I've been married to the same woman for more than 27 years, and I can truly say it has been an amazing union with a myriad of benefits. This unique partnership we enjoy is extraordinary and something I highly recommend to any two people who love each other and want to make it permanent and legal.
Unfortunately, many of my good friends who are prime candidates to make it permanent and legal are not allowed to do so by the state of Minnesota. The myriad benefits I mentioned are not only personal in nature but also financial, legal and social.
Being raised Christian, I was taught to love everyone unconditionally. Judgment was to be left to God, and my job was to reach out and accept with open arms those with whom I came in contact. That was and still is the core of my faith. Knowing what I know now about marriage and how it enriches lives and fosters growth, I have to say it makes no sense to me that we as a state would exclude so many based on so little. What I mean by "so little" is the fragile argument used to support this discriminatory practice of legally excluding gay men and women from one of our most treasured institutions.
Another valuable lesson I was taught growing up was to share the things I treasure most. Marriage is one of those things. Doesn't that value alone trump every flimsy excuse we've come up with over the years to keep our GLBT brothers and sisters from enjoying and benefiting from something we hold so dear? I strongly urge all Minnesota state lawmakers to see this Freedom to Marry legislation as a golden opportunity to finally right a wrong that is unjust and immoral in Minnesota.
Steve Horner
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Duluth
