Minnesota GOP Floods Senate With Anti-Gay Amendments

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/03/033006mnAmend.htm

Senate Republicans are quickly extinguishing any doubt of their commitment to prohibit same-sex marriage. In recent weeks, members of their caucus have introduced at least eight separate constitutional amendments to do just that.

Despite how it might appear, though, it's not necessarily a case of overkill. Republicans in the DFL-controlled Senate say the tactic was necessary to keep the issue from dropping off the radar screen at the Capitol.

The explanation resides in the arcane byways of the Senate's rules.

Last year, the full Senate rejected an attempt by Sen. Michele Bachmann, chief proponent of the gay marriage ban, to force a floor vote on her amendment. When Bachmann tried to force another vote recently, Senate Democrats invoked a rule they say prohibited a second vote on the same measure.

[sui generis]

1. looks like they know what's really important in running a state

education, social services, transportation, public safety, none of that really matters.

What matters is tying up the legislature with vexatious legislation designed to do the One Thing That The GOP Is Best At:

If it doesn't work the first time, cheat, cheat, cheat again.

Break the rules, find the loophole, cheat. That's all they know how to do.

Ask any of them about their education referendums and they probably couldn't tell you how many public highschools are in their state or what portion of the state budget goes to education.

The craziest thing too, just numbers:

If 10 percent of the population is gay and only 30 percent of the population gets married then only three percent of the population would even consider getting gay married hitched. This is not a law designed to stem an overwhelming problem. Once again it's a diversion and a law made by some people about other people's lives.

[indigo32]

2. I live in MN and I swear

this is going to backfire on them. The state Gov was shut down last Summer because they couldn't write a budget. Most People here want them to address issues that they feel really affect them, not only that but when people understand the amendments they are putting forth also ban any legal equivalent of marriage, they are against it.

[bliss_eternal]

3. I hope you're right--

it's horrible that they are more concerned with denying human beings rights, than governing their state and helping it function well for ALL people.

I know * set a lovely precedent for such behaviour--but he's an idiot, I've kind of come to expect him to act like a hateful asshat. :eyes:

Please keep us posted of how things go on this...

[BR_Parkway]

4. I'm sure all those amendments banned divorce - the true threat to

marriage. :sarcasm:

Just kidding, everyone knows there's no fundraising potential in raising THAT issue.

[indigo32]

5. Well

the bill went down in Senate committee yesterday :party: :party: :party:

From what I hear... they'll have to get a full Senate vote on it now, and thats not likely.