Lake Minnetonka GOP State Rep. Says He Has Never 'Opposed Those Who Prefer to Have Committed Same-Sex Relationships'

by State Representative Jerry Hertaus (R-33A)

Thursday, the House took up legislation concerning same-sex marriage which was promised both by House Speaker Thissen and Majority Leader Murphy to be only addressed after the budget issues would be resolved. This issue has proven to be highly divisive for all Minnesotans. The Senate will be taking up this issue on Monday, and I predict that the Senate will approve and the Governor will sign this legislation in to law next week. This issue will soon become the law of the land here in Minnesota.

Two years ago, it was decided to let the people, not politicians define the definition of marriage by presenting an opportunity to codify the proposed definition into the state constitution. Thursday, politicians decided what the definition of marriage is and will be codifying a revisionist definition of marriage into law. 

While I have not ever opposed those who prefer to have committed same-sex relationships, I have also been very strong advocate for not redefining the definition of marriage. I supported an amendment to the bill yesterday which would have deleted all language in the bill and replaced it with the Kelly amendment providing for civil unions between same-sex couples.

I felt this compromise would have done the most for protecting the definition of marriage for many, grant the same benefits to same-sex couples, while protecting religious liberties guaranteed in our constitution. The amendment was not adopted by the majority. 

This issue having been decided and soon to become law, I hope that the majority will move forward with the fiscal issues which were promised to be resolved first, rather than those issues which have proved to be divisive.