SLP Stands Against Marriage Amendment

St. Louis Park Mayor Jeff Jacobs is typically jovial and quick with a laugh or smile at City Council meetings.

But on Monday, as he was speaking in favor of a council resolution that voices the city's opposition to the state's , the mayor choked up a bit.

"My mother, who was a longtime political activist, once told me, 'If not now, when? If not you, who?'" an emotional Jacobs said.

A moment later, the council voted unanimously in favor of the resolution (see attached PDF), making St. Louis Park the fourth city in the state to formally oppose the marriage amendment. Duluth, St. Paul and Minneapolis are the other three.

Jacobs wasn't the only person to show emotion in the council chambers. Resident Wendy Goldberg started crying a bit when she stood up to support the council.

"I am so in awe of this," she said. "Thank you."

Scott Brush, who along with his partner has the city's first certificate, said Monday's council action further solidifies the city as a welcoming place.

"We applaud and thank the council for adopting this resolution," Brush said.

Several council members referenced the domestic partner ordinance passed last year, which allows domestic partners in different-sex and same-sex relationships to register their relationships with the city.

Councilman Jake Spano said that ordinance, as well as Monday's vote, reaffirms that St. Louis Park is an open and inviting city.

"When my wife and I first moved to the community, we found it very welcoming," he said. "And we always appreciated that."

While council members said most constituents expressed support in the past week, several members acknowledged that they have received opposition—including . But in the end, the council voted its conscience.

"First and foremost, it's the right thing for us to do," councilwoman Julia Ross said.

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