Planned Parenthood Advocate

Marriage Amendment: Not In the Hands of Voters

Supporters of the Marriage Amendment, including the group Minnesota for Marriage, predict catastrophic dangers for Minnesota if the Marriage Amendment fails to pass. The Amendment would define marriage only between one man and one woman. It would also make it a constitutional requirement to only recognize marriage between one man and one woman.

Supporters of the proposal argue that unless the measure passes marriage will be redefined for everyone, education will change, religious organizations will face legal trouble, individuals who oppose same-sex marriage will face legal trouble, poverty will increase, and marriage rates will decrease.

Is this future of Minnesota? Just next door, Iowa has allowed same-sex marriages since 2009. According to the CDC marriage rates and divorce rates have pretty much remained the same. In fact, the only measurable change has been economic. Same-sex unions have added millions of dollars to the Iowa economy. Between wedding arrangements and tourism it is estimated that same-sex marriage has contributed between $12-$20 million dollars to the state’s economy.

Several months after the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, the Des Moines Register polled Iowans on the issue. About 40 percent said they supported banning same-sex marriage. Another 40 percent were not in favor of a ban. Most importantly, 92% of Iowans stated that same-sex marriage had no impact on their lives.

This amendment doesn’t ban same-sex marriage. The state of Minnesota already prohibits same-sex marriage. The state also does not recognize same-sex marriages- including couples that were legally married in other states. This amendment doesn’t protect school curriculum from changing. This amendment doesn’t protect individual opinion regarding same-sex marriage or the LGBT community. Individuals can still publicly support or publicly oppose same-sex marriage.

Supporters of this amendment argue that it allows voters to decide the future of same-sex marriage in Minnesota. This amendment would not allow citizens to challenge current same-sex marriage laws through the court system. It would also not allow the issue to be decided through the legislative process. Most importantly, it would not allow voters to decide.

If this amendment passes, the only way to change it would be through another amendment repealing the first one. This can only occur every two years. Minnesota doesn’t allow citizens to petition to place an amendment on the ballot.  In order to repeal this amendment a majority of the state house and senate would have to vote to put it on the ballot. This process only leaves the decision to voters if the legislature decides to give it to voters.

To read the amendments as they will appear on the ballot please check out the Minnesota Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1719

What's at stake with Voter ID?

While groups all across Minnesota fight against the Photo ID Amendment, an amendment that would require government-issued photo ID before voting and would disenfranchise thousands of voters, a larger battle over voter registration and suppression rages on at a national level.

On September 12^th, Elisabeth MacNamara, the president of the League of Women Voters of the United States, testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and spoke about the importance of maintaining and protecting voters’ rights.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that was founded in 1920, six months before the ratification of the 19^th Amendment. Since literally the beginning of women’s right to vote in the United States, the League has been there to advocate for voters’ rights and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their voices heard in the elections. The League does not endorse any parties or candidates, but strives to provide equality and advocacy for all voters.

In MacNamara’s statement, she brought forward accounts of disenfranchised voters all over the country, victims of voter registration laws: elderly men and women unable to provide the needed paperwork to apply for government identification; college students sent vague, threatening letters from government officials, implying that they would have to un-register as voters because their cars were not registered in-state; disabled veterans unable to afford the time and money needed to procure the proper documentation of their identities. These harrowing personal accounts were just snapshots in the wave of numbers, as a study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that as many as five million eligible voters may be disenfranchised by new state voting laws. Compare this to the fact that not one case of voter fraud has been definitively found.

MacNamara ended her testimony with a plea to the judiciary to step in and held defend voters’ rights in the United States: “Our message, Mr. Chairman, was simply put by President Lincoln during the Civil War.  The United States must be a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Restrictions on the right to vote limit the role of citizens in our democracy and are simply unacceptable.  So too are the decisions that have turned special interests loose to dominate our elections and distort our democracy.  We have a lot of work ahead” (MacNamara 11).

So while we fight to stop the voter restriction amendment in Minnesota, we are part of a larger movement to ensure suffrage for all Americans, as has been the law since women fought hard for those rights, 92 years ago.

To read the entirety of MacNamara’s testimony, visit http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/pdf/9-12-12MacNamaraTestimony.pdf.

To learn more about the voter restriction amendment in Minnesota and how to fight back against its attempt at voter suppression, visit http://www.ourvoteourfuture.org/.

