About sums it up

There is an excellent article in the Star Tribune about HF 341. Sadly, it doesn't give an author's name. Here it is, in case this link doesn't work:

Editorial: Gays, lesbians / Pawlenty should ensure rights

Published Feb. 11, 2003
ED11A

In his State of the State speech, Gov. Tim Pawlenty invited Minnesotans to "learn about another culture and get to know and trust someone different than you."

Now Pawlenty should heed his own noble words by renouncing Republican efforts to remove protection for gays and lesbians from Minnesota's human rights law. The governor made only a fair start last week on Twin Cities Public Television's "Almanac," saying the law "hasn't been a big problem," but then listing equivocations that left the door open to repeal.

This is a door Pawlenty should quickly slam shut. Minnesota, in recent decades, has built a proud tradition of openness and tolerance. Returning to darker days -- when Jews, blacks and other "different" Minnesotans were routinely excluded -- is not an option. Neither is the comfortable assumption that those bad old days have been left entirely behind.

Indeed, part of Pawlenty's burden is an obligation to religious and cultural conservatives with big sway in GOP politics. During the campaign they questioned him on his 1993 support for including sexual orientation in the state's human rights law. Candidate Pawlenty assured them that he deeply regretted that vote, cast during his first term in the House.

So the confusion is understandable. Which Tim Pawlenty has Minnesota elected? His answer will reveal much about what he intends for the next four years.

Removing protections for gays and lesbians is part of a broader agenda pushed by the Minnesota Family Council. "Interim steps," the council says, might include exempting public schools and transgender persons from the human rights law. The problem, the council claims, is that the law is being used as a vehicle to promote homosexuality as a lifestyle choice.

Well, rubbish. First, homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice. Second, for conservative Christians to suggest that it is they who are victimized by society's tolerance of gays and lesbians borders on the silly. If this were ancient Rome, Christians of any stripe could easily claim victimhood. But here? And now? Living in a plural society -- and we hope Minnesota still qualifies -- requires some accommodation. Being uncomfortable with someone who is different is no reason to change a law intended to protect people who have suffered discrimination that is real, not contrived.

Minnesotans should know that the bill's author, Rep. Arlon Lindner, R-Corcoran, is a bit to the right even of the House Republican Caucus. It's a fair guess that not even he thinks total repeal can succeed. Still, if he can amass a potent crowd to favor his bill, legislative leaders may feel they must toss some kind of bone. The bone most easily tossed is removal of same-sex partner benefits from the yet-unratified 2002-03 state employee contract. And guess what? That's also on the Minnesota Family Council's "get it done" list for 2003. That's another door for Pawlenty to slam shut.