Title
Opposing the proposed "Recognition of Marriage" constitutional amendment.
Body
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, the City of Saint Paul has long recognized the importance of equality for all citizens and has been a leader in supporting human rights, including the adoption in 1990 of an ordinance making it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and the adoption in 2009 of a Domestic Partnership Registry; 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 Saint Paul City Council joins the broad coalition of individuals and organizations stated above in supporting Minnesotans United for All Families and hereby opposes the proposed constitutional amendment entitled "Recognition of Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman," and urges Saint Paul and Minnesota citizens to vote "No" on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.