Log Cabin Republicans of Minnesota http://mnlogcabin.org Inclusion Wins. Fri, 17 May 2013 00:37:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Legal Expert declares FitzSimmons Amendment Protects Churches http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/legal-expert-declares-fitzsimmons-amendment-protects-churches/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/legal-expert-declares-fitzsimmons-amendment-protects-churches/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 00:37:00 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=530 Marriage equality was approved in Minnesota with the recent Republican amendment to the bill, submitted by Rep.David Fitzsimmons, but not without criticism. Spurring debate over the legislation leaving religious institutions and private citizens vulnerable for litigation, social conservative Republicans and Democrats around the state are already crying foul.

A friend of LCRMN and supporter of same sex marriage, Richard Painter, wrote a blog about this issue on the Legal Ethics Forum.  Read Article Hear.

Richard is currently a S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law at the University of Minnesota, has served as Associate Counsel to the President in the White House Counsel’s office under Pres. George Bush, and the White House Christian Fellowship, and is also an active member in many Christian groups.

We understand that those courageous Republicans who supported the bills will face some backlash from their peers, their constituents, and most likely the new party leadership (though the house and senate leadership indicated there wouldn’t be any reprisals for supporting the bills in caucuses, that does not mean the state party won’t have a say).

It is imperative that we reach out to those legislators and show our support verbally, via email, with contributions to their campaigns, or even helping with volunteerism.  Now is not the time to breath a sigh of relief, at least not yet.

 

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/legal-expert-declares-fitzsimmons-amendment-protects-churches/feed/ 0 Marriage Equality Passes in Minnesota Senate http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/marriage-equality-passes-in-minnesota-senate/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/marriage-equality-passes-in-minnesota-senate/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 22:13:49 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=525 Today the MN Senate passed the marriage equality bill SF925 with a vote of 37-30. The lone Republican vote was cast by the bills co-sponsor Sen. Branden Petersen

senate vote

This vote makes Minnesota the 12th state to pass marriage expansion legislation.

As proponents debated, it is important to remember that the legislation presented in MN is only an expansion of participants in marriage, not a redefinition of what marriage means. No religious institution that was protected under existing marriage and human rights laws, will suddenly be vulnerable. If they were protected before, they are protected now. Jewish temples will not suddenly be forced to marry Catholic couples. The same will apply with same sex couples.

Votes tracked along party lines. In some instances, it appears that because they already had enough votes in the DFL run body, the Republicans who felt they would face tough challenges in their districts decided to just vote no, ducking for cover.

This shows there is still a lot of work to do!  But, that is an issue for another day.

We want to thank all senators who voted for this bill today, and especially want to thank Sen. Dibble for all of his hard work on this issue over the years and Sen. Petersen for his courage. We wish to thank Minnesotans United for their work on the Vote No campaign as well as this campaign, and we also want to thank all of our LCR members, friends, and allies who have showed their support and who have actively participated in advancing this cause. MN is truly blessed to have you all!

Today, we celebrate!

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/marriage-equality-passes-in-minnesota-senate/feed/ 0 MN House passes HF 1054, Marriage Equality on the Horizon for Minnesotans http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/mn-house-passes-hf-1054-marriage-equality-on-the-horizon-for-minnesotans/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/mn-house-passes-hf-1054-marriage-equality-on-the-horizon-for-minnesotans/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 20:54:00 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=520 The MN House has ended debate over the marriage equality bill HF 1054. With a final vote of 75-59, a bi-partisan passage was achieved. Republican Representatives Loon, Fitzsimmons, Kieffer and Garofalo voted for the bill. Republican support as of a mere 48 hours ago appeared to be zero. Rep Fitzsimmons introduced an amendment to the bill that helped solidify religious institutions protection language, which helped secure the Republican votes.

LCR MN would like to thank our representatives for having a thoughtful, respectful, and at times, emotionally charged debate today. We especially want to thank Rep Fitzsimmons for his work on the amending language and the additional votes of Kieffer, Garofalo, and Loon for their support. They have made us proud.

See more here .. MPR News

The next vote is scheduled in the Senate on Monday. The current expectation is that the Senate will pass the legislation, the governor has already vowed to sign it. Currently only one Republican, sponsor Sen. Branden Petersen, has voiced his support.  Please contact your legislators to show your support, and let’s get a few more R’s on the board!

 

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/mn-house-passes-hf-1054-marriage-equality-on-the-horizon-for-minnesotans/feed/ 0 Urge Republicans to support HF 1054 http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/urge-republicans-to-support-hf-1054/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/urge-republicans-to-support-hf-1054/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 13:17:26 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=517 Minnesota House scheduled to vote for Today at noon! Senate tentatively scheduled for Monday. 
 
