|
Thursday, November 10, 2005 In what is already being referred to by
the
Star Tribune as a "pivotal political and cultural controversy"
nearly 100 people of faith gathered outside Grace Church in Eden
Prairie, Minnesota to protest the "Pastors' Summit" organized the
Minnesota Family Council and other organizations against marriage
equality. The impressive list of protest speakers included Phil Duran
(Legal & Policy Analyst for OutFront Minnesota), retired Bishop Lowell
Erdahl, Anthony Winer (Professor of Constitutional Law at William
Mitchell College of Law), former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, and parents
Randi & Phil Reitan (from Soulforce). Recently named as the
amendment's "key opponent" by the
Pioneer Press, OutFront Minnesota was there alongside parents,
clergy, and the rest of the GLBT community as a show of support that
people of faith support civil marriage equality. In response to the
encouraging turnout at today's vigil Executive Director Ann DeGroot
said, "OutFront Minnesota has proudly stood with these communities of
faith whose members have spoken up, not in contradiction to their faith,
but because of their spiritual values." As quoted in the
Associated Press, Phil Reitan, father of a gay son, spoke from
the heart saying, "We will not stand in silence while they debate our
child's worth. We will not stand in silence while they fan the flames of
fear with untruth. We will not stand in silence as they try to enshrine
discrimination in our constitution." Echoing this theme a statement from
DeGroot proclaimed, "We are here, we are questioning their
statements, and we will not be silenced!" Today's protest
reiterates the importance of community involvement and creating an
active role for yourself in the fight for marriage equality for same-sex
couples.
Register to attend the next People of Faith Roundtable on November
28th. Plan now to be a part of the TogetherMinnesota! "It's About More
Than Marriage" campaign, attend our next community meeting December 8th
(details TBA). |
