[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16080]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING A GREAT MINNESOTA GAY RIGHTS LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, 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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