My name is Diane Ferreira and I am employed by Hennepin County Community Corrections. For years, I have been an active member of my Union, paying my dues and voting in each election. I have gladly supported this Union and have been proud to be a member of our diverse population. In fact, I am one of the diverse minority populations in our Union.
As a lesbian, I have seen Hennepin County offer health benefits to domestic partners only to rescind them just as quickly. Our population may be diverse but far from equal in the eyes of the county since these benefits are no longer available to those who are prohibited from marrying. Now, as we approach the frightening prospect of further removing the civil right of marriage from same-sex couples via the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and the Constitution of the United States of America, I am compelled to speak to this Union’s members and ask that we support the civil rights of ALL who belong to this Union. The tactics that the current administration is willing to use in order to further separate minority sects of people from the mainstream is divisive and fear-based, instigated by the judgmental and often religiously- biased agenda of the far right. At what point will we put away our differences, even in the face of those who would have us fear one another, and simply allow the equal civil rights that this country and state have guaranteed everyone?
Maybe a true dialogue about equal civil rights in this instance begins with the issue of same-sex marriage. If given the right to marry, a large portion of same-sex couples would do just that. It is, after all, their civil right to do so. I chose to exercise that right when I went to Massachusetts and, on June 11th of this year, married my same-sex partner. Upon returning from our vacation, we set about the business of obtaining benefits as a married couple. When I spoke to HealthPartners, their administration made it clear to us that HP recognizes us as a married couple. However, Hennepin County, my employer of 19 years, does not. My next step was, of course, to contact Hennepin County HR and I was directed to MN State Statute 471.61 and 517.03 stating that marriage is defined as ‘union between a man and a woman (471.61)’ and that ‘same-sex marriages that have taken place in other states are not recognized in Minnesota (517.03)’. The arrogant and blatant discrimination in this rhetoric is invalidating, inflammatory, and unconstitutional, to say the least. More to the point, and of great concern to our Union, is that my civil rights are being violated. And if it is possible for my civil rights to be violated as a 19-year veteran of this county, then it is entirely possible at some juncture for yours to be violated as well.
You don’t have to agree with same-sex marriage, homosexuality, transgender or bi-sexual issues to agree with the fact that the violation of individual civil rights in this country, in this state, and in this county is a grave and dangerous reality that will contribute to the oppression and hatred that is unfortunately already alive and well in all levels of government.
My partner and I will continue to pave our own path for health benefits with the county but I am asking that, as Union members, we begin a dialogue that is long overdue. Let us begin a long and thoughtful conversation about how we will address the issue of civil rights violations against some of our members and where we will choose to stand when the winds of discrimination blow.