MN Dems Mark 35 Years of Pro-Marriage Policy
Lyle Rossman, Judy Melanson and DFL Chair Brian Melendez
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats congratulated the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Party for 35 years of supporting the freedom of same-sex couple to marry. The Minnesota DFL (as the Democratic party is known in the state) first adopted support for the freedom to marry in 1972.
"Minnesota models how Democrats can boldly stand for the values we profess while building success across both the urban and rural electorate," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director. "Democrats should never let fear distract us from pursuing successful strategies which deliver progress. For over 35 years, the Minnesota DFL has built a statewide majority by never letting anti-gay Republican efforts deter them from their core values and strategic efforts. We applaud Democrats in Minnesota."
The state Democratic parties of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington State fully support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. Additionally, the state Democratic parties of Nebraska and Vermont voice support for civil unions.
“This is a major milestone in both Minnesota and National politics,” said Joe Carlile, Chair of the Minnesota Stonewall DFL Caucus. “The commitment that the Minnesota DFL has shown in support of the struggle for LGBT equality reinforces that the Democrat Party has been a party of inclusion and diversity for a very long time.”
The Minnesota DFL celebrated its 35th anniversary of support for marriage with a statewide party this week that attracted more than 300 attendees. Hosted by the Minnesota Stonewall DFL, attendees included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez, DNC GLBT Americans Caucus Chair Rick Stafford and U.S. Senate Candidates Mike Ciresi and Al Franken. The event was sponsored by several of Minnesota's openly-gay officials including State Senator Scott Dibble, State Representative Karen Clark and Minneapolis Councilmembers Scott Benson, Robert Lilligren and Gary Schiff.
