Message from FMR executive director on the defeat of the MN marriage amendment

I was very gratified to wake up on November 7th to learn that Minnesotans had voted decisively (52.7%) to reject the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in the State. As executive director I am proud that Friends of the Mississippi Rivers Board of directors joined more than 700 other Minnesota businesses, churches, nonprofits, labor unions and educational institutions in publicly opposing this misguided and discriminatory amendment to our states constitution.

This was the first time in its 19-year history that FMR had taken a position on an issue that did not bear directly on the river or the States environment. Nevertheless, in July the Board approved a resolution formally opposing the amendment because it:

• Compromises the organizations ability to continue, or adapt as it deems necessary, its existing employment and nondiscrimination policies, maintain attractive salary and fringe benefit programs, and recognize the contributions of board members and volunteers in manners most likely serving to effect its mission.
• Makes it more difficult to build stable funding and collaborative relationships that the organization believes are crucial to its mission.
• Is likely to cause discriminatory consequences associated with bias and inequality.
• Is language unnecessary to have enshrined in the constitution.

I want to express my gratitude to the many FMR members and supporters who sent messages of encouragement and to my fellow Minnesotans for standing up for the rights of all families.

Gratefully,

Whitney Clark, Executive Director