MPR's Tom Scheck reports on the debate over same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue. The civil rights argument has caused concern among some African American religious leaders in Minnesota, especially when they've heard it compared to the fight for racial equality. While they argue that the civil rights struggle is completely different than the gay marriage issue, others counter that one should look to history in considering discrimination.
The backdrop is a battle at the State Capitol over same-sex marriage. Supporters of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage say they want to ensure that Minnesota's Defense of Marriage Act cannot be overturned in the courts. But opponents say they want gay couples to have the same civil rights and legal benefits afforded to heterosexual couples.
Transcripts
text | pdf |
TOM SCHECK: Many gay couples say they want their relationships recognized as marriages, so they have the same legal rights available to heterosexual couples. They want, for instance, the right to visit a partner in the hospital, to receive a partner's Social Security benefits, or inherit a partner's wealth without paying taxes.
They say, to deny them these rights amounts to discrimination, a point made by DFL Representative Neva Walker of Minneapolis during floor debate on Wednesday. Walker, one of the two African-Americans in the Minnesota House, voted against the proposal. She said she's concerned that these types of proposals will erode civil rights for everyone.
NEVA WALKER: We live in a global society. Discrimination isn't just about race anymore. Although I must say, and I said this a couple of years ago, I still am not sure, if I had to depend on this body to have my civil rights, that I would have them.
TOM SCHECK: Walker says the proposed Amendment would put discrimination in the Minnesota Constitution. She says it's wrong to treat one group differently than another group. But some object to Walker's description of discrimination, and the concept of civil rights for gay couples.
The Reverend Bob Battle is the pastor of the Berean Church in Saint Paul. Battle, an African-American, grew up in Mississippi during the days of segregation. He served as the head of the Saint Paul Human Rights Department under mayors Kelly and Coleman, and he says the issue of gay marriage is different than the Civil Rights struggle.
BOB BATTLE: The basis for the Civil Rights movement is that we are all God's children, created equal in God's eyes. As for marriage, God created us male and female, that's the basis for marriage.
TOM SCHECK: Three other African-American pastors, and an individual who volunteers in the African-American community, also spoke on the issue at the Capitol news conference. All say homosexuality is immoral and goes against the scriptures in the Bible. Sam Nero, pastor of the Church of New Life in South Minneapolis, says African-Americans were excluded from full participation in society. Nero says gays aren't excluded from marrying, as long as they marry someone from the opposite sex.
SAM NERO: When I grew up in Louisiana, back in the early 50s and 60s, it was very difficult for me to do certain things. And it wasn't because of my preference in any part of lifestyle other than my color. And today I stand before anyone and tell them, my civil rights was violated because of my skin color, not because of any particular lifestyle that stood before me.
TOM SCHECK: DFL Representative Keith Ellison of Minneapolis also voted against the proposed constitutional Amendment. Ellison is the only other African-American who serves in the Minnesota House beside Walker. He says African-Americans should look to history as they consider this issue.
KEITH ELLISON: I do feel somewhat that, based on our experience in this country, we should not be opposing people having their rights. I do feel that way. I feel like we know what it's like to not have your rights. We know what it's like to be deprived of liberty. And therefore, maybe we ought to know better.
TOM SCHECK: Ellison also says he's worried that the public may believe that all African-Americans are against gay marriage, simply because a few African-American religious leaders are speaking out against it. At the Capitol, I'm Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio.