Last week, I shared a story from MPR that spoke about the strong support marriage amendments have received from the African American community. In response to the post, some have asked the question, “Why would we single out the African American community, when we don’t do that with other groups?” In response, I would say that analysis does indeed single out many groups’ level of support. Polling numbers are sliced and diced in a plethora of ways. When we do that, we continue to see common trends around the support for marriage amendments:
- Higher support among older Americans
- Higher support among Republicans
- Slightly higher support from males
- Higher support from those that have less education
- Higher support from those that identify as Catholic
Now, does this mean that all Republicans will vote for the amendment? Of course not! Thankfully, we’ve got many Republicans on our side (we’d have no hope of defeating this thing in Minnesota if we didn’t). Similarly, it does not mean that all African Americans will vote for the amendment either. However, ignoring trends from previous elections because we don’t want anyone to feel singled out is a sure way to lose this election.
We need to talk about what the reality is and find ways to influence those voters. Just the other day, the Washington Post shared the story titled: “Obama and same-sex marriage: Will his stance cost him the African-American vote?” In the article, the Post shares the words of Reverend William Owens, a minister and vocal opponent of marriage equality:
Claiming to speak for thousands, he connected the prevalence of same-sex marriage to the collapse of the African-American family. And he threatened the president with a widespread revolt by black voters on Election Day. “He has not done a smart thing,” Owens said.
The Post references how other news organizations had picked up the story with headlines like, “Obama’s support for gay marriage ‘might cost him the election’” and then goes on to talk about how that reality is not a likely outcome.
However, if pre-polling and exit polling numbers are any indication, it is likely that many African Americans will vote for the marriage amendment (along with Republicans, males, older voters, less-educated voters and others). The question that we need to ask is: How do we make sure we amp up the conversations we’re having with ALL of these folks.
I still don’t fully understand how anyone (regardless of who it may be) could vote to limit the freedoms of another group within the state constitution.
Note: As I find analysis of polling numbers, I’ll continue to post. It’s not to single out any group (Republicans, Catholics, African Americans, etc.), but rather to highlight where we may need to do some extra work. If you’ve been following me since the beginning, you understand that my approach through all of this centers around two things: 1) Defeating this amendment and 2) Love. We all need to come together and figure out how we defeat this thing, and sometimes, that’s going to require us to have some uncomfortable conversations. Through all of this though, we need to remember why we’re fighting: because of love. Together, I think we can beat this thing in Minnesota, but make no mistake, it’s going to require a lot of work to do it. I hope you’re with me.
Toni
/ September 16, 2012VOTE YES ON NOV 6th!!!
This isn’t about limiting people’s rights to choose unions for themselves. They can and will decide to pursue homosexual lifestyles if that is what they decide. The idea tho of ‘marriage’ is a holy covenant designed by God to be between one MAN and one WOMAN.
By this point most are clear on the fact the majority of Americans hate God, so it will probably get a NO vote in the final tally… but I am praying the veil be lifted from the eyes of those who do not see the truth in the err of their ways! Forsake what you know and trust God–man’s ways are nothing but folly and his heart is exceedingly evil!
Minnesota for Equality
/ September 21, 2012Hi Toni,
I’d actually encourage you to think again about voting yes on November 6th. What you’re advocating is to update our state Constitution to limit the rights of a segment of the Minnesota population. If you start there, what’s to stop voters from limiting your rights?
I’d also encourage you to read the following blog post:
http://minnesotaforequality.com/facebook-note-friend-jessie/
In it, I share a little bit about what this country was founded on and how this amendment goes against many of the things our founding fathers spoke of.
In response to your claim that “the majority of Americans hate God,” well, it is completely inaccurate. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2011, 9 out of 10 Americans believe in God. I’d recommend you check out your facts before posting things like this, as it really discredits your entire argument. (Tip: Google provides a great starting point)
Finally, you make the connection that a NO vote equates to hating God, and that is a claim that I take personal offense to. And I’ll tell you, I’m certainly not the only one. There are many religious people speaking out against this amendment – from Catholics to Baptists – the numbers continue to grow. Check out this quote that I posted yesterday. The quote really highlights Jesus’ key teaching, love:
http://minnesotaforequality.com/duluth-catholic-speaks-against-amendment/
Thanks for visiting the site. I’m hopeful that as you read through additional posts, you’ll see that committed gay and lesbian couples are much like their heterosexual counterparts. Because, at the end of the day, love looks the same.
