(Updated) Kriesel responds to Minnesota Family Council’s criticism on amendment stance

State Rep. John Kriesel, one of a handful of high-profile Republicans opposing a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, responded on Twitter to vitriolic statements by the president of the Minnesota Family Council (MFC).

The MFC dismissed a press conference held last week by Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove), Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing), former gubernatorial candidate Wheelock Whitney, members of Log Cabin Republicans and former deputy mayor under Norm Coleman, Susan Kimberly. MFC President Tom Prichard said the Republicans’ opposition to the amendment wasn’t newsworthy, and described the anti-amendment Republicans as “social liberals.”

Kriesel responded today on Twitter:

Same-sex marriage is currently illegal under Minnesota’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). If the amendment fails, same-sex marriage would still remain illegal unless legislators move to repeal DOMA and pass a bill legalizing marriage rights for same-sex couples as has been done in four states and the District of Columbia.

Update:

Rep. Kriesel responded to the Minnesota Independent with a statement expanding on his position.

“There will always be people that scream “the government needs to stay out of our lives,” and “we want less government,” until they find something that fits their agenda,” Kriesel wrote. “Then they are more than happy to expand the reach of government. I completely disagree with such a hypocritical philosophy.”

Kriesel said he rejects the notion that same-sex or other unmarried couples threaten his family life.

“I happen to disagree with Tom Pritchard on the marriage amendment issue. The fact that Tom is quick to label me a “social liberal” based on my position on the marriage amendment is just proof of how divisive and closed-minded an individual can be. What happened to doing what’s best for the people—ALL people? I’m not offended by the label, nor I am concerned about the label,” Kriesel said. “I am concerned about people, and doing what is best for the people—of my district and of this state. That is what I was elected to do.”

Kriesel took a stand against the amendment in the House last year.

“This is not an issue I will hide from, nor an issue I will walk away from, regardless of what category I am placed in or what label I am given,” Kriesel said. ”I’m not in this political arena to make friends, I am in this position to make a difference, to better the lives of my constituents and better Minnesota as a state. I believe defeating the amendment will help accomplish those goals.”