If voting yes on voter ID and the marriage amendment is “common sense,” then it’s time for Minnesota to be uncommon

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“It’s common sense,” declare billboards encouraging Minnesotans to support voter ID in the upcoming election. Presumably supporters of the marriage amendment also regard it as “common sense” to define marriage as being “solely between one man and one woman.”From a political standpoint, I can understand why supporters of voter ID are using the “common sense” line. It resonates with many Minnesotans’ impression of themselves as being responsible, down-to-earth citizens. With its explicit appeal to the common denominator, though, the “common sense” logic is alarmingly similar to the kind of logic that might have been employed to defend previous American injustices.”Of course women aren’t suitable for voting or holding public office. Their realm is the home! Continue Reading

THEATER REVIEW | Matthew Everett’s “But Not for Love”: Vote no on the amendment, yes on the play

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A brother and sister plan a double wedding with their respective straight and gay boyfriends in the church where they were brought up, only to find that a day that is supposed to be about happiness and celebration is tainted with protests and violence. Daily Planet contributor Matthew A. Everett’s But Not for Love comes right before the election in which Minnesotans will cast their votes about whether to pass the discriminatory marriage amendment. The co-production between The Flower Shop Project and Workhouse Theatre Company also aims to raise money for Minnesotans United for All Families, but it is not a purely political play.

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Jay Michaelson to speak on the religious case for same-sex marriage

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The conversation about same-sex marriage is continuing as Minnesotans go to the polls in three weeks to vote on an amendment to the state constitution that, if passed, would define marriage solely between two people of the opposite sex. Despite the fact that marriage between same-sex couples is already against the law in Minnesota, this has become a lightning-rod social issue across the state, with amendment proponents and opponents flooding the media with advertisements. Continue Reading

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe debates marriage restriction amendment with empty chair

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Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has become an outspoken opponent of Minnesota’s proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. He’s invited several supporters of the amendment to debate, but so far no takers. The debate will go on anyway Friday at 5pm with Kluwe debating an empty chair if no one shows up to defend the amendment.Click here to watch the video and participate in our live blog at the same time. Continue Reading

Catholics speak out in opposition to Church’s stance on Minnesota marriage restriction amendment

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On a windy Friday afternoon in downtown St. Paul, a handful of Catholics gathered to speak out against the Archdiocese stance Minnesota’s proposed Marriage Restriction Constitutional Amendment.Many are frustrated that Church resources are being directed towards what they feel is a hurtful, divisive issue. Some feel that poverty, education and other issues should take precedence.“This archbishop has done his best to make a name for himself by making this a political issue in his Archdiocese and the Minnesota Catholic Conference. That rift will take a long time to heal,” says Minnesota State Representative John Loesch.Loesch was among several politicians lending their voice to speak out against the amendment. Saint Paul City Councilwoman Kathy Lantry and State Representative Sandy Pappas also attended.John C. Nienstedt, Minnesota’s Archbishop has ordered parishioners to vote for the amendment. Continue Reading

Minnesota Council of Churches opposes vote restriction amendment

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On the steps of Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis, the Minnesota Council of Churches announced that they were joining the coalition of groups opposing the constitutional amendment to restrict voting rights. The MCC represents upwards of 1 million Minnesotans from the following denominations:

FREE SPEECH ZONE | Journey Toward Love

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     My twin brother William and I turn 50 this winter. He has lived in New England for about as long as I have lived in the Midwest.  He occasionally participates in Jewish holidays and I seldom do.  He decided to buy a house around the same time I did:  His would be in Massachusetts and mine would be in Milwaukee.  Free Speech ZoneThe Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. Continue Reading