| christian grantham | |||
| Christian Grantham was a student activist in the late 90s and later was a consultant to domestic policy forums for the Clinton Administration as well as events for HRC and GLAAD. | |||
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latest posts
April 07, 2004
Laura Migliorino of Minneapolis has had it with elected officials seeking to deny her equal rights. When Republican Senator Michele Bachmann proposed a measure banning equal marriage rights for gay residents of her state, Migliorino knew she wouldn't change Bachmann's mind. So, Migliorino sought to push Bachmann's constituents into action with a boycott.
In a letter to the chamber of commerce for the city of Stillwater, Migliorino wrote,
"Sen. Bachmann has hung a huge 'Not Welcome' sign on the town of Stillwater. If Sen. Bachmann's attitude toward our community is a reflection of how Stillwater businesses and residents feel toward our community, then we need to re-consider where we spend our money. If her views are not a reflection of the Stillwater community, then her constituency needs to voice their opposition, and ask that she withdraw her amendment proposal."
According to Pioneer Press (04-07-04), Diane Rollie, executive director of the chamber, feels the more than 30 people who have so far taken Migliorino's lead are misdirecting their anger.
Is Migliorino misdirecting anger? Migliorino may, at most, deny Stillwater a few bucks. Stillwater, however, has delivered the Minnesota State Senate an elected representative who seeks, on behalf of her constitutents, to deny Migliorino much more. Migliorina has chosen to spend her money where it's wanted.
Business leaders of Stillwater have a very simple business choice. They can either denounce their elected Senator's proposal to deny rights to residents of Minnesota or they can allow their silence to keep the "not welcome" flag proudly unfurled over their city.
Sen. Bachmann won't listen to those whose rights she views as inconsequential in the first place. No matter how much gays and lesbian want their friends and family to take a vocal stand for American principles fairness, Stillwater, like most cities, remains predominently silent as the rights and lives of their friends are reduced to second class citizenship.
It's time business owners and residents of Stillwater to decide whether fairness and equality are unimportant principles or whether they want to make certain that all Americans are welcome to Stillwater. More importantly, it's up to Stillwater to decide whether Sen. Bachmann's proposal accurately reflects their values.
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