As we await the floor discussion and vote at noon, we urge Republicans to support the HF1054, especially those that live in districts who defeated the marriage amendment.
 
In 33A 50% voted NO – Rep. Jerry Hertaus should vote Yes today
In 33B 58% voted NO – Rep. Cindy Pugh should vote Yes today
In 34A 50% voted NO – Rep. Joyce Peppin  should vote Yes today
In 34B 54% voted NO – Rep. Kurt Zellers  should vote Yes today
In 36A 51% voted NO – Rep. Mark Uglem should vote Yes today
In 37B 50% voted NO – Rep. Tim Sanders  should vote Yes today
In 38A 50% voted NO – Rep. Linda Runbeck  should vote Yes today
In 38B 54% voted NO – Rep. Matt Dean  should vote Yes today
In 39A 51% voted NO – Rep. Bob Dettmer  should vote Yes today
In 39B 55% voted NO – Rep. Kathy Lohmer  should vote Yes today
In 44A 58% voted NO – Rep. Sarah Anderson  should vote Yes today
In 47B 54% voted NO – Rep. Joe Hoppe  should vote Yes today
In 48B 58% voted NO – Rep. Jennifer Loon  should vote Yes today
In 53B 56% voted NO – Rep. Andrea Kieffer  should vote Yes today
In 54B 52% voted NO – Rep. Denny McNamara  should vote Yes today
In 55A 52% voted NO – Rep. Mike Beard  should vote Yes today
In 56A 53% voted NO – Rep. Pam Myhra  should vote Yes today
In 57A 54% voted NO – Rep. Tara Mack  should vote Yes today
In 57B 55% voted NO – Rep. Anna Wills should vote Yes today
In 58A 50% voted NO – Rep. Mary Liz Holberg  should vote Yes today
 
Here is a great article from LCR friend Dale Carpenter regarding the discussion of marriage as a rite vs right.
 
 
]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/05/urge-republicans-to-support-hf-1054/feed/ 0 Testimony on Same Sex Marriage Bills to Be Heard Tuesday Mar 12 http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/testimony-on-same-sex-marriage-bills-to-be-heard-tuesday-mar-12/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/testimony-on-same-sex-marriage-bills-to-be-heard-tuesday-mar-12/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2013 03:17:47 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=502 DFL leadership has already begun to use rhetoric with undertones of letting this issue slide by eluding that the issue of legalizing gay marriage will be taken up after they resolve the budget concerns. “We have to do other things first,” Senate Majority Tom Bakk said. This is the same rhetoric and action, or lack there of, we have seen over the past few decades. Campaigns are won on this very issue in many of the metro areas and failure to follow through, yet again, only highlights the continued cooping of the GLBT community by those candidates.

If history serves to teach us anything, it’s that a DFL run legislature should never focus on the budget (destined to hurt everyone as it is sure to be laden with taxes and “revenue streams” and no common sense expenditure cuts); They should not ignore the same sex marriage issue.

Let’s hold our Senators and Representatives accountable and ask them to support the legislation. This legislation helps to ease the concerns by private religious organizations regarding their fears of being forced to marry same sex couples if it is against their doctrine. It would also help ease pressures on businesses who must now pay extra taxes when providing same sex couple benefits (currently treated as a gift and taxed heavily).

Seems to me that this would positively impact the budget and may even help ease talks on other budget items.

In the Senate, the bill SF 925 will be heard by the Judiciary Division of the Finance Committee at noon on Tuesday, March 12. These are members of that committee, with links to their legislative pages and contact information:

In the House, the bill HF1054 will be heard by the Civil Law Committee at 8:15AM on Tuesday, March 12. These are members of that committee, with links to their legislative pages and contact information:

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/testimony-on-same-sex-marriage-bills-to-be-heard-tuesday-mar-12/feed/ 0 Republicans United For Freedom Launches in Minnesota http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/republicans-united-for-freedom-launches-in-minnesota/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/republicans-united-for-freedom-launches-in-minnesota/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:30:12 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=496

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Patrick Connolly, 612.669.2296

GOP Group Launches in Support of Individual Freedoms

Republicans United For Freedom launches Website and Announces Chairs & Steering Committee

Saint Paul, MN – Republicans United for Freedom, a group of Minnesota Republican Party members, launched today with a stated mission to “defend individual liberty, promote strong families, and secure the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Minnesota.”

