Minnesotans United Unveils Speakers' Bureau

Editor's note: Information from a news release from Minnesotans United for All Families.

Minnesotans United for All Families today announced the creation of a speaker’s bureau dedicated to sparking conversations between Minnesotans all across the state about why voting no on the hurtful anti-family marriage amendment is so important to their communities and future generations.

“Minnesotans from all walks of life are coming together to stand against this permanent government ban on marriage for committed same-sex couples,” said Richard Carlbom, Campaign Manager for Minnesotans United. “We’re excited that so many people are ready to share their stories and talk about how Minnesotans can start the important conversations we need to have about just how harmful this Constitutional ban really is.”

Carlbom announced at a press conference Wednesday morning at the state capitol that the group Andrew’s Round Table will be partnering with Minnesotans United through November to serve as its official speaker’s bureau. Andrew’s Round Table was founded by Lori and Jeff Wilfahrt of Rosemount for their son, Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt, who died in 2011 after being hit with an improvised explosive device while serving in the military in Afghanistan. Andrew was gay. After the legislature voted to place this amendment on the ballot, Lori and Jeff created Andrew’s Round Table to foster civil discussion about marriage for gay and lesbian couples, freedom and the constitution, with the goal of defeating the amendment. Lori Wilfahrt was unable to attend the conference due to a family emergency. A close family friend, Jillian Baker, instead read a letter from Lori.

“I think that in the past, most straight people didn’t think they could or should participate in a movement like this,” wrote Lori Wilfahrt. “I have learned a lot about what it means to do the right thing since Andrew joined the Army. In the military, the mission is their focus. Their values are loyalty, service, sacrifice and teamwork. They fight for each other. They defend each other. Why don’t we?”

Also announced at the press conference is the first national speaker to travel to Minnesota. Jody Huckaby, the Executive Director of PFLAG National (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will be visiting Minnesota next week to share his stories about starting a conversation with friends, allies and family members, as well as within communities of faith. He will be at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis on Monday, March 19, as well as a number of other events across the state.

“Jody has years of experience building and strengthening families through the power of supportive friends and allies,” said Pastor Grant Stevensen, Faith Director for Minnesotans United. “He understands just how offensive this amendment is to so many people of faith. The Golden Rule tells us to treat people the way we’d want to be treated. This Amendment is the opposite of that.”

Minnesota State Senator Scott Dibble also spoke Wednesday morning about the growing movement to defeat the amendment. “Minnesotans from all across the state are speaking up and saying this amendment is harmful,” Sen. Dibble said. “Marriage is about love and commitment. It’s a basic freedom that belongs to everyone, and Minnesotans know that. I urge my constituents and fellow Minnesotans to vote no in November.”