Cummins Power Generation Comes Out Against MN Marriage Amendment

Minnesotans United for All Families released a statement Sunday from Fridley-based Cummins Power Generation opposing the marriage amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that voters will decide Tuesday. 

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• Online reaction to Cummins' stand on the Minnesota marriage amendment
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• Minnesota Voters Kill Marriage Amendment at the Polls

Here is the text of the Cummins statement (or see PDF): 

Minnesota Marriage Amendment 

October 18, 2012  

At Cummins, diversity is a core company value. Diversity means our individual differences never have to be checked at the door. The leadership at Cummins has long argued that diversity creates a stronger and more competitive work environment, and ultimately helps us attract and retain top talent.  

We have a history of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Our leaders championed the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s, we stood up against Apartheid in the 1980’s and in 2000, due in large part to feedback from our Minnesota employees, Cummins began offering domestic partner benefits, despite opposition. Simply put, Cummins strives to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. 

However, here in the state where we work and live, a battle to stifle diversity continues to be waged. SF 1308, which is commonly reffered to as the Marriage Amendment, is on the ballot in the form of a referendum this November. This amendment to the Minnesota Constitution would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman only. Current polling in Minnesota indicates that the vote on the Marriage Amendment will be very close, and could go either way. 

Cummins strongly believes this amendment is bad for Minnesota, and Cummins is playing a key role among Minnesota businesses to defeat this amendment. The Marriage Amendment will negatively impact business in Minnesota by sending a message of intolerance and lack of respect for people of diverse backgrounds. Cummins understands that embracing the diverse perspectives of all people with different backgrounds makes our company stronger and more competitive.  

Minnesota has traditionally been a good place for Cummins to do business. We expect our impact on Minnesota’s economy will grow as we add high-paying jobs to the job market in the future. However, the marriage amendment will create a less welcoming environment making it more difficult for companies like ours to attract and retain the top talent we need. Cummins wants to grow in Minnesota. Cummins wants an environment that respects all people. Cummins wants people to come to Cummins and to Minnesota because of our values and because of our welcoming communities. The Marriage Amendment runs counter to what people deserve and what Cummins values.   

For these important reasons, Cummins is firmly opposed to the  Marriage Amendment.  

Sincerely,  

Tony Satterthwaite,  

Vice President, Cummins Inc.  

President, Cummins Power Generation, a division of Cummins Inc., based in Minnesota employing nearly 2,000 people in the state. 

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• MN Vikings' Chris Kluwe Quits Pioneer Press over Marriage Amendment Editorial

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