Why I Reject the Marriage Amendment, by MN Republican Wheelock Whitney

[Mister Ed]

Here in Minnesota, a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage will be on our ballot in November 2012. In an editorial featured in the Sunday Minneapolis Star Tribune, lifelong Republican stalwart Wheelock Whitney speaks out against the proposal.

I've included snippets below, but I recommend that you follow the link and read the piece in its entirety. Here is one man to whom the phrase "compassionate conservative" is no empty slogan.

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/131888533.html



Minnesotans will be voting in the fall of 2012 on whether to ban marriage for same-sex couples in our state Constitution. This issue should not have been thrust upon us. But now that it has been, we have an opportunity to transform a shameful referendum on the lives and legal protections of our fellow citizens into a historic victory for families and respect for human dignity. I will be voting "no" -- against the amendment -- and I urge my friends and all Minnesota voters to do the same.

...It is time we declare definitively that gay men and lesbians are a treasured part of our community...

...As a married man, I oppose this marriage amendment...my happiness has never depended on depriving others of their happiness...I am not threatened by seeing others find love and celebrate it...

...I oppose the amendment as a businessperson. A key to fostering a strong economic climate is attracting and retaining the best talent...Needless and hurtful laws like the proposed marriage amendment drive them away...

...There is nothing in my Republican value system that supports marriage bans in our Constitution, so I also oppose this amendment as a lifelong Republican...

...Finally, I have to add that I oppose this marriage amendment as a father and grandfather. One of my sons is gay, as is one of my grandchildren...Far from defending families, this marriage amendment is an attack on my family. It is an attack on thousands of families across this state. I won't sit by and just let it happen.

[Logical]

1. Wow, good for him!

[lunasun]

2. Here is one man to whom the phrase "compassionate conservative" is no empty slogan.

hmmmmmm If he did not have family members????...

...this is the party of it is only OK if it is me or my family doing it everyone else be damned

It is personal so not impressed
It is a good message but not impressed

Do hope it helps with the vote
BUT what a silly waste of state money and time to have these ugly hate laws put up for vote.....where are the teabaggers who do not like govrmnt spending or intrusion when these are on ballots???????????

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Whitney is an old-style Republican

from the days when Minnesota Republicans were quite sane and reasonable.