Toni
/ September 22, 2012Clearly you know not of which you speak. If Americans actually loved God, they would do away with all their pleasure-seeking, sin-loving actions, and yet they do not. People love their own selves FAR more than they love God. 9 out of 10 Americans believe in God? Super. How many LIVE for Him? VERY few.
If I vote in November it will be an emphatic YES for this amendment. I hear your point about limiting our rights, but you are fooling yourself if you think it starts here. Our rights have been stolen and slid out from under us since before I was born, an act which snowballs into today. Our Constitution is a fallacy and will not stand, regardless of how you vote this November, as much as it grieves me to say so–go ahead and mark my words. I don’t condone this system, I was born into it (and would leave but there is nowhere to run).
Do you really know why this country was founded? I am the ignorant one?! This is so far out of our hands; it’s all part of the NWO and the devil’s plan to turn God’s people away from Him. By now I’m sure you see me as some conspiracy theorist but this is no theory. I suggest you do a little research into the principles behind this blossoming ‘power’–when you do you will see that the homo agenda is driving the NWO’s own goals by breaking up the Judeo-Christian family and promoting evil in every conceivable fashion!
This world, yourself included, is so deceived. How sad it is. Gay marriage is an abomination unto God–if you take offense to my statements perhaps you should take a closer look at your own lifestyle and adjust it to God’s will and not man’s logic. People refuse to do as such and then they wonder why this world is so evil? Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV) DO Not Be Deceived.
Perhaps the mainstream sect of these religious people speaking in favor of this amendment have got it wrong? (They do.) There is FAR MORE to Jesus’ teachings than love–don’t preach to me falsely. How can you be a true believer and condone such blasphemy? Open your eyes–you have been brainwashed!! REPENT and know the Kingdom is near. This I plead you; it is your eternity.
I don’t let Google dictate to me what is truth; I have a much higher source than that. I will not apologize if you’re offended: frankly I am offended by the masses of ignorants who decree that a NO vote is the right way to go! At the end of the day love does not look like blasphemy, it looks like God. I will stand up for what is right even if it means standing alone. I pray for you.
When this country is coming down around your ears, remember you were warned to repent and did not. In so doing you seal your own fate. You will be repaid for the seeds you sow. Pick up a KJV Bible and read it. Then perhaps we can find a discussion worth having.
The Lord’s will be done, Amen!!
Minnesota for Equality
/ October 1, 2012Hi Toni,
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. However, you make some bold statements about other Christians. To claim that very few live for Him, whatever that means to you, is based on your own beliefs and judgment. I’d recommend leaving that judgment piece to God, and instead, practice Jesus’ teaching of love. My guess is that you’ll argue your words and judgments are based on love; we can agree to disagree on that one.
As for not condoning the system, I am also not sure of what you reference. You claim that you were “born into it” and would leave if you could… What’s stopping you? If you dislike America that much and believe that your rights have been “stolen and slid out” from under you, I’d encourage you to explore other parts of the globe. I think you will find that time and time again, America wins out. Your freedom of speech and religious views are protected. In fact, our founding fathers went out of their way to ensure we would be free from religious persecution (remember that thing called the separation of church and state?).
With all of that said, I am curious as to what you are doing, personally, to make change? Again, I’m going to guess that you’ll argue that people can’t impact change and I’m fooling myself to believe that we can.
As for gay marriage being an “abomination unto God,” I’d argue that allowing two people who love each other very much to make a life-long commitment in front of family and friends is hardly an abomination. In fact, when you think about it, the claim is quite absurd. As for who I am… I will not stand for your intolerance and ignorance when it comes to my so-called “lifestyle.” There is no doubt in my mind that God made me in His image and He doesn’t make mistakes. Why did He make me gay? I don’t know, but one day, I know that I’ll have the chance to ask.
Finally, and this is a big one, I would strongly encourage you to consider other points of view other than your own. You share that you don’t use Google to “dictate… what is truth.” Instead, YOU dictate what is truth based on what you read and hear. While America allows you that right, you have NO right to legislate your narrow beliefs on me. I mean, seriously, you even dictate which version of the Bible I need to read in your response!
I will continue to extend an olive branch, however, if you continue to be overly negative and judgmental, I will disengage from the conversation. It’s pretty clear that you’ve already made up your mind as to what a “true believer” looks like. Based on what you’ve already shared, I’m not sure that you’re even willing to listen and consider other points of view. I hope that you prove me wrong.
Thanks again for the discussion.