In the November 2012 election, Minnesota voters will be asked to decide on two major Constitutional Amendments: one would require that all voters produce a photo ID at the polls; the other would limit the status of marriage to opposite sex couples by defining marriage as solely between one man and one woman.

Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will explore both Amendments at a public meeting hosted by the Winona Human Rights Commission to be held at Winona State University (WSU) on Oct. 16. Commissioner Lindsey will join in an informal conversation with community members and Winona Human Rights Commission members at 6 PM, to be followed the Commissioner's presentation at 7 PM.

Commissioner Lindsey will analyze the arguments for and against the Voter ID and Marriage Amendments, and discuss why the Department of Human Rights opposes both Amendments.

In addition, Commissioner Lindsey will discuss how our state's demographics have changed dramatically over the past decade. This trend will accelerate in the years ahead, and as the predominantly white workers of the baby boom generation retire, the share of people of color in the workforce will more than double. Commissioner Lindsey will discuss the implications for jobs, education, and our state's economic future.

Commissioner Lindsey will also provide an overview the Department of Human Rights wide-ranging activities to end discrimination in Minnesota and the department's goals and new initiatives for the year. A public comment and question-and-answer session will follow the presentations. Audience members will be encouraged to offer their viewpoints on the topics discussed, or raise other human rights concerns.

What: Winona Human Rights Commission Public Forum with Commissioner Kevin Lindsey

When: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (reception at 6 PM, presentation at 7 PM)

Where: Winona State University, 175 West Mark Street, Winona, MN 55987.

6:00 PM Reception in Kryzsko Hall, Dining rooms C and D; 7:00 PM Presentation in Stark Hall, Room 103

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For more information, please contact: Jeff Holman, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, 651.539.1090, jeff.holman@state.mn.us