April 11, 2013 Governor Mark Dayton 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55155 Speaker of the House Paul Thissen 463 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55155 Majority Leader Tom Bakk 226 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55155

Dear Governor Dayton, Speaker Paul Thissen and Majority Leader Tom Bakk: For the past two decades, our nation has debated the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. The data available today suggests that Minnesota and the rest of the country are moving on a journey toward the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. A few examples of this momentum include: The tide of public opinion has continuously moved toward supporting the freedom to marry. Today, 58 percent of all adult Americans think same-sex marriage should be legal, according to a March 2013 ABC News-Washington Post survey. Among young people, the survey found 81 percent support same-sex marriage. The highly-regarded Pew Research Center, in a survey conducted at about the same time, also found strong support for same-sex marriage. Two other points from the Pew survey are particularly noteworthy: According to Pew, The long-term shift in the publics views about same-sex marriage is unambiguous. The most recent survey found that about 1-in-7 Americans have changed their opinion and now favor same-sex marriage. The survey also found that two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) agree that same-sex couples should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples; just 30 percent disagree. Recent public votes on the issue show further the electorates growing support, including Minnesotas first-in-the-country rejection of a constitutional amendment limiting the definition of marriage. Maine, Maryland and Washington voted in 2012 to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. Additionally, actions by legislative bodies in very diverse states assure that full equality will be the ultimate destination. Today, marriage is legal in nine states as well as Washington, D.C. At least four states, including Minnesota, appear to be poised to address the issue legislatively in 2013.

The only remaining question is how long it will take us to arrive.

As Minnesota business people, we strongly believe that it is in our states long-term best interests for the Legislature to ensure that all Minnesotans have the same freedom to marry the person they love by approving full marriage equality in 2013. Supporting the freedom to marry is the right thing to do. It also is smart business. The business case for equality and inclusion is compelling: Discrimination is bad for business. A welcoming state is essential to recruiting and retaining the best young talent. Minnesota employers have known this for years. Minnesotas largest and most successful companies have been the nations leaders in creating diverse workplaces and extending family benefits to domestic partners. This leadership has made our community a strong magnet for attracting and retaining the nations top talent not just gay and lesbian professionals, but todays educated young workers who increasingly say that living in welcoming communities is important. Uncertainty undermines business planning. Uncertainty is inefficient and expensive. Consider the challenges of our multi-state and multi-national employers who increasingly will have to sort out a patchwork of state and federal laws affecting marriage. Yes, even if the Minnesota Legislature grants marriage equality this year, laws wont be uniform across the country. But action this year gives Minnesota businesses the opportunity to start planning for the equality that is certain to come. Marriage inequality makes some of our employees second-class citizens. Turnover and a loss of productivity are two of the consequences that come when some employees are denied rights that most of us take for granted, including family issues and end-of-life decisions among many others. Workplace policies arent a replacement for equal rights under the law.

We also believe there is a political urgency to granting the freedom to marry to same-sex couples this year. Minnesota is at a critical crossroads on many issues, including taxes, spending and regulatory reform. These are complicated issues that deserve the time and attention of the legislature, this year and for years to come. Decisions affecting the economic future of all Minnesotans shouldnt be held hostage to a single issue that has the potential to dominate and disrupt legislative sessions for years to come. Marriage equality is not on the legislative agenda simply because Minnesota voters soundly defeated the constitutional amendment which sought to limit the definition of marriage in November. That vote may have accelerated legislative consideration of the issue, but it would have arrived at the Capitol sooner rather than later with or without last falls vote. This choice is before you now because it is the right thing to do, for our employees and their families, for our companies business success and for the economic prosperity of all Minnesotans. We urge the legislature to reaffirm Minnesotas leadership in equality and economic opportunity by passing legislation in 2013 that ensures gay and lesbian Minnesotans, at long last, have the freedom to marry the person they love.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Ciresi

Michelle Courtright

Angie Craig

Charles M. Denny, Jr.

Jim Frey

Eric Frost

Bill George

Alan L. Goldbloom, MD

Jim Graves

Amy Langer

Dick McFarland

Mary K. Murray Wendy Nelson

Brock Nelson

Marilyn Carlson Nelson

Tad Piper

James Pohlad

Robert Pohlad

William Pohlad Doug Spong

Laurie Savran

Scott Schneweis

Dan Starks

Mike Sweeney

John Taft

Wing Witthuhn

CC:

Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Members of the Minnesota Senate