Next gay-marriage showdown could be in Minnesota

[w8liftinglady]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110627/ap_on_re_us/us_gay_marriage_next_battles_2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With New York now gearing up for same-sex weddings, the battle lines are forming for the next skirmishes over gay marriage — and the most dramatic could come in Minnesota.

Gay-marriage supporters in the Land of 10,000 Lakes will be working fervently to end a 31-state losing streak at the polls and defeat a proposed amendment on the 2012 ballot that would limit marriage to one-man, one-woman unions.

It's expected to be a closely fought campaign, attracting extensive out-of-state resources.

"The other side is certainly desperate for a victory at the ballot box. We expect to be outspent," said Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and a member of the coalition supporting the amendment.

If the amendment passes, in a state viewed as politically moderate, foes of gay marriage will be able to claim that the New York Legislature's vote Friday to legalize same-sex marriage did not turn the tide nationally. Their side will have extended a winning streak dating to 1998, with opponents of same-sex marriage prevailing every time it has been put to a popular vote.

[BlueJazz]

1. The twin cities have some pretty hip liberal people. Other parts of the state?...not so much.

[John Paul Jones]

2. "If the amendment passes, in a state viewed as politically moderate..."

What about a state that is viewed as politically liberal, like California?

[jwirr]

3. We are not so moderate any more. Our congress is full of tbaggers.

They are threatening to close down government services to the poor. If that bill should pass our governor will probably sign it but good luck getting it passed.

[MNBrewer]

4. Well, yes, the next marriage equality showdown very well could be here in MN

Our crazy RepubliTeaparty majorities in the state Legislature put the constitutional amendment on the ballot. (Thank GOODNESS Gov. Dayton beat Tom Emmer or we would have been a repeat of Wisconsin).

We have at least 5, maybe 6 or more groups organized already to fight the amendment, but there are already a couple issues emerging.

1. People (even GLBT people) don't realize that a no vote is a vote FOR equality (= against inequality).
2. Too many groups, not enough focus.