Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

Civil Rights and Marriage Equality

The Vision:

Minnesota should be a place where ALL individuals are treated fairly and protected from discrimination based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

The Details:

For generations, Minnesotans have worked to break down the walls of prejudice and wipe discrimination from our statutes. We have fought for gender equality in the work place and racial equality in our public policy. While gains have been made, we must remember that the fight for equality not only continues but must be expanded.

Race: Too often racism and religious intolerance divide our communities when the economic and social struggles we all face require us to come together. The state must first break down any and all health and academic disparities. As outlined in my health care and education sections, I intend to provide health care for all Minnesotans and close the academic achievement gap.

Furthermore, we need to ensure the enforcement of the Human Rights Act at all levels of society. As governor I will use the public influences of my office to foster public discourse that recognizes our cultural diversity while building on the idea that more unites us than divides us.

Sexual Orientation: Minnesotans should be able to marry and live with the individual he or she loves. And I am confident that the majority of Minnesotans believe we should all have equal access to the legal and personal benefits of the institution of marriage. In the 2009 session, I was proud to have carried and passed a Project 515 legislative initiative that solidified homeowner rights among same-sex couples. As governor, I will sign legislation that gives religious organizations, not the state, the power to choose whether or not they can conduct state-recognized same-sex marriages.

Gender: In addition, Minnesota needs to put an end to gender discrimination. If elected, I promise to lend my full support to the efforts of groups like the Minnesota CAFE (Constitutional Amendment for Equality) Coalition, who are working tirelessly to get an amendment for equal rights in the Minnesota constitution.