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 forum on Monday, Oct. 22 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the New Ulm Public Library. Commissioner Lindsey will analyze the arguments pro and con, and discuss why the debate over both Amendments matters for our democracy. The event is sponsored by the New Ulm League of Women Voters.

Commissioner Lindsey will also provide an overview of the Department of Human Rights wide-ranging activities to end discrimination in Minnesota, from investigating charges of discrimination to collaborating with other organizations to address disparities in employment, education, health care and other areas.

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.

The event is free, open to the public, and registration is not required. A public comment and question-and-answer session will follow the Commissioner's presentation.

What: New Ulm Public Forum with Commissioner Kevin Lindsey

When: Monday, October 22, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Where: New Ulm Public Library, 17 North Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN 56073.

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