Press Release from Humanists of Minnesota Against the Proposed Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman
Humanists of Minnesota strongly condemns the proposed amendment to the Minnesota state constitution that would restrict marriage to heterosexual couples. We urge all Minnesotans to vote against this misguided and discriminatory amendment.
Humanists, with our commitment to human well-being and the use of science and reason in ethical deliberation, reject discriminatory treatment under the law on the basis of same sex attraction and fidelity. Through evidence and observation, humanists understand that expressions of sexuality naturally fall along a broad continuum. We therefore submit that laws governing our common civic life, in this case marriage, must favor science and human reason above sectarian belief and traditionalist dogmas.
Codifying discrimination is never acceptable and cannot withstand the test of law (see previous slavery, Jim Crow, sodomy laws, etc). The proposed marriage amendment does unnecessary harm to same sex couples and would enshrine into the state constitution a form of bigotry that is fast fading. The amendment serves no public good and must be defeated. As humanists we will work with other people of good will through the Minnesotans United for All Families toward that end.
Humanists of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to education and the betterment of society through Humanism. Learn more about us on the web at humanistsofmn.org
This statement was adopted unanimously by the board of Humanists of Minnesota on April 11, 2012.
Contact person: Scott Lohman, President, 612-521-4766
