Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance

MUUSJA 

 May 26, 2011
 
Greetings!

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

Postponed - new date*

HIRE Minnesota: Community meeting on MDHR Mdhr

Forum with MN Dept. of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey

Monday, June 6th

6:30pm - 8:00pm
University of Minnesota/UROC
2001 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411

The Public Safety budget bill has passed and was vetoed. It contained a whopping 65% cut in funding for the Department of Human Rights, plus the bill imposed severe new policy limitations on the departments efforts to educate and enforce.

This major community meeting can be a place for us to stand up for the vital role of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights during special session negotiations. The department defends Minnesotans against job discrimination in many forms, and helps create ladders of success in fields of work that have traditionally been difficult or women and people of color to gain entry.

*UROC is just a few blocks from the southern end of major tornado damage in north Minneapolis. The facility is not damaged, but the community needs time to begin the recovery process. One way you can help in the next several days in north Minneapolis is via OutFront Minnesota - thus helping to both speed recovery and build connections between LGBT & Allies with the Northside.

MUUSJA quick update:

Our Spring General Membership meeting is coming soon: Sunday, June 12th, mid-day.  Save the Date, details soon!


Watch for future issues of our e-news for plenty of UU justice news, calendar items, and links.
 
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