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On Thursday, May 26th, the Minnesota House of Representatives
reintroduced the constitutional amendment to bar all legal recognition
of same-sex couples. Bills from the regular session that do not pass in
both the House and Senate do not carry over into special session. Any
bill to be considered during the special session must be reintroduced.
The supporters reintroduced the anti-marriage amendment to ensure that
the constitutional amendment is included in the debate as the House,
Senate, and Governor attempt to reach conclusion on a number of pressing
issues.
Two different authors introduced bills containing the same language on
Thursday: House File (HF) 8 and HF 12. The language and scope of HF 8 and HF 12 are identical to the anti-marriage amendment that passed the House
on March 31st by a 77 to 56 vote. The amendments being discussed would
deny all legal recognition to same-sex couples and their families,
including marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Once again, legislators need to hear from Minnesotans who are opposed to
discrimination and believe that the Constitution should never be used to
enshrine second-class status for GLBT people or anyone else.
Take Action:
- Call or e-mail your legislators with
the following message: "Please oppose the constitutional amendment
to ban civil unions, marriage, and all other forms of legal
protection for same-sex couples. This amendment mandates
discrimination for some of Minnesota families and it distracts
legislators from reaching resolution on pressing issues that affect
the quality of life for all of our state's families."
- Help us get the word out to others. Ask your friends and family
members to contact their legislators.
- Make a
donation to OutFront Minnesota. With your help, we'll continue
to lobby and monitor legislation.
Resources:
HF 8 authors:
Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee)
Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano)
Rep. Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton)
Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville)
Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids)
Rep. Judy Soderstrom (R-Mora)
Rep. Lynn Wardlow (R-Eagan)
HF 12 authors:
Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker)
Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud)
Rep. Phil Krinkie (R-Shorview)
Rep. Andy Westerberg (R-Blaine)
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