Richard Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, University of Minnesota Law School and former Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush will chair the new organization.  The organization will also be led by a steering committee of notable Republican leaders in Minnesota, including Dale Carpenter, Earl R. Larson Professor of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Law, University of Minnesota Law School; Susan Kimberly, former Deputy Mayor, City of Saint Paul, Administration of Mayor Norm Coleman; Ken Smoron, President, Log Cabin Republicans of Minnesota; Alex Whitney, Republican Party Activist.

“It is time to move our Republican Party into the 21st century. Republicans United for Freedom will support and campaign aggressively for Republican leaders who stand on principle and conviction and vote in favor of the freedom to marry,” Chair Richard Painter said. “The Republican Party needs to refocus on bread and butter issues such as sound fiscal management, individual freedom and personal responsibility, and Republicans United for Freedom will work to return our Party to its core values and principles.”

Republicans United for Freedom is positioned as a leading conservative voice for individual freedoms and plans to be a key player in the marriage debate at the Minnesota State Capitol during the 2013 legislative session. The group launched www.republicansunitedforfreedom.com today, which will serve as the online home for the growing majority of Republicans who support the freedom to marry.

The group has the backing of prominent national figures as well. “We can strengthen the institution of marriage by allowing all Minnesotans the freedom to participate in it and pursue happiness, free from government roadblocks. Now is the time to do the right thing,” said Margaret Hoover, a veteran of the Bush White House and current CNN Political Contributor. “True freedom means freedom for everyone, and continuing to exclude certain people from marriage simply because of who they are is not in the best interest of the future of Minnesota or our country.”

Republicans United for Freedom works to defend individual liberty, promote strong families, and secure the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Minnesota. They can be found online at www.republicansunitedforfreedom.com,www.facebook.com/mngopfreedomtomarry, and on Twitter at @MNGOPforFreedom.

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/03/republicans-united-for-freedom-launches-in-minnesota/feed/ 0 GOP Activist Defends GOP Senator in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/gop-activist-defends-gop-senator-in-favor-of-same-sex-marriage/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/gop-activist-defends-gop-senator-in-favor-of-same-sex-marriage/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:48:51 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=488 As the anticipation of a same-sex marriage bill being introduced this year in Minnesota builds, both sides are beginning to take posture on the issue. The GOP leadership, though some not necessarily supporting the measure personally, has “ruled out reprisals” against GOP members who support the measure in their caucuses if they choose.

What does that mean, specifically stating that you are ruling out reprisals? Does this suggest that reprisals have been a way of the past? An observant spectator would probably say you would be correct. Though the issue may not have been articulated clearly in the open, conversations had with voting representatives, and their last minute voting flip during the constitutional amendment battle, would seem to support much backroom influence had taken place. Whether this was direct from the state party leadership, house or senate leadership, special interest (i.e. MFC, NOM, M4M), or some well funded super PAC of a ultra social conservative, the ultimate result was a devastating miscalculated gamble by many in the GOP.

2013 conventions are now underway and Congressional and Senate District leadership appears to be all over the board on the issue. 

In spite thereof, you are beginning to see more and more support emerge among the GOP ranks, such as MN GOP Deputy Chairman candidate Corey Sax.

The following is a post from prominent GOP activist Pat Anderson and her take on the issue.

Pat Anderson: A GOP activist in support of same-sex marriage in Minnesota

By Pat Anderson
Posted:   02/26/2013 12:01:00 AM CST
Updated:   02/26/2013 09:18:38 PM CST

 

 In light of the somewhat dismal 2012 election results for Republicans in Minnesota and across the country, many are rightfully asking: What went wrong? And perhaps more importantly, how do we move forward?

We’re not losing elections because our principles are weak, and we’re not losing young voters because our message isn’t relevant to them; indeed, conservative principles of limited government, individual liberty and personal responsibility are more important now than ever. We’re struggling as a party because we continue to dangerously alienate significant groups of Minnesotans — including same-sex couples and the people who know and love them.

I applaud Republican State Sen. Branden Petersen for expressing his support of legislation that would extend the basic freedom to marry to same-sex couples in Minnesota, and I urge other Republican legislators and Minnesotans to join him.

I have been involved at nearly every level of Republican politics for more than two decades. I deeply believe in our party’s core principles, and I want to see the Republican Party succeed. It is for that reason that I feel compelled to speak out and urge other Minnesota Republicans to follow Sen. Petersen’s leadership.

The activists who make up our party are divided on this issue. While our antiquated party platform states very clearly that the Republican Party opposes gay marriage, many Republican activists feel otherwise. The so-called “Liberty” delegates especially, who are on the rise within our party, either support gay marriage or believe government has no role in dictating the issue. In either case, our platform seriously misrepresents many Republicans’ true views on marriage.

