MPR Archive presents a selection of stories tied to various the aspects, history, and battles for civil rights of individuals and groups within the State of Minnesota.
December 21, 2011 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian talks with members of a Catholic family about their take on upcoming marriage amendment vote. Maureen Scallen, a lesbian in a long-term relationship, wonders whether the loyalty of her siblings will be tested by a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment that would define marriage as only being between a man and woman.
February 14, 2012 - MPR’s Tom Weber reports that by a 5-1 margin, the Anoka-Hennepin school board voted to revoke its so-called 'neutrality policy,' which required teachers to remain neutral when issues of sexual orientation come up in the classroom.
April 11, 2012 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian reports that faculty at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul voted on a resolution to oppose the constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman, and prohibit same-sex couples from marrying.
May 4, 2012 - MPR’s Brandt Williams profiles a group of Minnesota parents as they reflect on the 40th anniversary of their efforts on school desegregation.
June 29, 2012 - As communities across Minnesota debate a constitutional amendment changing the state constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman, MPR’s Sasha Aslanian visits Hibbing to see how residents on the Iron Range are approaching the November ballot item.
August 2, 2012 - MPR’s Laura Yuen reports on a court ruling out of Hennepin County that recognizes a Minneapolis man as the legal heir and sole surviving spouse to his late partner. The order gives same-sex partners the right to inherit each other's assets, and it could open the door for other Minnesota gay and lesbian couples to access additional benefits of marriage.
September 14, 2012 - With two polls out showing that Minnesotans favor a proposed constitutional amendment that would make marriage only between a man and a woman, opponents of the measure are in the midst of a strategy they think will sway voters. A key component will be conversations with voters designed to elicit compassion for gays and lesbians.
October 25, 2012 - Minnesotans are involved in a passionate debate about marriage during 2012 election season. The two sides began squaring off more than 40 years ago. This project draws from MPR's extensive audio archive to explore the origins of this election day showdown over same-sex marriage.
November 5, 2012 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the Minnesota Voter Identification Amendment that is on 2012 ballot. Report includes commentary from both proponents and opponents of amendment.
November 7, 2012 - MPR’s Laura Yuen reports on Minnesotans rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment that would have made marriage only between a man and a woman. It also made the state the only one in the nation to defeat a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.