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Recognizing Same-Sex Relationships
One of the major issues in the movement for
GLBT equality is the question of legal recognition of same-sex
relationships. Until relatively recently, no state in the
nation offered same-sex couples any form of legal recognition.
Today, several do: Massachusetts (2003) and California (2008)
permit same-sex couples to marry,
while several other states offer something similar to
marriages, but called them something else such as
civil unions or domestic
partnerships.
Marriage confers significant legal rights
and protections at the federal
and state
levels. Same-sex couples should not be denied these legal
rights.
Since the 1990s, the federal government and
most states have passed laws, constitutional amendments, or both
to restrict marriage to different-sex couples only. Minnesota
currently has a statute, but not a constitutional amendment,
prohibiting same-sex couples from
marrying. OutFront Minnesota led a successful effort
from 2004-2006 to keep a constitutional amendment question off
our ballot.
The only option for legal recognition for
same-sex couples in Minnesota is Minneapolis’
Domestic-Partner Registry,
which is largely symbolic. There are other
important steps couples in
Minnesota should consider taking to protect themselves in the
absence of marriage.
OutFront Minnesota supports full legal
equality for same-sex couples. We will continue to oppose any
constitutional amendment that would enshrine discrimination in
our constitution. At the same time, we understand that securing
marriage equality in Minnesota will be a long-term project
requiring support at the grassroots level as well as a
supportive legislature and
governor.
Our
public policy efforts are focused on strengthening support
for GLBT equality at the state Capitol. Our work at the Capitol
is supported by extensive organizing throughout Minnesota,
mobilizing supporters of GLBT equality to vote and to contact their elected
officials.
In the meantime, OutFront Minnesota
supports bills in the
legislature which improve the legal standing of same-sex
relationships, recognizing these steps are a beginning, not an
end, to the conversation. |