Last year, Republicans put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would have permanently deemed gay and lesbian couples as unworthy of marriage. Many of the Republican legislators who voted to add that amendment did so against their better judgment and personal feelings on the issue, and our party paid for it at the polls in November. Along with my husband and four voting-aged children, I proudly voted “no” on that amendment.

If we are truly the party of freedom and limited government, what justification is there to use the power of government to restrict people’s lives?

Overwhelmingly, younger generations support marriage for same-sex couples, and I agree with Sen. Petersen that it is inevitable. As a mother of generally Republican-leaning children in high school and college, it was difficult to explain to them why our party took the position it did. The philosophical double standard was troublesome, to say the least.

I believe it is time for Minnesota state law to finally reflect the fact that marriage is about the love, commitment and responsibility that two people share. Marriage is good for children, and it strengthens families and communities. If we truly believe these things, I cannot think of any valid reason for our state to continue to exclude same-sex couples from having the opportunity to marry and pursue happiness like anyone else.

Furthermore, I believe that it is time for the Republican Party to seriously address this issue. Public polls continue to show increasing movement in Minnesota and across the country towards understanding that the basic freedom to marry the person you love should no longer exclude gay and lesbian citizens. In fact, recent polls show that only 23 percent of Minnesotans still believe same-sex couples should have no legal recognition. Our Republican Party needs to recognize that as generations age, the world changes, and that supporting government intrusion into Minnesotans’ personal lives is antithetical to being the Party of limited government and individual liberty.

The fact is that tens of thousands of same-sex couples live in Minnesota — they may be your neighbors, family members, or fellow churchgoers. Same-sex couples are raising children — successful, healthy and happy children — in communities all across our state. Gay and lesbian Minnesotans pay taxes, vote, and serve in the military on behalf of their fellow citizens. They take care of each other, their families and their children — and ultimately, aside from whom they fell in love with, they are no different than anyone else.

There is no substitute for marriage in society. I cannot imagine being told that it was illegal to marry my husband. Same-sex couples who have made lifelong commitments of love and fidelity to each other deserve the recognition, responsibilities and protections inherent to marriage, and the children of same-sex couples deserve to grow up in stable homes with married parents. It is not the role of government to discriminate based on gender or sexual orientation.

In the end, Minnesota will be a stronger, better place when we acknowledge that even though our families don’t all look the same, we all matter. All Minnesotans deserve the freedom to marry the person they love, and I urge the Republican Party to recognize that.

After all, protecting freedom and liberty — and removing unnecessary government intrusion from our lives — is, at its core, the conservative thing to do.

Pat Anderson served as Minnesota State Auditor from 2003-07 and as the Republican National Committeewoman from 2011-12. She has also run as a Republican candidate for governor and currently serves as the chair of the Fourth Congressional District Republicans.

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/gop-activist-defends-gop-senator-in-favor-of-same-sex-marriage/feed/ 0 LCR MN Happy Hour http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/lcr-mn-happy-hour/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/lcr-mn-happy-hour/#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:40:55 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=483

It’s Lincoln’s birthday and what better time to celebrate?

” Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it” – Lincoln 1859

The legislature is picking it’s battles, marriage equality is being pursued, MN GOP is seeking new leadership.. there is lots to chat about!

Join us for Happy Hour Tuesday Feb 12 from 5p-7′ish.

Contact Chairman Ken Smoron at 612-236-3455 with questions or contact us at info@mnlogcabin.org

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2013/02/lcr-mn-happy-hour/feed/ 0 National Announces New Interim Executive Director http://mnlogcabin.org/2012/12/national-announces-new-interim-executive-director/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2012/12/national-announces-new-interim-executive-director/#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:19:46 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=479 Log Cabin Republicans Names Gregory T. Angelo Interim Executive Director

(Washington, DC) – The National Board of Directors of Log Cabin Republicans today announced that Gregory T. Angelo has been named Interim Executive Director of the organization. Mr. Angelo follows R. Clarke Cooper, who had announced his intent to step down at the end of the year after serving as executive director since 2010.

“I hope LGBT Republicans and our allies who support freedom and liberty will join me in welcoming Gregory T. Angelo as the interim executive director of Log Cabin Republicans,” said National Board Chairman Peter Bertelsen. “Gregory’s longstanding involvement with Log Cabin as leader of the New York State chapter, and his demonstrated ability with grassroots advocacy as head of our sister think tank, the Liberty Education Forum, make him the clear choice to continue the significant strides made by Clarke Cooper over the last three years.”

