Civil Union Hearings But No Votes - Some Left Asking Why? - Full Audio Interviews

Submitted by owings64 on March 9, 2010 - 12:21

Capitol At Dusk
March 8, 2010
State Capitol - By Marty Owings

Both the Minnesota House and Senate recently held hearings on Civil Unions, but no votes were taken in either meeting. Some people in the GBLT community voiced criticism over the lack of voting, saying they believe a vote should have been taken, especially in the Senate committee where the believe there's enough support to pass a bill.

Senator Mee Moua (DFL) who is the chair of the Judiciary Committee where the hearing took place says she's surprised at the criticism, since it was GBLT leaders and the bills co-sponsor Sen. John Marty that didn't want a vote to be taken. Moua says that there was concern that the a measure wouldn't make it into law since House support for such a measure was not likely. However, Sen. John Marty (DFL) says he wanted a vote and thinks advancing such a measure helps raise awareness of an important issue.

I interviewed both Senators today and asked them about the controversy.

Sen Mee Moua (DFL) - Why There Was No Committee Vote On Civil Unions:
Click Here For The Audio.

Sen John Marty (DFL), On Why He Supports A Committee Vote On Civil Unions:
Click Here For The Audio.

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