FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone Number: (763) 218 – 4810

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – Minnesotans United today announced the formation of the MN United PAC, a political action committee that will work to support and re-elect legislators who voted in favor of extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in 2013.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone Number: (763) 218 – 4810

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – In a historic moment tonight on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, Governor Mark Dayton officially signed the freedom to marry into law, surrounded by legislators, families, and more than 6,000 Minnesotans who made today a reality. Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012 and led the effort at the Capitol to secure the freedom to marry in 2013, released the following statement following tonight’s event:

“Today would never have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans who believe that freedom means freedom for everyone. Just two years ago, today was nearly unimaginable – but over the last 24 months, Minnesotans proved that we don’t turn our backs on family. Minnesotans United rejoices today with the thousands of Minnesota families and children who will soon have the freedom to marry and be treated fairly and equally by their government, and we thank the thousands of Minnesotans and partner organizations who worked tirelessly to ensure that this day finally arrived.

Across all political backgrounds and religious beliefs, Minnesotans spoke up and affirmed what we already knew to be true: Marriage matters, and it is a basic freedom that should not be denied to some simply because of who are they. Governor Dayton’s signature today makes the dreams of so many families a reality, and makes Minnesota a more free and fair place for all who call it home.”

OutFront Minnesota and Project 515 founded Minnesotans United moments after the Legislature passed the marriage amendment in 2011, and have been critical partners in the campaign’s success over the last two years.

“With the governor’s signature, 515 Minnesota laws that have excluded same-sex couples and their families based on marriage will be on the way to becoming 515 laws that include same-sex couples and their families in the respect and protection that only come from marriage,” said Ann Kaner-Roth, Executive Director of Project 515. “I know I speak for more than 10,000 same-sex couples in Minnesota when I say thank you to the legislature, to the governor, and to the people of Minnesota.”

Added OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Monica Meyer: “OutFront Minnesota has been working toward this day for 26 years. We would like to thank the courageous individuals who stepped forward and risked everything to come out and work for LGBT equality. We were able to achieve this success today because they paved the way for all of us.”

Minnesotans United is also grateful to several national organizations that helped make today’s victory possible:

“The freedom to marry passed with bipartisan support and the bold leadership of five Minnesota Republicans,” sad Jeff Cook-McCormac of the American Unity Fund. “They have done the right thing and the voters will reward them for being courageous and consistent with their small-government, pro-freedom values.”

“Freedom to Marry is honored to have partnered with Minnesotans United in this extraordinary effort to engage the people of Minnesota in a dialogue that led to the defeat of a constitutional amendment last year, and the inclusion of same-sex couples in marriage today. Congratulations to Governor Dayton and legislative leaders, who have demonstrated that in Minnesota, freedom means freedom for everyone,” said Thalia Zepatos, Director of Public Engagement for Freedom to Marry.

“Minnesota is a perfect example of the progress we’ve made on marriage equality in America,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin.  “Voters in Minnesota brought anti-equality efforts to a screeching halt on Election Day, and yesterday state leaders in St. Paul made it clear that all Minnesota families are equal in the eyes of the law.  Thank you to Gov. Dayton and all who made marriage equality a reality for the North Star State.”

Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force concluded: “This has been a long journey of changing hearts and minds, of breaking down walls and shining a spotlight on our common humanity. The many years of door-knocking, phone calls and poignant conversations about why marriage matters have made a difference. The transformative nature of people talking about their love and their lives is clear, as we see in reaching this milestone in Minnesota, and in the fact that a clear and growing majority of Americans supports the freedom to marry.”

“We congratulate Minnesotans United and everyone who worked so hard to secure the freedom to marry for all Minnesotans. We are proud to stand with them as a partner in this victory.”

Minnesotans United is the campaign that successfully won the freedom to marry for all loving and committed Minnesota couples in 2013.  

