Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Marriage amendment sparks debate

Marriage amendment sparks debate

Sep 28, 2004 - 23:15:50 CDT

By DAVE KOLPACK, Associated Press Writer

FARGO -- A public forum here on a proposed marriage amendment led to spirited debate among a handful of residents but might not have shed new light on the issue, said one member of the group that sponsored the event.

Near the end of the two-hour discussion on a proposed state amendment to limit marriage to heterosexual couples, Fargo Human Relations Commission member Jonny Huang asked if there was anyone who had not made up their mind before the discussion.

One person raised her hand.

"I almost feel it was a bad idea to have the discussion," Huang said. "Somehow I don't feel it will ever change ... and we only end up hurting each other."

The human relations commission invited representatives from the North Dakota Family Alliance, which led the petition drive to put the amendment to a statewide vote, and Equality North Dakota, a gay and lesbian rights group. The family alliance was not represented.

Robert Uebel, chairman of Equality North Dakota, said in opening remarks that same-sex marriage already is prohibited by state law.

"Our opposition is trying to create a climate of panic and fear," Uebel said. "There will not be same-sex marriages the day after the election."

During open discussion, Fargo's Brian Turner said the vote is a "heavy issue." He supports the amendment.

"This is a case where one of us is either right or one of us is either terribly wrong," Turner said.

Many heterosexual marriages do not foster healthy, loving families, said Huang, noting a 49 percent divorce rate among married couples in North Dakota. He said that should be of greater importance than "going after 3 percent of the population."

"Why not put our time and energy into that?" he asked.

If the measure passes, it would only hurt North Dakota's struggle against outmigration, Uebel said.

"It says that a whole group of people are not welcome here," he said. "Intolerance weakens all of us."

Turner said there are some issues where people need to be intolerant. "This is one of those issues," he said.

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Comments

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