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North Mankato Not to Host Public Forum on Marriage Amendment

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North Mankato city council Monday night denied a citizen request for a public hearing on the state's proposed marriage amendment. Council members addressing the request Monday night said it's a state issue to be decided at the ballot box Nov. 6.

Council member Diane Norland says, "I think our work is sewers, parks, those kinds of things. I do not think that is our arena of work."

The proposed amendment would ban same–sex marriage in Minnesota. Several people on both sides of the issue addressing the council tonight on whether the city should hold a public hearing.

North Mankato resident Jean Lovett says, "My love for my partner is valid and I really wish I could impress upon you how hurtful this amendment is and that we need to continue the discussion."

Russ Blaschko, North Mankato, says, "I see no reason why the city of North Mankato should be involved in this. You should be involved in parks and streets, and sewers and running the city. This conversation is being held. Held in our family and in our churches. Every place I go this conversation is being held."

In August, the Mankato City Council held a public forum and voted 4 to 1 to symbolically oppose the marriage amendment.