Letter: Understanding the Marriage Amendment
On Nov. 6, you have an opportunity to vote on the “Marriage Protection Amendment.” The ballot will read: “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?”By: Lyle and Marian Anderson, Ceylon; and others, Worthington Daily Globe
On Nov. 6, you have an opportunity to vote on the “Marriage Protection Amendment.” The ballot will read: “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?”
Minnesota already has a law defining marriage as one man and woman, but that can be changed by Congress or a judge. The passage of this amendment safeguards the definition of marriage from elected officials and puts it into the hands of you, the voters. However, there still seems to be confusion. Why is it so important?
Marriage as the union of one man and one woman has existed long before there was any government structure, and is a common feature in virtually every world religion. Marriage is unique because it is the intimate union of husband and wife that brings forth children, which is the basis of the family, the foundation of our society and the propagation of our culture. Governments have adapted this understanding of marriage because a strong family unit makes a stronger society.
Marriage is the only institution that unites the biological, legal and social aspects of parenthood into a single and lasting bond. This vote will not end the discussion on same sex marriage. It’s not that same sex unions are not a loving environment or can’t raise children, but they can’t bring forth children. It will not take away anyone’s individual rights or affect their current personal or legal relationships. The amendment simply sets the definition of marriage.
When voting on a Minnesota state amendment, leaving the ballot blank counts as a “no” vote. Educate yourself, learn what the amendment means, carefully read the ballot and vote “yes” on Nov. 6.
Lyle and Marian Anderson, Ceylon; Mike and Mary Brinkman, Jackson; Brian and Carla Coulter, Sherburn; Dave and Pam Guggisberg, Jackson; Harold and Mary Schweiss, Sherburn; Ken and Luci Schweiss, Welcome; and Dave and Sandee Svoboda, Jackson
Tags: opinion, letters, minnesota, politics
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