I was asked for a program note for But Not For Love and this came flying out of me. Since it appeared so quickly and with such force, I thought I should spread it around more generally. If you come see the show, this is what you’ll find in the program under a heading like “A Note From The Playwright”
“Voting No on November 6th doesn’t mean you’re saying yes to gay marriage.
We already have laws on the books in Minnesota outlawing gay marriage and refusing to recognize gay marriage ceremonies performed in other states.
If you Vote No, none of that changes.
Voting Yes just enshrines the heterosexual definition of marriage in our state constitution, where we should be expanding rather than limiting people’s rights.
So if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of gay marriage, don’t worry. Voting No won’t throw open the door for marriage to gay couples in Minnesota.
You’re not saying yes to gay marriage. You’re just saying maybe to a continued discussion, and the possibility of more inclusion and equality in the future.
Voting No is the least we can do.
We’re all in great hands tonight. I haven’t had this much fun working with a director and cast in a long time. The script has grown stronger, and this group of artists will make sure you have a good time with a fun story tonight. Thank you for joining us. It means a lot to share this tale with you. We can all use a few laughs and the possibility of a happy ending.
Let’s keep that possibility going.
Please Vote No on November 6th. And talk to your friends and family about doing the same. Let’s be the first state in the nation to defeat this thing.”
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