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Commissioner Sanderson introduced the following rasolution and moved for its adoption: Resolution 12-01 City of Grand Rapids Human Rights Commission Whereas, states have an. intarest in. promoting family units as a means towards achieving social stability, private economic interdependence, and healthier environments in which bo#h children and adults may prosper, and . Whereas, the U. S. Censtrs for 2010 indicated that families headed by ar consisting of same-sex cou�les reside in evary county in Minnesota, including Itasca County, and Whereas, the Uniie States Supreme Court and nthers have noted that the dimensions of "farnily" have �xpanded considerabl� in recent years, and Whereas, an amendment to tha IVlinnesota Constitution has been proposed that wovid ban the legal recog�ition of same-sex relationships within the state of Minnesota, and Whereas, such an amendment would fiustrate the State's goal. of proinoting families, hy witliholding from some families important_legal righ#s a.ud obligations, and - Whereas, constitutions historicatly haee been designed to protect mirioriiiss from the arbifirary imposition of unjust barriers by thc majority,' and Whereas, this Iegislation, if approyed, would have a direct, negative impact on IVlinnesota's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community in particular, by denying equal protection of the law and relegating families headed by or consisting of same-sex. couples to a permanent second-class citizenship status, and Whereas, the City of Grrand Rapids Hurr►an Rights Commission recogniz�es that our society benefits in pxoportion to its effort� to ensure cuItural diversity and main#ain an envirnnment in which a11 feel welcoma .and safe; and : Whereas such discriminatory legislatian effectivelydeyalues cultural diversity and promntes an environment in which discrimination against GLBT citizens is not anly encouraged but mandated, resulting in a coinmanity that is neither welcome nor safe, Therefore be iY resolved that the Ciry of Grarid Rapids Human Ri�ts Commission hereby states pub[iciy i�s opposition to changing the Minnesota constitution in order to ban the legal recognition of same-sex relationships and uz�inns, and Be it furthermore resolved that this document wi116e presented to membars of the press and camrnunity. Adopted this 25'� day of ranuary, 2012. _..,T T ri.. _�. Jeff Wartchow, Chai� Attest: ___ _ Kisnberly Johnson-Gibeau, City Clerlc . � . � Commissioner Hall seconded the foregoing resolution a.nd the following vated in favor thereof Sanderson, HaII, Wartchovv, Dowell, Freemaa►, Mundt; and the follawing voted against same: None; Abstain: Learmont, whereby the resolution was declared duly passed and adapted.