaders, Presbyterians, and even some progressive Baptists and brave Catholics. Thanks to the few ministers in Cook County that have joined too.
It’s not about flaunting our sexuality. We are who we were born to be. Yes, I would like to feel safe holding his hand while walking down the road. Is that flaunting? Think about the hypocrisy in the “flaunting” argument.
It’s not about “moral decay” as some suggest. The real moral decay is people bullying others, denying compassion, even denying them their lives. Homosexuality has been around for an eternity. We are part of the fabric of life. We have contributed to the progress and creativity of humankind. It’s time for society to embrace us for what we are… an important piece of the complex puzzle of life. Marriage is the next step.
The ballot question is divisive but it doesn’t need to be. If we follow the golden rule and believe we are all created equal and deserve the right to happiness, it is a no-brainer. We’d all VOTE NO.
Even then, it will still be illegal for same sex couples to be joined in a legal marriage. But at least the conversation can continue. If the amendment passes the possibility will be padlocked.
Think of your gay friends and neighbors… you have nothing to lose and much to gain in standing up to the forces of fear and bigotry. It’s only about love. Someday I want to marry the one I love, just like you. Vote NO on the marriage amendment and help us move closer to that goal. You won’t be disappointed.
Kent O. Jones
Grand Marais
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