Libertarian presidential candidate Gary
Johnson has called on Minnesota voters to reject a proposed
constitutional amendment which seeks to limit marriage to
heterosexual couples.
Johnson made his plea in a statement
released Tuesday.
“Just last week, a federal court in
New York ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional –
and that was the correct decision. Denying committed couples the
right to marry under the law is discrimination, plain and simple.
While different faiths may choose not to perform or recognize
same-sex marriage, the government has no business deciding who should
be allowed to marry,” said
Johnson, who served as governor of New Mexico as a Republican.
“While as a former governor, I am a
staunch supporter of States' Rights, when it comes to what I firmly
believe is a constitutionally protect right to equality, the states
have no right to discriminate. I do not agree with President Obama
that the federal government should defer to the states, allowing them
to choose to deny their residents the equal right to marry.”
“I hope Minnesota voters will reject
this attempt to enshrine discrimination in their state's
Constitution, and urge them to reject Amendment 1.”
“As a Libertarian, I believe there is
much that government does and tries to do to interfere in our
personal lives that it simply has no business doing. I am proud to
join with Minnesota Libertarians in taking a stand against
discrimination and the idea that government should be imposing moral
values on free people.”
“I also commend Minnesotans United
for All Families for their leadership in opposing Amendment 1. The
breadth and width of the coalition that has joined to protect
equality is truly gratifying, and I am pleased to join with that
coalition in this very important battle.”