We at MUUSJA are saddened and angry that the Minnesota Legislature acted late last Saturday night to subject a minority's rights to a majority popular vote. Our heart-felt thanks to the groundswell of UU action at the Capitol -- we know that many of you were there, even making repeat visits as events unfolded over a very busy week. UUs are indeed Standing on the Side of Love!
We applaud Governor Dayton for
issuing a symbolic veto of the Marriage Amendment bill, but as he notes, this is to express his considerable displeasure while carrying no legal weight. In November, 2012, this question of LGBT rights will be put to the voters. MUUSJA will be very active in the work to protect and affirm the equality and dignity of all who live in our state.
The Governor has vetoed multiple bills this week. Our work with HIRE Minnesota to defend the Department of Human Rights is yielding results. In Dayton's
veto letter to the Senate, he writes:
"I totally oppose the cuts this legislation would make to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights...The proposed 65% cut is by far the worst to any agency, and it would eviscerate our ability to investigate human rights violations.
Discrimination remains a serious problem in Minnesota. Your extreme cut in funding, along with your policy language, would weaken the Human Rights Act and lessen the effectiveness of the Department of Human Rights. That I will not allow."
This support is good news, though the fight is far from over. In our last two Connections, we've urged you to help by attending a public forum with the Department's commissioner. Due to the terrible damage to north Minneapolis from the recent tornado, the forum scheduled for tonight is postponed to June 6th.
MUUSJA is also calling for immediate action for one more veto: the Voter ID bill is before the Governor. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie penned an
op-ed urging a swift veto, and MUUSJA's Voter Rights group is asking everyone to
call or write the Governor supporting the veto of this unnecessary, disenfranchising legislation.
Thank you for all you do for justice. Hope to see you soon!
Ralph Wyman
MUUSJA Director/Organizer
612-998-6624