In an opinion piece posted in the Morrison County Record, The Editorial Board of ECM Publishers Inc. voices their opposition of the mean-spirited marriage amendment. With the headline, “Vote ‘No’ on ill-considered marriage amendment,” below is just a small excerpt of what they had to say:

Passing the amendment would place limits in our constitution on the freedom of same-sex citizens. It would erect a barrier to continuing the discussion of same-sex marriage, for today’s voters and for future generations of Minnesotans who may want to reopen the debate.

Voters would, in fact, be making choices for those future generations. Voters would be telling many of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that marriage won’t be an option for them.

That’s not freedom, that’s oppression, and we are concerned what message that sends the world about our state. What kind of Minnesota do we want to present to the world?

The letter speaks to the fact that we shouldn’t make rash decisions that have long-lasting impacts on everything from families to attracting top talent to Minnesota. It also speaks about love:

We think it’s important that people love whom they wish to love, and have an opportunity to marry whom they wish to marry. It’s a simple case of treating people with the same kind of respect with which you would want to be treated.

The letter concludes with the fact that marriage is already defined as one man, one woman in the state of Minnesota. Defeating this amendment doesn’t change that fact.

If you have a minute, check out the letter in its entirety. It’s a really good read.