Marriage amendment

Why is government in the marriage business? Simply put, government has an interest in marriage because it has an interest in children. Civil society has an interest in maintaining and protecting the institution of heterosexual marriage because it has a deep and abiding interest in encouraging responsible procreation and child rearing.

As evidenced by a survey conducted by the Alliance Defense Fund on Americans’ attitudes about marriage, 62 percent of Americans agree, “marriage should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman.”

Marriage is not about feelings or what adult’s want—it is about what kids need and what is best for society. It has a public purpose, which is to provide for the care and development of the next generation.

Marriage between a man and a woman has been the gold standard since the beginning of time and is the building block of society.

The current definition doesn’t prevent individuals from living how they want to live or take away their constitutional rights. Nor does it prohibit a person from loving and committing to whom they choose.

Marriage laws stem from the fact that both fathers and mothers are viewed to be necessary and essential for optimally raising successful children. That is why, throughout history, diverse cultures and faiths have recognized marriage as between a man and a woman.

People can live how they choose, but no one has a right to redefine marriage for all of society.

The purpose of the Amendment is to assure only the people of Minnesota and not rogue judges or legislatures can change the definition of marriage.

Vote “yes” on Nov. 6. If voters leave the marriage amendment box blank, it will count as a no vote.

Kenneth Lundgren

Deer River