St. Paul decides kids don't need a mom and a dad, calls it "family values"

The City of St. Paul yesterday joined Minneapolis and Duluth in proclaiming that adult wants trump children's needs, by approving an ordinance for a domestic partner registry that recognizes same-sex partnerships.

The Pioneer Press reported on the City Council's unanimous decision signed by Mayor Chris Coleman, and the ensuing celebration at Camp, a homosexual hot spot in downtown St. Paul (Same-sex partnerships get St. Paul's blessing). The story gushed about the symbolic value of the ordinance, which carries no legal weight. Several times in the story the new ordinance was referred to as a "steppingstone" to supporters' unnamed but obvious real goal: legalization of same-sex marriage in Minnesota. So let there be no pretense that this ordinance is about something else.

Reporter Tad Vezner made a big point about the number of same-sex couples present at the celebration who had been together for many years, some of whom talked about their "commitment of love together." I've no doubt that they truly are loving and committed to one another, and that their relationships are deeply meaningful to them, and I respect them for that.

But in all the celebrating reported by the Pioneer Press, not one mention was made of children or of the effect on children of this decision to give social recognition to relationships that intentionally elevate the wants and preferences of adults over the need of children for a mom and a dad.

In approving this ordinance, the City of St. Paul has inverted the commitment that marriage has stood for, the social purpose that marriage has served, since the beginning of human history -- a forward-looking commitment to what's best for children and the next generation over personal adult wants and preferences in the present.

Instead, St. Paul, like Minneapolis and Duluth, has officially declared that satisfying adult preferences is more important than ensuring what's best for children and the next generation. Clueless to the irony, Council Member Dave Thune calls this "family values."

To the people of St. Paul who truly care about family values and understand that kids need a mom and a dad: Take note of what your city council members and mayor have done to undermine marriage and the family, without regard for the impact on children and future generations, and hold them accountable when it's time for their performance review in the next election.