# # #

Monday, May 13, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – By a historic and bipartisan vote of 37-30, the Minnesota Senate today voted in favor of House File 1054, a bill that extends civil marriage to same-sex couples while protecting the religious freedom of all Minnesotans.

Governor Mark Dayton will officially sign the freedom to marry for same-sex couples into law tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14, at 5:00pm on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesotans United – the campaign that led the successful defeat of the marriage amendment in 2012 and has been working to secure the freedom to marry for same-sex couples at the Legislature during the 2013 legislative session – released the following statement:

“Today, we celebrate with thousands of families across our state as Minnesota has written a new page in the history books. Nearly two years ago to the day, the Minnesota Legislature put a hurtful amendment on the 2012 ballot that would’ve permanently excluded same-sex couples and their families from marriage. It was a conversation that no one had asked for – but an important one to have. Over the last two years, countless Minnesotans have shared their stories and talked about why marriage matters to all families – which brought about the first-ever defeat of such an amendment and carried Minnesota through to this extraordinary moment in time.

The Minnesota Senate has just taken a historic step towards affirming what we already know to be true: Marriage is about the love, commitment, and responsibility that two people share, and it is time to stop denying that to some Minnesotans just because of who they are. Tomorrow will be a joyful day for thousands of families as Governor Dayton finally is able to sign the freedom to marry for all Minnesotans into law.”

 Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

Supporters of the freedom to marry will be at the Capitol in large numbers to witness this historic day for Minnesota. If the Minnesota Senate passes the bill, it will head to Governor Dayton to be signed into law!

Make plans to join us at the Capitol, and plan to get there early! Stay tuned for more updates.

Be sure to let us know you’ll be there: RSVP on Facebook!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone Number: (763) 218 – 4810

Thursday, May 9, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – By a bipartisan vote of 75-59 moments ago, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted in favor of House File 1054, a bill that extends civil marriage to same-sex couples. The legislation as passed also protects the important freedoms of clergy members and religious organizations to practice their deeply held beliefs free from government intrusion.

The bill now heads to the Minnesota Senate for final passage on Monday, May 13, where it is expected to pass with bipartisan support.

In response to this historic vote by the House of Representatives, Minnesotans United released the following statement:

“Today, Minnesota moves one significant step closer to finally securing the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. This is the first time in history that legislation to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples has passed a body of the Minnesota Legislature, and we are deeply grateful to the 75 leaders in Minnesota House of Representatives who listened to their constituents and chose to stand on the side of love and family by voting yes. This is an outstanding day of celebration for thousands of Minnesotans who yearn for the day that they are treated fairly under the law, and we are confident that the Minnesota Senate will approve this bill on Monday. It is time for all Minnesotans to have the freedom to marry they person they love.”

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone: 763-218-4810

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – In advance of the historic vote in the Minnesota House of Representatives on extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples, Representative David FitzSimmons, (R – Albertville) today introduced an amendment to House File 1054 that would insert the word “civil” in front of marriage in Minnesota state statute.

Minnesotans United Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom released the following statement in response to this development:

“Minnesotans United supports this amendment, and we will encourage the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives to support it as well. Representative FitzSimmons’ amendment affirms the fact that Minnesotans want same-sex couples to have the freedom to marry in our state while also ensuring that clergy members and religious institutions are free to practice their beliefs free from government intrusion. We applaud Representative FitzSimmons for introducing this amendment, and we are hopeful that it will bring even more bipartisan support to House File 1054.”

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

May 8, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – On the night before the Minnesota House of Representatives casts a historic vote on the bill extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in Minnesota, a group of interfaith leaders and marriage supporters from a variety of faith traditions will come together in prayer and vigil at Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill Church.

Minnesotans United – the campaign working to secure the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in 2013 – has organized the event to mobilize supporters and set a positive tone in advance of Thursday’s vote.

WHAT:
Freedom to Marry Vigil

WHERE:
Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill Church
105 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
7:00 – 8:00pm

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

On the eve before the Minnesota House of Representatives historic vote on the bill extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in Minnesota, supporters from a variety of faith traditions will come together in prayer and vigil at the State Capitol.

