Please Consider Voting NO

Friends and family,

Tuesday, some of you will have the opportunity to vote on the Minnesota marriage amendment. I hope you will consider voting NO, and allow a future for everyone to marry the person they love.

This is why I will be voting NO:

• People who are gay make important contributions to society, and deserve the same rights and benefits that you and I have. People are people. Period.
• Despite claims, there is no solid proof that children raised with a mother and father are any better off than those raised in a home with two moms or two dads. To that point, plenty of heterosexual couples are doing a crappy job of raising kids, and they still have basic rights.
• Gay marriage does not threaten the sanctity of my marriage. My marriage is between me, my husband, and God.
• Marriage promotes stability, responsibility, and commitment. Aren't these also the cornerstones of our society? If two people love each other and want to build a relationship on these cornerstones, why are we trying to deny it?

I know this is a very uncomfortable topic for some. I am compelled to action on this topic for many reasons, the most important of which is I have someone in my life who I respect tremendously, who is in a committed gay relationship, and raising 3 great kids. And others in my life making their way - you know who you are.

"Same-sex couples want to marry for reasons similar to other couples. They want a lasting bond that can endure through good times and bad, through sickness and health, and that will bring stability as they continue life together."(From The Conservative Case for Same-Sex Marriage, published in the Star Tribune, written by Ken Mehlman, former Republican National Committee Chairman).

The irony of it all is, voting NO does not change anything right now. Gay couples will not suddenly have the freedom to marry. But this is one small step toward not limiting that reality in the future. It is not a political issue, it is a human rights issue. It is the civil rights movement of our time, and I hope you will thoughtfully consider voting NO.

With love and respect,
Jessica