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September 13, 2006

Pro-Gay Muslim Wins Democratic Nod

Photo Credit: Craig Lassig/AP Photo

Keith Ellison last night claimed the Democratic nomination for Minnesota's overwhelmingly-Democratic 5th Congressional District. Many news outlets have focused on the fact that Ellison will become the first Muslim elected to Congress with a victory in November. However, what many reports filed from outside Minnesota have overlooked is his strong record of support for LGBT issues.

Ellison has not only been a supporter, but a dogged advocate for LGBT families in Minnesota. He helped lead the Democratic opposition to an anti-marriage amendment in the state legislature and rallied the Black religious community against it in speeches and editorials. This, in part, earned him the endorsement of the Minnesota Stonewall DFL - our local chapter.

Ellison is a candidate who has admitted his flaws (having his drivers license suspended for failing to pay traffic tickets), and who seems able to learn and grow from them. Opponents attacked Ellison for his college-days defense of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan from charges of anti-Semitism. However, Jewish political leaders in the district quickly rallied around the Ellison campaign to point out his work with their community.

I've worked in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. It has the unique position of being home to the state's largest concentrations of Black, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant and LGBT voters. It is a place that is home to the largest Somali refugee community and to the largest concentration of openly-gay elected officials in the country. Bringing together Jewish, Muslim, African American, African Immigrant and LGBT activists, Keith Ellison has been able to talk about his support for LGBT equality in local mosques and his faith as a Muslim before gay audiences.

As we wade through another political season where Republican politicians try to divide Americans by exploiting homophobia in communities of faith, it is reassuring to have a counter-balance to their efforts in someone like Keith Ellison.

Read More: Would a Constitutional Amendment Welcome the Stranger, Clothe the Naked or Heal the Sick? (Keith Ellison, editorial)

Posted by John at September 13, 2006 09:57 AM