Raising our voices together in song, prayer, and reflection, we still stand in witness for the love and commitment present in all families.

Join faith leaders and supporters across many faiths on the South Steps of the Minneosta State Capitol for this historic vigil in wait of the freedom to marry for all Minnesotans.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives announced that HF1054, a bill to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples while strongly protecting religious freedoms in our state, will receive a vote on the House floor on Thursday, May 9.

House leadership has repeatedly said that HF1054 would not come before the House floor until the necessary 68 votes to pass it were secured. Today’s announcement signals that those votes have been secured and that the freedom to marry legislation will pass and move to the Senate floor for a final vote.

“Thursday’s vote in the Minnesota House of Representatives will be a historic victory for thousands of same-sex couples and families in our state,” said Minnesotans United Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom. “We are confident that the necessary votes to extend the freedom to marry for same-sex couples have been secured and that HF1054 will pass the House floor. The Minnesota House of Representatives is now poised to make Minnesota the next state to grant civil marriage to same-sex couples and their families by affirming what we already know to be true: Marriage is about the love, commitment, and responsibility that two people share, and it is a basic freedom that should no longer be denied to some simply because of who they are.”

The Minnesota Senate is expected to vote on granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry soon after HF1054 has passed through the House of Representatives. Passage in that body is expected as well, paving the way for Governor Dayton to sign this critically important legislation into law before the end of the 2013 legislative session.

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013. 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone Number: (763) 218 – 4810 

Monday May 6, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – With just two weeks left in the 2012 legislative session, Minnesotans United today debuted the “Countdown to Marriage,” a new effort to urge legislators and leadership at the Minnesota State Capitol to take action this year on the historic legislation to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry.

The “Countdown to Marriage” will serve as a daily reminder to marriage supporters statewide that Minnesota is on the brink of finally allowing same-sex couples the freedom to marry and protect their families.

“We are confident that votes on the freedom to marry will happen in the Minnesota Legislature,” said Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom. “And we are hopeful that Senate File 925 and House File 1054 will pass with bipartisan support. Our new Countdown to Marriage effort will both urge our supporters to contact their elected officials and encourage the members of the Minnesota Legislature to act in the best interest of Minnesota families by passing these bills this year. Thousands of families are headed by same-sex parents in our state, and they should not have to wait another day for the joys, opportunities, and responsibilities that come with marriage.”

The first “Countdown to Marriage” graphic can be found here.

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

The end of the 2013 legislative session is near, and we now have less than a month to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples here in Minnesota. Please join us at Chester Creek Cafe on Monday, May 6 for a special reception to support Minnesotans United. This will be a great chance to meet with other marriage supporters from the Duluth area and learn more about the work being done to win the freedom to marry in the coming weeks.

Chester Creek Cafe will be offering complimentary appetizers and a cash bar, and “I support the freedom to marry!” buttons, t-shirts and bumper stickers will available for purchase.

Suggested donations:
$25 – $50 – $75 – $100

Please contribute online in advance or plan to donate in-person on May 6.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone Number: (763) 218 – 4810  

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – Building off the growing momentum across Minnesota to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in 2013, Minnesotans United today announced the release of a new broadcast television ad featuring former Minnesota State Representative, Republican, and Iraq War veteran John Kriesel.

A similar ad aired in the final days of the 2012 election and was pivotal in helping to defeat the harmful constitutional amendment that would have permanently excluded same-sex couples from marriage in Minnesota. The new version of this ad urges Minnesotans to contact their legislators and tell them that it is time for all Minnesotans to enjoy the basic freedom to marry.

“Like many Minnesotans, Representative Kriesel’s personal experiences are what brought him to the conclusion that loving and committed same-sex couples deserve the freedom to marry,” said Richard Carlbom, Minnesotans United Campaign Manager. “In the next three weeks, the Minnesota Legislature has the historic opportunity to make Minnesota a more fair and free state by including same-sex couples and their families in marriage. No Minnesotan should have to wait any longer to enjoy the happiness and security that comes through marriage, and no Minnesota family should have to live another day being told that they are less worthy than any other family.”

