Wow. Check out this letter written last year by six-year-old Ian Rosenberg-Scholl to Minnesota State Senator Warren Limmer, who introduced the marriage discrimination amendment that’s being put before that state’s voters this November. Ian wrote this letter after he found out that Sen. Limmer wanted to amend the constitution to exclude his moms from legal civil marriage in Minnesota, because he was afraid that the government would force his moms to get divorced. (And yes, I’m already in tears.)
Ian gave permission to share his letter in the hopes that it might help people to understand the importance of voting “no” on Minnesota’s marriage discrimination amendment. You simply must read his letter. But have tissues within reach. You’ll need them.
When I was Ian’s age, I remember being very afraid of war. Back then, it was the Persian Gulf War, and seeing the bombings and missile strikes on television made me very scared. But I never had to worry that the state would divorce my parents. A six-year-old boy should be worried about whether or not he can play in the playground with his friends after his kindergarten class is dismissed for the day, not about whether his moms’ marriage will be ended against their will. His letter fills me with anger and profound sadness. This is happening in families all around the country, and it’s an injustice that cries out for relief.
The letter:
I am Ian. I am 6. I have 2 moms. I care about other people who have 2 moms or 2 dads, not just about myself. I care about other people! And the communities!
It’s not fair to other people. If I voted on it, I would say no. What I’m saying is people who have 2 moms or dads will be mad and also sad.
The Constitution says that everyone is equal. You are not being equal. You should know it’s unfair. You are not being nice to us or to other families with two dads or two moms. It would not be fair.
We depend on other people. If we aren’t being a community it’s not going to be a country. It’s going to be a de-country. Being a community means help other people. If you aren’t being nice to people, they would be mad.
My family depends on each other because we help each other. And we could not be fair if we were not a community that would help people. Like, someday things will be nicer and there won’t be war. Jews hope that someday there won’t be wars.
Help people who are homeless, who don’t have money, who don’t have shelter, who don’t have food. Who are standing on the street, looking for people to help them.
Ian
Unfortunately, Senator Limmer and his colleagues refused to listen to Ian. Let’s hope the voters in Minnesota decide to do better this fall.
