In yet another sign of growing opposition to the mean-spirited marriage amendment, the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune published an open letter this evening publicly opposing the amendment:

On Nov. 6 voters will be asked to add a ban on marriage between gays and lesbians to the state Constitution. At its core, the debate is about fairness and freedom — and about what does or does not belong in our Constitution.

With those key principles in mind, Minnesota should be the first state in the nation to decline such a proposal. Denying something as basic as marriage to two committed adults has no place in a state’s most important legal document.

The Editorial Board refutes several arguments from amendment supporters, including the claim that somehow allowing same-sex couples the opportunity to wed would harm children and families:

As to the “defense” of traditional marriage: There is no legitimate proof that same-sex marriages have any impact whatsoever on other families or relationships.

Yes, some marriages produce children, but many do not. It’s certainly not the sole reason for marriage in modern society. Yet studies have shown that marriage is indeed good for children — the commitment tends to result in more stability and responsibility from the adults involved — whether the parents are gay or straight.

There’s a lot more to the letter than the above, be sure to check it out in its entirety. The Editorial Board conclude their letter with a powerful close:

We’d urge voters to think about the gay or lesbian friend and coworker in the next cubicle, the nice same-sex couple down the street, or the beloved gay family member. They have the same hopes and dreams as heterosexuals, and for many that includes the desire to marry and form a family with the person they love.

In our hearts and souls, we Minnesotans are basically fair people who believe in human rights. That fundamental sense of humanity should lead to a “no” vote on the marriage amendment.

Thank you, Star Tribune, for standing on the right side of history.