The six-figure ad buy will run on broadcast stations statewide beginning Wednesday.

Click here to watch the ad.

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013. 

# # #

April 25, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – Today, several major advocacy groups for women announced their support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Minnesota, adding to the growing chorus of Minnesotans throughout the state calling on the legislature to act this year to protect families by extending the freedom to marry.

“This legislation represents our core values of respect for the individual and the value of diversity,” said Laura Fredrick Wang, Executive Director of The League of Women Voters Minnesota. “We fully support the freedom to marry and as it comes up for a vote we will urge all legislators, regardless of political party, to vote in favor of this important and common sense bill.”

“At the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, we hold the value of inclusion and are committed to equality, justice and human rights for all. As such, the freedom to marry for loving and committed same sex couples is a legislative priority we support,” said Lee Roper-Batker, president and CEO, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

The full list of women’s advocacy organizations that have announced their support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples so far includes:

National Organization for Women- Minnesota Chapter
League of Women Voters Minnesota
The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota
DFL Feminist Caucus
National Council of Jewish Women- Greater Minneapolis
Women’s Resource Center of Winona

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone: 763-218-4810

“The research and medical community have spoken,” said Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom, “Extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples is not only the right thing to do, but it also necessary for supportive and stable households. It’s time for Minnesota to protect these families and pass this bill.”

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone: 763-218-4810 

April 18, 2013 – Saint Paul, MN – Minnesotans came out in numbers today despite icy, rainy conditions to rally on the steps of the Capitol in support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, one of the most anticipated votes the state legislature will take as it nears the end of the 2013 legislative session. More than 1000 Minnesotans attended today’s rally to show that marriage matters to all Minnesotans and that passing legislation to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples this year is critically important.

“Religious organizations will always have the freedom to decide who they choose to marry, but under the constitution of the United States – as an American citizen – you have a right to the same guarantees and protections as anyone else,” said Governor Mark Dayton, kicking off the rally. “Fundamental to our way of life and society is the freedom to marry the person you love.”

“Marriage is a building block in our society, so why wouldn’t we want more people to share in it?” asked Reverend Bradley Schmeling of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. “If marriage is good for some of us, it’s good for all of us.  If God is committed to loving the whole human race without exception, then we stand with people who are committed to one another, without exception.”

“Marriage is a promise – a unique bond – between two people who love one another. All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to share in the joys and responsibilities of marriage,” added Senator Scott Dibble, the chief author of SF925. “It is time for our government to stop denying some Minnesotans the freedom to marry the person they love simply because of who they are.”

Other speakers at the Lobby Day 2013 rally included Representatives Karen Clark and Susan Allen, Alec Fisher, Vangie Castro & Linda Kvall of Rochester and Bill Chaffee & Chip Martin of Saint Cloud, with a live musical performance by singer/songwriter Mason Jennings.

“This was a very important day for Minnesotans who believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly under the law,” concluded Minnesotans United Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom. “Same-sex couples live and work right here in Minnesota. They raise families, run businesses, serve in the military and contribute to society, and they deserve the same freedoms as anyone else. Today’s Lobby Day was an incredible testament to how strongly Minnesotans support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Now is the time and this is the year for the Minnesota Legislature to do the right thing.”

# # #

April 11, 2013 – St Paul, MN – 26 prominent business leaders today sent a letter to Governor Mark Dayton, Speaker Paul Thissen, Majority Leader Tom Bakk and members of the Minnesota Legislature urging them to support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples this legislative session. The letter outlines the compelling business argument in favor of the freedom to marry and comes the same week that AFSCME Council 5 and leaders from four of Minnesota’s major political parties announced their support of SF925/HF1054.

