Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor party celebrates 35 years of support for marriage equality |
(Saint Paul, MN) October 12,
2006 – Back in 1972, delegates at the Minnesota DFL State Convention passed a
party platform plank in favor of marriage equality – the first such official
support from a major political party in the USA. “This is a major milestone in
both Minnesota and National politics,” said Joe Carlile, Stonewall DFL Chair.
“The commitment that DFL has shown in support of the struggle for LGBT equality
reinforces that the Democrat party has been a party of inclusion and diversity
for a very long time.”
This 35th Anniversary was celebrated at the DFL State Central Committee meeting
this last weekend by serving wedding cake and punch. The celebration was
sponsored by the Stonewall DFL Caucus, and by LGBT elected officials MN Sen.
Scott Dibble, MN Rep. Karen Clark, and Minneapolis City Council members Scott
Benson, Robert Lilligren, and Gary Schiff.
Guests at the event included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, candidates Mike Ciresi
and Al Franken, State DFL Chair Brian Melendez, and about 300 DFL delegates from
across the state of Minnesota.
As an officially chartered caucus of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota, Stonewall DFL is Minnesota’s first political organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Visit stonewalldfl.org to make online contributions, find up-to-date event information, candidate and constituency resources and volunteer opportunities. The public may also call the 24-hour information line at 651-251-6328.
Included in the photo:
Lyle Rossman, half of the 1st couple to register for Minneapolis Domestic Partnership registry; Judy Melanson, Hennepin County DFL Treasurer; Brian Melendez, Minnesota DFL Party Chair.