MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and his wife Terry have joined the campaign against a proposed amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman in Minnesota.
The Venturas appear in a campaign ad from Minnesotans United For All Families, urging Minnesotans to vote no this November.
"We don't let government dictate love," Ventura said.
Support for that measure hasn't changed much since January, according to a Public Policy Polling survey released this week, but those opposed continue to close the gap. The survey of more than 800 likely voters found a virtual tie, with 48 percent saying they would support it and 47 percent saying no.
Support for the state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is still strong among Republicans and seniors.
JESSE VENTURA STATEMENT ON MINNESOTA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
This amendment just isn't the way we do things in Minnesota. We don't use our constitution to limit the rights and freedoms of our fellow citizens. We don't tell some families that they aren't good enough. We don't let government dictate love.
I know you and I may not agree on everything. But I'm certain that we can agree that every Minnesotan has dignity, and that none of us should be constitutionally deemed unworthy of marrying the person we love.
Defeating this amendment isn't a liberal or conservative issue - because the truth is that it impacts each and every one of us.
We have a chance to decide what kind of state we want to be - and I plan to make sure that we're the kind of state that protects the freedom and dignity of every Minnesotan.
No matter what they say, love is by far bigger than government can ever be.
