Residents in the Northern Suburbs Organize to Defeat Amendment That Would Limit the Freedom to Marry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kate Brickman, Press Secretary
Phone Number: 612-460-1219
June 11, 2012 – Coon Rapids, MN – More than 100 people packed the North Metro Minnesotans United for All Families office Sunday afternoon, coming together to work to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the freedom to marry in Minnesota.
At the Northern ‘Burbs Vote No, the group listened to a number of speakers from across Anoka and Chisago Counties.
“We got married for love. Crazy, crazy love,” said Val Mondor, Chisago City resident. “As I said to Beth in my vows when we were married in Canada, ‘you are my heart’s desire.’ Indeed, Beth and I married for love. And we live that love every day.”
Mondor emceed the event, introducing a number of others from the area who are working with Minnesotans United for All Families to have conversations with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers about why they’re voting no. Columbia Heights residents Tina Nelson & Kathleen Hollinger spoke about their commitment ceremony and desire to one day have their marriage recognized in Minnesota.
“At the end of the day, marriage is reaffirming every day that our relationship is what matters most in our lives,” said Nelson. “The fight we are facing with the amendment in November is the freedom to be the family we already are.”
Rev. Dr. David Breeden of the Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist church officiated the ceremony for Nelson and Hollinger years ago. He also spoke Sunday afternoon, saying he wished he could have legally married the women at his church.
“My Unitarian Universalist tradition says that yes, indeed, marriage is between one man and one woman. It ALSO is between one man and one man; one woman and one woman,” said Rev. Breeden. “Where is the religious freedom in this? Nowhere. Freedom of religion means allowing each congregation to decide for themselves who they do and do not marry. My religion and congregation believes marriage is between two loving, committed adults. And I’m not alone.”
Residents from all across the Northern suburbs got a chance to share their personal stories with one another, as well as hear from local organizers about the specific plans to defeat the amendment in their own communities.
“At the end of the day, this amendment simply limits our freedoms in too many ways,” said Mondor. “I know that come November, Minnesotans will stand up and say no to limiting the freedom to marry, to limiting the freedom of religion, to limiting the freedom of our future generation to have their say. Together, we will be the first state to defeat an amendment like this!”
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