The Minnesota Independent

Civil Rights

Photo: Larry Darling, Flickr

Anoka-Hennepin School Board members re-elected despite furor over district’s ‘neutrality policy’

Photo: Larry Darling, Flickr
By Andy Birkey | 11.09.11 | 11:32 am

Marci Anderson and Tom Heidemann, both of whom support the “neutrality policy” won, as did Scott Wenzel, who opposes the policy.

One year out from ballot, marriage amendment groups mobilize

By Andy Birkey | 11.09.11 | 9:19 am

Still in the early stages, campaigns for and against the constitutional same-sex marriage ban are using very different strategies as they build up their armies of grassroots supporters for next year’s ballot.

Minnesota Poll: 48 percent back anti-gay marriage amendment

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By Andy Birkey | 11.08.11 | 11:53 am

Earlier studies have shown that people changed their positions based on the wording of the poll.

Minnesota Family Council backs Heidemann, Anderson for Anoka-Hennepin School Board

By Andy Birkey | 11.08.11 | 5:30 am

The Minnesota Family Council argued that the district is being targeted by national liberal groups because of its policy that limits discussion of LGBT issues.

Ellison, McCollum, Walz challenge constitutionality of federal marriage ban

By Andy Birkey | 11.08.11 | 5:00 am

The letter argues that passage of the Defense of Marriage Act was a radical departure from the practice of allowing states the right to define marriage.

Bachmann slams Obama, GOP candidates as socialists at Family Research Council speech

By Andy Birkey | 11.07.11 | 1:12 pm

Bachmann said she would defeat socialism, called the leading Republicans for the White House “frugal socialists,” and accused President Obama of working to “usurp” the U.S. Constitution.

DFLers urge secretaries of state to oppose new voting laws across country

By Jon Collins | 11.07.11 | 5:30 am

A voter ID law was vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2011, although Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) has said she plans to pursue a voter ID law in 2012 as a constitutional amendment.

ACLU says Hennepin County’s restrictions on Occupy MN ‘run afoul’ of 1st Amendment

By Jon Collins | 11.03.11 | 3:15 pm

The letter argues against Hennepin County’s new rules on Occupy MN, saying they run “afoul” of the First Amendment.

Bachmann, Kline send letter to Senate to block gay soldiers from using military facilities

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By Andy Birkey | 11.03.11 | 3:00 am

The letter was signed by 86 members of the U.S. House and condemned the Department of Defense’s decision to allow same-sex couples to use federal facilities for marriage or commitment ceremonies.

Minnesota for Marriage uses gift cards to generate votes for anti-gay marriage amendment

By Andy Birkey | 11.03.11 | 1:00 am

It’s unclear whether the program runs afoul of Minnesota campaign finance laws, which prohibit the purchase of votes in elections.