HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpposition to Constitutional Amendment
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Technology Services
Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina City Council opposes proposed Constitutional Amendment
Edina, Minn., March 21, 2012 – The City of Edina has joined the cities of Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Louis
Park and Saint Paul in supporting marriage equality.
The Edina City Council at its meeting March 20 unanimously approved a resolution opposing the proposed
Constitutional Amendment to ban the legal recognition of same-sex relations and unions in Minnesota.
“The Edina City Council Resolution expressing opposition to the Marriage Amendment, passed unanimously,
supports the Council’s belief in fundamental equality under the law,” said Mayor James B. Hovland. “If there is
a constitutional right to be married, then that right should belong to every citizen together with the
governmental rights and benefits that accrue to marriage, without distinction.”
The resolution reads:
“WHEREAS, in 2011 the Minnesota State Legislature voted to include the following question on the election
ballot in November 2012: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one
man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?;” and
“WHEREAS, the proposed amendment would add a new Section 13 to the Minnesota Constitution stating:
“Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota;” and
“WHEREAS, constitutions historically have been designed and interpreted to protect minorities from the
arbitrary imposition of unjust barriers by the majority; and
“WHEREAS, the proposed amendment would be contrary to the purpose of our State Constitution to
protect the rights, privileges and freedom of conscience of all citizens by withholding from some individuals
and families important legal rights and obligations; and
“WHEREAS, Edina’s commitment to equality for all residents and citizens is shown, in part, by its adoption
and implementation of the City of Edina Domestic Partnership Ordinance in June 2010; and
“WHEREAS, a broad coalition of organizations, community and business leaders, faith, labor, progressive and
nonpartisan organizations, communities of color; and current and former elected officials have all joined to
defeat this amendment.
“NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Edina City Council joins the broad coalition of individuals
and organizations stated above in opposing the proposed constitutional amendment entitled, “Recognition of
Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman,” and urges Edina and Minnesota citizens to vote “NO”
on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.”
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
In 2010, Edina was one of the first cities in the state to adopt a Domestic Partnership
Ordinance. Today, 15 couples are registered with the City as domestic partners.
For more information about the Edina City Council, visit www.EdinaMN.gov.
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