Contributed by Angel Manjarrez, GMRJP South Organizer
Recently the Mankato city council was asked to endorse a resolution condemning the marriage amendment that will appear on General Election ballots in Minnesota on November 6, 2012. The council scheduled an open forum to hear from community members on the issue. Many people in the community were now given the chance to raise their voice regarding the proposed marriage amendment.
The ACLU was one of the many organizations that took a stance during this forum. Staff attorney Ian Bratlie spoke on how the freedom-limiting marriage amendment is not only an affront to civil rights, but also about the positive economic benefits cities and states have seen when supporting same sex marriage.
Mike Hruby, the community member that brought up the resolution to the council, was listed to speak first. “I would like to meet my soul-mate, get married and start a family. This amendment will not allow me to do that. We just don’t want to be treated like 2nd class citizens.” “Mankato is a progressive city. We have a successful city because we strive for diversity. Make Mankato count!” said community member Jody Swanson.
Jean Lovett, who led members of the Unitarian Universalist Out for Marriage Equality Committee, used many examples of friends and family to explain that resolution is a civil right. “This type of amendment diminishes souls” described Jean. Phillip Reitan, an attorney that has been practicing law in the Mankato area for more than 36 years, pleaded to the city council that we must change. “I have four kids and one is gay. My son has been the best man and man of honor for all three of my kid’s weddings, why shouldn’t he have the right to marry as my other children? As a legal standpoint, this is a civil right and as such, is something on which the council should take a stance.”
Steve Swanson, a military veteran who has fought in Vietnam continued to praise how time has changed. Mr. Swanson said, “I have seen many things and I know that we are a progressive city.” Pam Soper, a citizen of Mankato, had a deeper connection to the city. “My partner, Anne Walsh, gave this city 19 years of her life as a police officer. She was judged and made fun of for being a lesbian. The Captain did not approve of her sexual orientation and began to make anti-homosexual comments to her. Anne took the high road, as many of you should, and did not bring this up to anyone. After many years on the force, her armor was getting pierced.” Anne passed away a month ago thanks to ovarian cancer. During her time on in-line of duty leave, Anne and Pam were getting the support of the benefits. Since they were not allowed to legally marry each other, after the passing, Pam stopped receiving the benefits.
These few samples illustrate the passion and love that these couples, advocates and family members have for one another. The two hour long session held in the City Hall Chamber had many Mankato citizens standing because of the amounts of people during the forum was overwhelming. After the two hours of speakers, the city council decided to take the vote.
City council member Charlie Hurd pleaded to the community and council members that they are not a human rights council and should not take a stand with the resolution. City council member Tamra Rovney described that the council is here to fight for equal rights and for protecting human rights. Karen Foreman said it was appropriate for the city council to uphold the constitution. “We are a cultural diversity and want to be welcoming to everyone” said Foreman. At-large council member, Mike Laven, spoke most passionately about the resolution. “We are here to serve the greater good of the community. By not voting on this matter we are ending values. We [city council] can’t make 2nd hand citizens.”
Before the council took a vote, Mayor Eric Anderson made sure the community knew that he will not take a side on this because he doesn’t think the council should take a position at all. When it was time to vote, most of the community members where anxious and on their edge of their seats to see how the city council would vote.
City council member Jack Considine voted yes, member Charlie Hurd chose to abstain; At Large member Mike Laven voted yes, member Mark Frost abstained, while members Tamra Rovney and Karen Foreman voted yes. Mayor Eric Anderson was the only council member to vote no. Once the Mayor said the resolution passed, the community stood up and clapped for joy. Many couldn’t believe it while some where bought to tears. Their hard work of getting in front of everyone, planning weeks ahead and sharing their personal stories finally came to a successful close.
Now Mankato joins the eleven cities including Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth as the cities that endorse voting “No” this November.