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Minnesota gov drafts symbolic ‘veto’ letter against state’s anti-gay marriage amendment

On Wednesday morning, Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the Minnesota Constitution

Jul 31, 2020424 Shares423.5K Views
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the Minnesota Constitution. The veto is only symbolic — the Minnesota governor has no authority over constitutional amendments. In his veto message Dayton called the amendment “divisive and destructive” and urged Minnesotans to vote against it in 2012. Dayton told reporters at a press conference that it was a bit of an anomaly for him to be presented with the amendment bill, but it also gave him an opportunity to comment on it.
“Without question, I am vetoing it; and I urge Minnesotans to reject this divisive, mean-spirited, un-Minnesotan and un-American amendment,” he wrote. “Minnesota is better than this. Minnesotans are better than this. I urge Minnesotans to reject this amendment.”
At a press conference for the veto, Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner-Solon, said, “I add my voice in urging Minnesotans to reject the marriage amendment when it comes before them in 2012.” She called the amendment a “travesty.”
Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, said, “[The veto] has no practical effect but has a tremendously positive effect across the state of Minnesota. It shows that he stand with every citizens and every family.”
“I know that we are going to beat this amendment,” he added.
Rep. Karen Clark, DFL-Minneapolis, “I want to thank Gov. Dayton and Lt. Gov. Prettner-Solon for really important leadership. It was heartbreaking to have the bill pass,” said Clark adding her belief that love will win over discrimination. “We are going to love this thing to death.”
She added that it’s going to be a bruising battle. “The other side had already put out documents about igniting a culture war.”
Dayton added, “I’m optimistic that the overwhelming majority of Minnesota will reject this and still be a leader on social progress in this country.”
Hajra Shannon

Hajra Shannon

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