|
by John Helmberger
Chief Executive Officer Minnesota Family Council As this issue of the PFN goes to press, the 2005 Legislative Session is in special session — after the State Senate once again blocked our number one legislative goal — namely, passage of a bill that would give Minnesotans an opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage. This disappointing result is not for lack of effort. With your help, we mounted a more organized and aggressive initiative through Minnesota For Marriage, the coalition we formed to lead the charge. Together, we accomplished the following: • Partnered with a statewide prayer network. • Produced and distributed our Battle For Marriage video DVD to inform and mobilize churches and other groups. • Commissioned a statewide poll by a major national pollster to demonstrate the depth and breadth of voter support for a state marriage protection amendment. • Got the message to the media. • Intensified the grassroots pressure on senators blocking the amendment in key districts across the state. • Helped facilitate passage of the amendment bill in the House and got opponents on record with another vote in the Senate. • Turned out thousands for the Stand Together For Marriage Rally at the Capitol. Despite all this, leadership in the State Senate still refuses to let the people vote on the definition of marriage, determined to hold on to their political advantage at the expense of children and families. The Battle Is Not Over! However, the battle for marriage in Minnesota is far from over. The special legislative session called by Governor Pawlenty has given our allies in the legislature an opportunity to reintroduce the marriage amendment bill. It will also lower the requirement for passage of the bill in the Senate to a simple majority, or 34 votes, down from the 41-vote supermajority required since the April 12th deadline in the regular session. (Note: You may recall that April 12th was the day that Senate leadership cancelled their scheduled session to prevent Senator Michele Bachmann from making a final attempt to bring her marriage amendment bill to the Senate floor with a simple majority vote.) So now would be a good time to contact your legislators and urge them to support the marriage amendment bill if it is reintroduced during this special session, with no changes to the language. Be sure to thank them if they have supported the marriage amendment thus far. Express your disappointment if they haven’t supported the amendment, and remind them that 49 percent of voters statewide (more in outstate districts) are less likely to re-elect those who block the amendment. Stay tuned for more news on this development. Thank You! Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have engaged with us in this battle for marriage by your prayers, phone calls, e-mails, faxes, letters to the editor, attendance at the rally, financial support, and other means. Your efforts are making a huge difference, and will ultimately succeed as we persevere. I especially want to thank the following members of the Minnesota For Marriage team who have worked hard and long hours in this battle, often behind the scenes, each with a crucial role: — Gary Borgendale: Pastor Network Coordinator and Rally Director. — Chuck Darrell: Communications Director. — Dan Hall and Cathy Jo Severson: Prayer Network Coordinators. — Mike Tavernier: Field Coordinator. We all owe these individuals a debt of gratitude. May God bless them for their faithful service! |
|
Minnesota Family Council / Minnesota Family Institute 2855 Anthony Lane South, Minneapolis MN, 55418-3265 Phone 612.789.8811, FAX 612.789.8858, www.mfc.org |