To read the letter in it’s entirety, click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Loesch, Communications Director
Phone: 763-218-4810 

April 10, 2013 – St. Paul, MN – Leaders from nearly all of Minnesota’s major political parties formally joined the Minnesotans United coalition today to urge state lawmakers to support the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples by passing SF925 and HF 1054 this year. This unified message follows the announcement this week that one of Minnesota’s largest unions, AFSCME Council 5, also supports marriage for same-sex couples and is urging the Legislature to take action this year.

“Marriage matters to Minnesotans,” said Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota DFL. “We value the institution of marriage and the dignity of every Minnesota family. The Minnesota DFL is proud to stand unified with a diverse group of political leaders urging the Minnesota Legislature and our Democratic majorities to make haste and extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in 2013, and we will work diligently to ensure passage of this important legislation this year.”

Matt Lewis, Executive Committee Member of the Independence Party of Minnesota, echoed Martin’s sentiments. “One of our core values as a party is an inclusive government that embraces diversity and protects the rights of all citizens. Marriage is a basic freedom that all Minnesotans deserve, and the Executive Committee of the Independence Party of Minnesota firmly believes that passing the freedom to marry this year is in the best interest of our state and all its residents.”

“The Republican Party and its members are increasingly moving in a direction that supports the freedom to marry for all,” said Ken Smoron, Chairman of the Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans in a statement. “In accordance with our conservative values of limited government and individual liberty and responsibility, the Log Cabin Republicans strongly support this legislation and urge all legislators, Republican and Democrat, to vote in favor.”

Added Bob Odden, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Minnesota: “Regardless of political beliefs or identifications, Minnesotans believe in the inherent rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Minnesotans.  What could be more tantamount to the pursuit of happiness than being able to marry the person you love? The Libertarian Party is proud to work with Minnesotans United to end this unnecessary government intrusion into the personal lives of Minnesotans.”

Former Green Party Chairman Cam Gordon and Libertarian Party Candidate for Vice President James P. Gray also joined the event today to express their support of Minnesotans United and the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Minnesota.

Minnesotans United, the campaign that successfully defeated the hurtful marriage amendment in 2012, is committed to securing the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples in 2013.

# # #

Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice
Eric Magnuson

&

Earl R. Larson Professor of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Law at the
University of Minnesota Law School
Dale Carpenter

Wednesday, April 24 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Dorsey & Whitney
50 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis MN

Host Levels
Chair: $5,000    Co-Chair: $2,500    Host: $1,000
Co-Host: $500    Supporter: $250    General Attendee: $100

In 2013, Minnesotans United is committed to ensuring that all loving and committed couples have the freedom to marry in our state. We hope you will join us for this special fundraising event.

On March 26 and 27, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments for two historic cases about the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson will share his experience on the Prop 8 case. The Prop 8 case was the subject of a meeting of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers in September 2011. Justice Magnuson participated in a mock deliberation of the case with three other former state Supreme Court justices.

Professor Dale Carpenter is the author of Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas.  Along with several other federalism scholars, he filed an amicus brief asking the Court to strike down DOMA as unconstitutional. Professor Carpenter recently attended the Supreme Court hearings in March, and will share his perspective on the DOMA case.

To RSVP please email Maria De La Cruz

If you cannot attend, please consider making a contribution to Minnesotans United today.

For more information, please contact:
Maria De La Cruz: maria@mnunited.org or (612 ) 270-2307

This event is not open to the media. For all media inquries, please contact:
Jake Loesch, Communications Director: jake@mnunited.org.

Wednesday, April 17
6:00 – 8:00pm

 Hosted by Ann & Brad Swanson at their home:
1873 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul

Co-host Levels
$250 | $500 | $1000 | $2500

To RSVP send an email to Maria De La Cruz at maria@mnunited.org

Please donate online here or plan to contribute at the event.

This event is not open to the media. For all media inquries, please contact:
Jake Loesch, Communications Director: jake@mnunited.org.