An Open Letter to All Minnesotans

To All Minnesotans:

As many of you have no doubt heard, this November the people of Minnesota will vote on an amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage in such a way as to ban same-sex marriage. Currently, same-sex marriage cannot be lawfully performed in Minnesota, but this amendment seeks to put in place a more permanent prohibition. I am sending this message to urge you to vote against this amendment. You could do me no greater favor than taking a few minutes of your time and following one of the links below to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of intolerance;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoORUsLS2Ew

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/09/1118485/-Letter-from-Gay-Son-to-Romney-Supporting-Dad

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Amelia/gay-children_b_954350.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ygQ1GTEUI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u62OtM_vt5k

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/one-towns-war-on-gay-teens-20120202

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdkNn3Ei-Lg&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXB8eACUwjM&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FKDgkvmr-U

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-manske/gay-conversion-therapy_b_997330.html

http://joshuapreston.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/umn-student-senate-opposes-marriage-amendment/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O1gF1cpXOY

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Amelia/when-your-7-year-old-son-announces-im-gay_b_1277910.html?ref=tw

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2012/may/08/gay-rights-united-states?fb=native

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYxvkL6CAWQ&feature=relmfu

In the United States, the ability to vote is taken for granted. In most all other democracies in the world, voting is seen as a duty. Please consider making an extra effort to vote on this coming ballot. For those of you not currently in Minnesota (students are allowed to pick what state, containing either your home residence or school, to vote in) here is a link to the absentee balloting process; 

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=211

This is what I have done for the past three years and will do again this year. Same-sex marriage is about love, just like any other marriage. How can we enjoy the happiness of marriage knowing that committed, loving couples have been denied this same happiness? That when we had a chance to act, we failed to protect the commitment, love, and happiness that characterizes all marriages? If this bill were to pass, to say I would feel estranged from my home is an understatement. 30 states have passed this type of legislation. Minnesota has been a national leader in education, acceptance, and social progress. “Minnesota nice” is not compatible with bigotry. I hope I can count on you to join me in helping to defeat this un-Minnesotan and backwards bill. 

I would ask that any comments or questions you have be sent in a message privately to me, to spare others constant notifications.

P.S. Feel free to pass this message onwards – consider copying and pasting it with your name added below my own.

Sincerely,
Caleb Schmotter