Issue Position: Ensuring Equal Rights

Issue Position

In 2012, issue advocates and elected officials in Minnesota successfully lobbied to get a question on the ballot, which if passed, would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Fortunately, this measure was resoundingly rejected, as the state came together in opposition.

The following year, Terri co-authored the "Freedom to Marry" bill, which allowed for full marriage rights for same-sex couples. The bill passed, and same-sex couples began marrying in Minnesota on August 1st, 2013. "This was one of my proudest accomplishments in my time at the State Senate," says Terri. "I remember the feeling of joy and love that rang throughout the Capitol building as supporters sang songs of love and unity.

"Minnesota is an accepting state. We understand that people have differences, and that the choice of who someone loves, what race you are or what religion you follow does not define one's character. In recent years, we have seen an effort to drive a wedge in this country through policies of division. The states that have taken this approach (North Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana) have seen negative backlash -- not only from individuals, but also from businesses that don't wish to operate in states that divide."

Terri has long been a supporter of equal rights for all people, and will continue to do so in Congress.

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