To find out more about voter registration and pledge to vote, visit http://womenvote2012.blogspot.com/.

 

Citations

MacNamara, Elisabeth. United States. United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary. STATEMENT BY ELISABETH MACNAMARA, PRESIDENT LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY ON THE CITIZENS UNITED COURT AND THE CONTINUING IMPORTANCE OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT. Washington DC: , 2012. Web. <http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/pdf/9-12-12MacNamaraTestimony.pdf>.

Planned Parenthood Stands with President Obama

Thanks to President Obama, being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition—Cecile Richards

With both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions having reached their conclusion, each party has demonstrated to the electorate where they stand on the issues facing our nation.  In this election, more so than any other in recent history, women’s issues have risen to the forefront of the campaigns’ attentions, and it has never been more critical to stand behind the candidates who are standing with women. In this election, that’s President Obama.  

When Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards spoke at the DNC, she reminded us of how President Obama has been a faithful ally to women: signing the Lily Ledbetter Act, increasing access to birth control without co-pay, and ensuring no woman will be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. 

These views stand in stark contrast to the Romney-Ryan ticket.  Having vowed to “get rid of” Planned Parenthood, to repeal the Affordable Care Act, to restrict women’s access to basic reproductive health care, and to support the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the extreme views of the Republican ticket would hurt women.  

While not everyone may agree wholly with the positions of either party, the extreme views of the Romney-Ryan ticket differ vastly from the moderate views of most Americans.  A recent poll found that 75% of adults think that even policy makers who oppose abortion should still support birth control.  Birth control is a basic, essential part of women’s health care, and the majority of Americans understand that.  We need to elect representatives who reflect these views, and value and trust women enough to let them make their own health care decisions.  The Republican ticket fails to recognize the vital role contraception plays in a woman’s life, and denying women access to affordable birth control, limits them in other facets of their life. 

Planned Parenthood Action Fund has proudly endorsed President Obama for a second term. His steadfast commitment to women ensures women will continue to have access to the essential care they deserve.  This November, let’s stand behind the candidate who’s stood with us.  

Moira, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Datoka

GOP Representatives Vote to Repeal ACA, Again

Just weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, the House of Representatives voted, once again, to repeal this landmark legislation.  The repeal garnered the vote of nearly every GOP congressperson, including Minnesota’s own Cravaack, Bachmann, Kline and Paulsen.  This is not the first time a vote like this has taken place.  In fact, the GOP lead House has now voted more than thirty times to repeal this legislation.

Our GOP representatives have argued fervently against ACA, citing government overreach and wasteful spending.  Despite the fact that ACA will provide live-saving insurance to more than 30 million Americans, Cravaack, Bachmann, Kline and Paulsen continue to fight against legislation that has already been passed and has been deemed constitutional by the United States Supreme Court. Rather than spend time working to find solutions to the problems facing our country, these representatives have chosen to waste valuable time and money on a largely symbolic vote, underscoring their discontent with ACA.

Michele Bachmann – Far Outside the Mainstream – Endorses Mitt Romney

Today Mitt Romney accepted the endorsement of Michele Bachmann – a member of Congress with views far outside of the mainstream when it comes to basic protections for women’s health.

“Minnesotans know firsthand that Michele Bachmann’s views on women’s health are extreme,” said Sarah Stoesz, President of the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. “With his enthusiastic acceptance of Bachmann’s endorsement, where Mitt Romney stands has never been clearer. He’s not a friend to women’s health.”

Just when you thought the Tea Party was bad…

…Here come the 2012 GOP Presidential Contenders!

On the heels of President Obama’s decision to run for re-election, we thought it would be a good time to take a look at the political positions of the GOP contenders. And – what a surprise – it’s a regular bonanza of extreme, anti-choice views coming from the GOP Presidential Players. Let’s take a quick look at some of their stances.

Mike Huckabee – At a fundraiser, Huckabee said abortion was basically the same thing as slavery before the Civil War. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/24/huckabee-likens-abortion_n_178433.html] 

Tim Pawlenty – Decided to declare April 2010 a state-wide “Abortion Recovery Month,” and did so because the anti-choice group ‘Silent No More’ told him to. [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35687.html]

Sarah Palin – Doesn’t support abortion rights, even in cases of rape and incest. [http://juneauempire.com/stories/101906/sta_20061019031.shtml] 

Michele Bachmann – Once warned that public schools might begin to offer abortions if President Obama’s healthcare passed. [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/61099-bachmann-warns-of-abortions-at-school]

Of course, all of these candidates (including Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich) have also reaffirmed their opposition to all services of Planned Parenthood. This goes beyond the abortion debate, too, as the vast majority of Planned Parenthood’s services include life-saving pap smears and breast exams.

