Dignity Twin Cities Board of Directors' Statement of Position On Marriage Equality

and the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Minnesota.

Adopted February 9, 2012

As Americans, we remind our fellow citizens of a foundational principle of our form of government: all are created equal.  Consistent with the pursuit of liberty and justice for all, same-sex couples should have full and equal access to the rights and responsibilities bestowed by civil marriage.

As Catholics, we remind our Church of a foundational conviction of our faith: God is love, and all that abide in love abide in God, and God in them.  The love that brings and binds two people of the same, or opposite sex, together has a divine source.  It is, therefore, sacramental in nature and should be celebrated as such by our Church.

Dignity Twin Cities believes that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have the right to full expression of their sexuality in ways that are consistent with Catholic / Christian values, including the right to enter into committed relationships; AND

We know that civil marriage bestows important rights, protections, and duties to the partners and their families,  and that public affirmation of a couple's commitment honors the sacredness of their covenant.

Dignity Twin Cities believes the Bible affirms and celebrates human expressions of love and partnership, calling us to live out fully that gift of  God in responsible, faithful, committed relationships that recognize and respect the image of God in all people; and

• the life and example of Jesus of Nazareth provides a model of radically inclusive love and abundant welcome for all; and
• recognition of marriage carries with it significant access to institutional support, rights, and benefits; and
• children of families headed by same-gender couples should receive all legal rights and protections; and
• legislation to ban recognition of same-gender marriages further undermines the civil liberties of gay and lesbian couples and contributes to a climate of misunderstanding and polarization, increasing hostility against gays and lesbians.

THEREFORE  Dignity Twin Cities advocates for equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender, and declares that the government should not interfere with couples, regardless of gender, who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of legally recognized marriage.