City Commission Passes Resolutions Against Proposed Constitutional Amendments
The Richfield Human Rights Commission believes the measures discriminate against certain classes of people, denying them equal rights.
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The Richfield Human Rights Commission took a stand against the proposed voter photo ID and anti-gay marriage constitutional amendments last week by unanimously passing resolutions opposing the measures.
The mission of the commission is to support equality for all Richfield residents. And, not surprisingly, members adamantly believe the amendments deny people of equal rights.
According to a commission press release, the proposed amendments discriminate against a certain class of people, not only denying equal rights, but also equal freedoms, opportunities, respect, dignity and legal protection.
Marriage Amendment
The commission gave the following statement on its reasons for opposing the proposed marriage amendment:
Legislation that would define marriage between one man and one woman would have a direct, negative impact on Minnesota’s LGBT community. In particular, by denying equal protection of the law and relegating families headed by or consisting of same-sex couples to a permanent second-class citizenship status.
Photo Voter ID
The commission gave the following statement on its reasons for opposing the proposed photo voter ID amendment:
Legislation requiring voter’s to provide identification would negatively impact the right to vote for citizens at the polls without qualifying photo ID, voters registering at the polls on Election Day, and those voting by absentee ballot including military and overseas voters.
Copies of the commission's resolutions and formal press release have been attached to this article as PDFs.
The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Richfield City Hall and Municipal Center.
Mike McLean
1:07 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I guess that we can't make everyone happy all of the time.
Really don't care that they took a stand. They get to vote one time this fall just like the rest of us do and we will see what the majority wants.
Caitlin Burgess
1:11 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Do you have a prediction on the outcome?
Victoria Christian
1:23 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thank you, Human Rights Commission! Your stand for equality and community outreach is greatly appreciated!
Keith
4:50 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Since when does the majority have the right to vote on the rights of the minority? If the majority vote is that of bigots it will be far from over. Eventually, the US supreme court will overturn any discriminatory laws just like they did in the 60s. Be on the right side of history!
Keith Best
7:24 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Marriage is between a man and a woman.
There is nothing wrong with proving you are who you say you are when you vote.
It's that simple.....deal with it!!!!
Sandy schmidt
8:32 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Voting NO against the marriage amendment isn't making same sex marriage legal, it's just keeping it out of the constitution where it should never be. Our founding fathers would be so disgusted....
Dennis Gillespie
8:28 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
I guess the 10th amendment means nothing
Dennis Gillespie
8:33 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
We have to be aware of Agenda 21 which is being sold and institued by local officials, some elected and some not elected. The goal is to control all aspects of our lives.
Sean Hayford Oleary
10:09 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
Good for them. The City Council ought to do the same.
Caitlin Burgess
1:05 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
I don't know if the council will do anything with this, however, last year it did pass a domestic partnership ordinance in a 3-2 vote. Here's the story if you wish to read: http://patch.com/A-dVmT
Travis Fladmark
3:27 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
I moved to Richfield last December and until recently I always used to say I live only four blocks from the Minneapolis border... but now I am VERY proud to be a Richfield resident and I'm proud of the City Commission and the City Council. We did register for a domestic partnership and look forward to one day being married in the state of Minnesota. It's funny - we go north to Canada we are married, we go south to Iowa we are married, but here in Minnesota we are just really really good friends. I'm believe everyone has a right to their own belief's and faith but once you cross the line and push your faith onto others and try to make it law - it is simply wrong. The constitution was written to protect people, it was written to give everyone the freedom to practice any religion - or to not believe in a religion. If you think marriage is between one man and one woman fine then don't get married to someone of the same sex - but why limit me. Don't get me started on the Voter ID - this will only hurt: College students, grandma's and grandpa's, low income families, military families, etc...