Home > Issues > LGBT Rights > Marriage Matters in Minnesota > Debunking marriage myths

When talking with individuals about marriage equality you will often encounter myths that are used to perpetuate fear and to convince people to vote no. Here are a few ways to respond to those myths.

Myth: This changes the definition of marriage

Fact: It does not; it simply allows same sex couple to marry the person they love, to establish and protect a family and to make a lifetime commitment in the same way that other couples are able to.

Furthermore in Minnesota same sex marriage is not now nor has ever been legal. If this amendment passes the words "between a man and a woman;" would be unnecessarily added to the constitution-the foundation of our democracy in Minnesota. If it were to pass, it would permanently prohibit committed, same sex couples from marrying.

Myth: There are other alternatives besides marriage that GLBT couples can use to protect themselves.

Fact: There have been attempts to create marriage-like relationships but they don't work. For example Domestic Partnerships and Civil Union laws still don't qualify a spouse or children for health care coverage that employers only extend through marriage. If a loved one is sick and needs to take time off from work, same-sex couples are not eligible for family leave.

Myth: My children will be taught to be gay in school (or taught that it is okay to be gay)

Fact: This amendment has no bearing on what is taught in schools. Each school district has their own policy on how they deal with topics like homosexuality.

Myth: Churches would be forced to perform same sex marriages

Fact: This amendment would not change how religious institutions perform marriages. If Minnesota was to one day legalize same-sex marriage, churches would still not be forced to perform marriages they do not believe in. No one would ever demand a Rabbi marry two Christians, and the same standard would be applied.