Minnesota Rep. Steve Simon: Being Gay Is a Gift from God

by Brandon Miller · 2011-05-07 14:00:00 UTC
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"God."

You normally hear that word used in arguments against same-sex marriage and/or LGBT equality in general. Indeed, it's not a word that we usually hear linked to LGBT issues in a positive form, and it is especially not a word that you hear linked to LGBT issues in a positive way in a government forum. But one amazing Minnesota representative voiced his opinion this week. And according to Rep. Steve Simon, being gay is a gift from God.

The  matter came up because the House's Civil Law Committee has approved a resolution that intends to place a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage before voters. Last week, a judiciary committee in the Minnesota Senate passed the Senate version of the same bill. Somewhere Michele Bachmann is giving an interview, looking into the wrong camera, and smiling.

“We have to be careful about trying to enshrine our beliefs, however religiously valid you may believe them to be, in the Minnesota Constitution,” Rep. Simon said in the House. “What I'm hearing today and what I heard on Friday was largely a religious justification for change in the Minnesota Constitution. I don't think that's right. I don't think that's fair.”

Minnesota state law already bans same-sex couples from entering into marriage. However, anti-gay supporters argue that the law is vulnerable to legal challenge. In the face of that hatred, Rep. Simon stood up for gay people everywhere.

“I want to take a page from what I heard last Friday in the Senate testimony. There was a member of the clergy … and he said, 'You know what? Sexuality and sexual orientation are a gift from God.' And I think that's true. I think the scientific evidence shows more and more every day that sexuality and sexual orientation are innate and something people are born with," he said.

And then, just for those dense folks in the crowd, he asked a crucial question.

“How many more gay people does God have to create before we ask ourselves whether or not God actually wants them around?”

To sign the Change.org petition targeting the Minnesota Senate, go here. For the House petition, sign here.

Photo Credit: SteveSimon.Net

Brandon Miller is a freelance writer and editor from Toronto, Ontario.
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