To the Editor:
The ballot will read "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?"
Minnesota already has a law defining marriage as one man and woman, but that can be changed by Congress or a judge. The passage of this amendment safeguards the definition of marriage from elected officials and puts it into the hands of you the voters. However there still seems to be confusion; why is it so important? Marriage as the union of one man and one woman has existed long before there was any government structure, and is a common feature in virtually every world religion. Marriage is unique because it is the intimate union of husband and wife that brings forth children, which is the basis of the family, the foundation of our society, and the propagation of our culture. Governments have adopted this understanding of marriage because a strong family unit makes a stronger society. Marriage is the only institution that unites the biological, legal and social aspects of parenthood into a single and lasting bond.
This vote will not end the discussion on same sex marriage. It's not that same sex unions are not a loving environment or can't raise children, but they can't bring forth children. It will not take away anyone's individual rights or affect their current personal or legal relationships. The amendment simply sets the definition of marriage.
When voting on a Minnesota state amendment leaving the ballot blank counts as a "no" vote. Educate yourself, learn what the amendment means, carefully read the ballot, and vote "yes" on November 6th.
Lyle Anderson, Ceylon
Mike Brinkman, Jackson
Brian Coulter, Sherburn
Dave Guggisberg, Jackson
Harold Schweiss, Sherburn
Ken Schweiss, Welcome
Dave Svoboda, Jackson