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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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Rep. John Ward Votes for Marriage Equality
St. Paul, Minnesota – This afternoon the Minnesota House of Representatives passed marriage equality legislation. State Representative John Ward (DFL – Baxter) voted in favor of the bill and released the following statement:
“As a legislator I believe that breaking down walls of injustice and inequality is part of my job. One of my goals in my time in the Minnesota House has been to push for equality and social justice. I feel that is our responsibility.
“While I understand the results of the vote on last year’s constitutional amendment, more constituents contacted me in support of marriage equality than those who were opposed. I also heard from people who had changed their mind on the issue from opposition to support, including an 88 year-old man and a small business owner. I have spoken to many constituents about this and no matter what side of the issue they were on, most said that it is only right that we should all be treated equally and not be discriminated against. That’s what I voted in favor of today.
“God made all of us and I don’t believe we should discriminate against some people based on who they fall in love with and who they want to marry.
“In my 7 years in the legislature, this is the most difficult issue I have ever voted on. I thought, prayed long and hard, and listened to both sides before following my conscience and voting for freedom and equality.
“As this issue was moving through the process, I worked to ensure it includes the strongest religious freedom protections of any state that has legalized same-sex marriage. We even adopted an amendment on the floor that will ensure even greater protections for religious institutions.
“Same-sex couples in Minnesota pay taxes, vote, serve in the military, and run businesses. They work hard and contribute to the same system as anyone else. They should be treated fairly under the law and that includes the right to civil marriage in Minnesota.
“Minnesotans believe that marriage is a unique promise of love, commitment and responsibility that two people share. I have always believed that we should treat others the way we want to be treated and none of us would want to be told that it is illegal to marry the person we love.”
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- Rep. Ward Encourages Non-Profits to Apply for MNsure Consumer Assistance Grants - (Posted: Jun 3 2013 1:39PM)
- Rep. Ward Appointed to Serve on Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs - (Posted: May 30 2013 9:58AM)
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