The Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans released this statement on the bill introduced on Tuesday that would make same-sex marriage illegal in the Minnesota Contsitution if the voters pass it in November 2012.

(Minneapolis) – Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans are deeply disappointed by yesterday’s announcement that some Minnesota Senate Republicans support putting a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the ballot in 2012.

“In 2010, Log Cabin Republicans celebrated when the GOP took control of the Minnesota House and Senate. We looked forward to Republican legislators obeying a voter mandate to put a laser focus on the out-of-control spending at the State Capitol. It is deeply disappointing to see members of our party turn away from that mission in favor of a divisive social agenda,” said Ken Smoron, Chapter Vice President of the Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans. “At a time when job creation, the economy, taxes, and the state’s budget are of utmost concern for Minnesota families and businesses, the proposed amendment is anti-liberty, anti-family, and a distraction that Minnesota just can’t afford.”

“Log Cabin Republicans urge the Senate GOP to withdraw these proposals, for the good of Minnesota and for the cause of continuing to elect Republican supporters of freedom, limited government, and fiscal responsibility in the future. If we want to be more than a one-term majority we must focus on the issues that unite us as Republicans and Minnesotans. The days of using the lives of gay and lesbian Americans as a political wedge issue are over.”