Instead of following the mainstream views of most Americans, the GOP 2012 Candidates are all part of the most extreme segment of the Republican Party. They are ignoring that in Minnesota alone, Planned Parenthood has provided served over 60,000 people, many of whom consider Planned Parenthood to be their only option for basic and preventive health care. 

So get ready for the election of 2012--it should be an interesting time! 

 

--by Kyle, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Advocate

PPMNS Action Fund Congratulates Governor-Elect Mark Dayton

(St. Paul) Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund (PPAF) congratulates Mark Dayton on his gubernatorial win.

“Today is a very important day for the health and well-being of women and families in Minnesota,” said PPAF President Sarah Stoesz.

“Mark Dayton has a long history of fighting for what’s right: justice, equality, access to affordable quality health care, including family planning, and protecting the health and safety of women. Minnesotans have embraced his vision for the state and we congratulate him on this hard-fought victory. He is a true champion for women’s health,” Stoesz said.

Earlier this year, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund proudly endorsed Mark Dayton for Governor.

As a US Senator, Mark Dayton was a chief ally and consistent supporter of the health and safety of women across the country. Lieutenant Governor-elect, Yvonne Prettner Solon is an equally important friend to women and families, and has spent a decade in the Minnesota legislature working tirelessly on their behalf.

“On this important day, we congratulate Governor-elect Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor-elect Solon, and, at long last, look forward to having a forceful and effective advocate for the health and well-being of Minnesota women in the governor’s office,” said Stoesz.

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Contact: Kathi Di Nicola (651) 755-9557

What the 2010 elections mean for reproductive rights in MN

After finally achieving a pro-choice majority in the Minnesota Senate a few years ago, this year's election is particularly hard to swallow.  It could be a difficult year for women's health and reproductive rights in Minnesota. 

Our focus at Planned Parenthood remains the same: we are here for women, men and teens, no matter what. Our doctors, nurses, and staff across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota stand ready to do what we have been doing for more than 80 years — deliver high-quality care, education and advocacy to the women and families that depend on us. We will not back down.

Stay Connected

Pro-Choice Voter Guide

Welcome to the Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund Voter Guide.

The purpose of this voter guide is to provide Planned Parenthood supporters with information about Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund endorsed candidates in their districts. Please utilize this guide as you make your voting decisions.

Click here and type your address to find the candidates and polling information in your area.

 

 

Election Fever –Join us for Voter Mobilization and GOTV activities!

The election is only two weeks away and things have kicked into high gear here at the Planned Parenthood! We have door-knocks and phone banks scheduled for the next two weekends and we are in need of volunteers!

 

Voter Mobilization Weekend – Saturday 10/23

 Join us from 9AM to 12PM on Saturday 10/23 for phone-banks here at our Minneapolis office. We’ll be making calls to pro-choice supporters for several state senate candidates! We’ll also be joining up with a couple door-knocks in the metro area!

For more details and to sign up contact Sam at scarolus@ppmns.org

 

Obama/Dayton Rally For a Better Minnesota

It's official! On Saturday, October 23rd , President Obama is coming to Minnesota rally support for our endorsed gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton! The rally will take place at Northrop Mall on the U of M Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Doors open at 1PM. To RSVP to the rally please visit http://dfl.org/gotvforabetterminn Come out and show your support for reproductive freedom and the next pro-choice Governor!

 

Get-Out-the-Vote Weekend- Saturday 10/30 and Sunday 10/31

In the final weekend before the election, we’ll be hitting the phones and reminding our supporters to vote on November 2nd! The calls are quick, easy and fun! We’ll have food and a raffle for participants!  The shifts available are Saturday 10/30 from 10AM-1PM and 1PM-4PM or Sunday from 12PM-3PM. For more details and to sign up for a shift contact Sam at scarolus@ppmns.org

 

Also, be sure to check out our voter’s guide to learn about the pro-choice candidates that will appear on your ballot on November 2nd! 

It’s vital we elect pro-choice candidates this fall!