Independence Party opposes same-sex marriage amendment

The chairman of Minnesota's Independence Party says the party opposes a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the state.

The Legislature passed the measure on May 21, and it will be on the ballot for the 2012 election. It asks voters if marriage should be defined as only between one man and one woman.

In a statement, Independence Party Chairman Mark Jenkins said the amendment goes against the party's platform, which declares that it opposes "having the government impose state-sponsored morality or values on people of good conscience with differing views."

Jenkins also asked fellow members of the party and all Minnesotans to "work to defeat" the constitutional amendment.

The full statement is on the party's website.

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