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Recognizing A Great Minnesota Gay Rights Leader

Floor Speech

Date: June 15, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Government Operations Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity


RECOGNIZING A GREAT MINNESOTA GAY RIGHTS LEADER -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 15, 2007)

* Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, it is fitting that the Twin Cities Pride Parade falls on the same day that former Minnesota State Senator Allan Spear celebrates his 70th birthday. For those unfamiliar with the legacy Allan created in Minnesota, I want to take this moment to recognize him, thank him, and extend my wishes for a very happy birthday.

* Allan served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1972 to 2000. He is widely recognized as not only the first openly gay legislator in Minnesota, but in the Nation, as well. Allan was certainly in uncharted waters--this was long before organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) or the Victory Fund even existed. I've read accounts that Allan went public because he felt ``lousy'' for staying silent about his sexuality during an antidiscrimination bill debate. His commitment to equal rights never wavered and I think our new generation of GLBT legislators and allies is a testament to his courage and honesty.

* In 1993, Allan was elected President of the Senate--the same year he succeeded in guiding the passage of Minnesota's gay civil rights law. During the debate on this legislation, several senators described homosexuality as ``a choice, not a condition of birth.'' Spear infamously replied, ``I'm 55 years old; it's not a phase.'' The amendment to Minnesota's civil rights law is an incredible achievement.

* Although I did not have the opportunity to work with Allan during my time in the Minnesota legislature, his accomplishments over 28 years in the State Senate certainly inspire my own work on civil and human rights.

* It is an honor for me to recognize Allan during our month of celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the GLBT community. Allan has made a real difference in the quality of family life in Minnesota. Because of his unwavering commitment, we have much to celebrate, and more to be hopeful for! Thank you, Allan.


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