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Amendment wording clarified [UPDATED]
Published 9:50am Monday, October 22, 2012 Updated 11:52am Monday, October 22, 2012I am writing to clarify the Marriage Amendment that will be on our ballots on Election Day. It is worded in a confusing manner making people unsure which way to vote.
The amendment will ban same-sex marriage in our state. To “vote” yes is your agreement to forbid same-sex marriage. To vote “no” or leaving the box blank is your approval of same-sex marriage. Please be informed and vote accordingly.
Roberta Strauch
Fergus Falls
Actually, this isn’t entirely accurate. A “no” vote does not mean you approve of same-sex marriage. This would imply that if everyone voted “no” on the proposed amendment we would allow same-sex marriage in Minnesota. That is not the case. The vote isn’t to “approve” same-sex marriage, as Roberta implies. Your “no” vote will not do that – it will not change the laws of Minnesota whatsoever. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Minnesota and will remain so even if this proposed amendment is defeated. A “no” vote (or not voting on this issue, as Roberta correctly points out) means you do not wish to permanently write a definition of marriage into the state constitution. One can disapprove of same-sex marriage and still vote “no” so as not to restrict freedom in our state’s constitution.
Reasons to vote Yes.
If you hate certain people (you know who) but want to maintain that you’re a nice person, voting “yes” is an easy way to do onto others anonymously.
If you think allowing someone else the same rights you have will take away your right, you should vote “Yes”.
If you think it’s really cool to force your beliefs on others, then you should vote “yes”.
If you think as little bit of discrimination written into our constitution never hurt anybody, you should vote “yes”
If you think “Do onto others, as you would have them do unto you” is an old fashion concept, then do it to others by voting “yes”.
And if thinking for yourself really hurts your head you should vote “yes”.
Well, Ackermunk, if those are reasons to vote “yes”, then it is obvious that you are voting yes, as you just described yourself.
Confused again Bill?