More than 60 law professors have signed
onto a letter urging Minnesota lawmakers to vote against a resolution
that seeks to constitutionally ban gay marriage in the state, the
Minnesota Independent reported.
If approved, voters would be asked in
2012 to decide on the definition of marriage. Minnesota state law
already bans gay and lesbian couples from marrying, but supporters
say the law remains vulnerable to a legal challenge.
The measure has cleared initial hurdles
in both chambers of the Legislature.
In
the open letter to lawmakers, the lawyers argue that the
amendment would “cement the existing [legal] hardships” gay and
lesbian couples face.
“The proposed amendment would set in
constitutional cement the existing hardships on thousands of
families,including children, that many in the legal profession
serve,” the group wrote. “Attorneys practicing in such diverse
areas as family law, estate planning, real estate, tax, and beyond
represent people across Minnesota who confront complex legal
challenges because they are currently unable to enter a
legally-recognized relationship with a same-sex partner.”
Sixty-three current and former law
school faculty members from the University of Minnesota have signed
onto the letter.
“Frankly, the full implications of
the proposed amendment are unknown,” they added.
At Monday's House hearing,
Representative Steve Simon objected to the measure, saying
being gay was a gift from God.
Three additional states – Indiana,
North Carolina and Pennsylvania
– are also considering similar action.