March 4, 2005
Chairman Jeff Johnson
Members of the House Civil Law and Elections Committee
401 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Dear Chairman Johnson and Members of the Committee:
We have two concerns regarding HF6, the proposed amendment
to the Minnesota Constitution on same-sex marriage, one procedural and one substantive.
Our procedural concern is that there will be only one hearing on HF6,
and that this hearing will be held outside of the statehouse. We believe that
it is appropriate for citizens in all areas of the state to have a voice on important
issues. However, holding only one hearing, and having this hearing in an area
of the state that will make it hard for many to attend, seems to go against the
principles of good government. It is also of concern that, as we understand
it, each side will have only one hour to testify, and then a vote will be held.
This hardly seems like enough time for adequate input and a thorough debate.
We ask that you have a second hearing at the State Office Building in St. Paul.
Our second and more important concern is substantive. We believe that the
proposed amendment amounts to an assault on a minority group. While the League
of Women Voters has no position on marriage, we do have a strong position in support
of equal opportunity in public services for all people. The proposed amendment's
language barring recognition of a "legal equivalent" of marriage appears to prevent
same-sex marriage partners from enjoying the privileges and responsibilities of
a civil union.
We believe that this highly divisive amendment is a dangerous and unnecessary
approach to resolving the ongoing debate over same-sex marriage, and it would turn
constitutional history on its head by requiring that Minnesota actually restrict
the civil rights of a portion of its citizens.
We ask you to please vote "no" on HF6.
Thank you for taking the time to hear our concerns.
Sincerely,
Helen Palmer, President
League of Women Voters of Minnesota
cc: Speaker Steve Sviggum
House Minority Leader Matt Entenza
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