The Independence Party of Minnesota on
Tuesday announced it will work against passage of a constitutional
amendment defining marriage as a heterosexual union.
IP Chairman Mark Jenkins said in a
statement that his group would work against passage of the 2012
ballot measure.
“Our platform declares that 'We
oppose having the government impose state-sponsored morality or
values on people of good conscience with differing views. This is a
perfect example,” Jenkins wrote.
“We're proud to partner with all
organizations working to defeat this amendment over the next 15
months,” he added.
The broad coalition of groups preparing
to fight against the bill include the Democratic Farmer Labor Party,
the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), the
Libertarian Party, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), OutFront
Minnesota, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and various labor
groups.
A coalition of mostly Christian
conservative groups – including the Minnesota Catholic Conference
and the Minnesota Family Council – will campaign for the
amendment's passage.
Republicans Against the Minnesota
Marriage Amendment, which is allied to the gay GOP group Log Cabin
Republicans and former Iowa State Senator Jeff Angelo's Iowa
Republicans for Freedom, will also work against the amendment.
Democratic Governor Mark Dayton also
opposes the marriage ban and has pledged to support the effort to
defeat it.