Against the Amendment: Interview with Emerson Hunton, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Can you share with us a little about your family and your current transition to college?

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have two loving and caring Moms who have been great parents. I really couldn’t ask for a better childhood. They have always been there to support and motivate me especially now as I have moved away from home to start college.

This month I will be starting my first year of college at Oberlin College and Conservatory, in Ohio. I will be studying Jazz Percussion, because I am passionate about music.

What activities were you involved in during your high school years?

I spent a lot of time playing music at South, as well as with quite a few groups outside of school. I was a member of the Varsity swim team for all four years, and a captain my senior year. I also enjoyed other leadership roles, and participated in student council and Minneapolis Youth Congress.

What are a few of your favorite family memories?

Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are traveling with my parents and grandparents, I was very lucky. Seeing the world helped develop me as a person, and strengthened my family ties.

How has the proposed marriage amendment impacted your family?

The amendment would make it impossible for my parents to get married in the future, something that they have been hoping to do some day. They have been together for twenty-seven years, and it would be wonderful to finally have that relationship be legally recognized. Hearing people say that allowing same-sex marriage would destabilize or jeopardize the sanctity of marriage is demoralizing, and couldn’t be further from the truth.

What important life lessons have you learned from your family?

As I grew up I learned about the golden rule that so many other Minnesotans have learned about from their families, faith traditions, and communities. To me the simple vision of treating others as you would want to be treated makes for more peaceful, caring communities. This is one of the many reasons why I think all Minnesotans should vote NO in November! No one should be told it is illegal to marry the person they love.

Why will you be Voting NO in November?

It’s time to stand behind what we say, and vote no. I am voting no because I am against the oppression of fellow human beings. I am voting no because it’s the right thing to do.