“It has been a tremendous honor to work with our Republican allies in Congress, various partners in liberty, and the Log Cabin Republicans national staff and chapters across the country to advance freedom and equality for all Americans regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” said R. Clarke Cooper. “I am also proud of our work as a force multiplier and LGBT voice within the Republican Party and remain committed to building a stronger more inclusive GOP focused on the core conservative values of limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, free markets and a strong national defense. For the good of the Republican Party, the LGBT community, and our nation as a whole, it is vital that Log Cabin Republicans continue its work. Victory for equality is on the horizon, and Log Cabin must continue to lead the way onward and upward.”

“I am both humbled and thrilled to have the support of the Log Cabin Republicans National Board of Directors and to follow in the footsteps of the inimitable Clarke Cooper,” Mr. Angelo stated. “There has never been a more exciting and historic time to be a gay Republican-with the wind at our backs following four referendum victories for the freedom to marry last November and the United States Supreme Court soon to rule on marriage equality, 2013 could mark a turning point in the fight for equal rights for all. It has never been more critical to advocate for equality to Republicans, as Republicans. As the Interim Executive Director of this esteemed organization, I will do everything I can to work for Republican victories that return the party to its roots of freedom, fairness, and liberty for all.”

Mr. Angelo is the current Chairman of Log Cabin Republicans of New York State, a position he has held since 2009. As New York State Chairman, Mr. Angelo led Log Cabin Republicans as part of New Yorkers United for Marriage, a coalition that collaborated to make marriage equality legal through legislative vote for the first time in a Republican-controlled legislature. He is also the Executive Director of the Liberty Education Forum, a non-partisan think tank that advocates a message of gay acceptance among conservatives and people of faith throughout the United States. Mr. Angelo is a longtime resident of Manhattan, where he serves as a GOP District Leader. He was an Alternate Delegate for Newt Gingrich in the 2012 election cycle.

Mr. Angelo’s first day as Interim Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans will be January 2.

Date: 12/28/2012

Copyright 2012 Log Cabin Republicans

]]> http://mnlogcabin.org/2012/12/national-announces-new-interim-executive-director/feed/ 0 Happy Hour with Margaret Hoover http://mnlogcabin.org/2012/10/happy-hour-with-margaret-hoover/ http://mnlogcabin.org/2012/10/happy-hour-with-margaret-hoover/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:53:53 +0000 KenS http://mnlogcabin.org/?p=471 Log Cabin Republicans invite you to join us as our chairman Ken Smoron co-hosts a happy hour with Margaret Hoover CNN political contributor, political strategist, leader of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry and great-granddaughter of former U.S. President Herbert Hoover.


Saturday, November 3
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Local
931 Nicollet Mall

An evening reception to benefit Minnesotans United for All Families

hosted by
Cristine Almeida – Ani Backa – Joe Bagnoli – Meredith Beeson – Jake Blumberg & Christine Farhart – Jennifer Breitinger – Kate Brickman – Richard Carlbom – Dale Carpenter – Michael Carroll – Joel Carlson – Emmett Coleman – Patrick Connolly – Dan Cramer – Commissioner Spencer Cronk – Corey Day – Maria De La Cruz – Aram Desteian & Aja Tashjian – Eric Dick – Joel Dumonsau – Elizabeth Emerson – Sarah Erickson – Tim Flaherty – Mary Gilbert – Ben Goldfarb – Nancy Haas – Kathy Hahne – Jenny Haigh – Ann Hunt – Eric Hyland – Louie Jambois – Eric Jensen – Ryan Kaess – Ann Kaner-Roth – Michele Kelm-Helgen – Susan Kimberly – Julia Dayton Klein – Alex Knewtson – Mark Knief – Madeline Koch – Andy Kozak – Carl Kuhl – Kathy Lantry – Matt Lewis – Jake Loesch – Roy Magnuson – Kyle Makarios – John Marshall – Jenny Marzolf – Peter McLauglin & Nancy Hylden – Kristen McMullen – Mike Misterik – Roger Moe – Jennifer Mundt – Richard Painter – Alana & Tom Petersen – Brian Pietsch – Robyn Rowen – Meredith Salsbery – Paul Schroepfer & Keegan Shoutz – Kelly Schwinghammer – Brian Smidt – Ken Smoron – Leah Solo – Gia Vitali – Sarah Walker – Alfonso Wenker – Alex Whitney – Wheelock Whitney – Paul Winkelaar

Suggested donation:
$25 – $50 – $100
*more if you can, less if you can’t

To RSVP, please contact:
Ken Smoron – info@mnlogcabin.org or 612-236-3455

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